PhD in Medical and Molecular Genetics Curriculum

For IBMG students, year one consists for required coursework and electives, including at least three laboratory rotations for credit (G718). At the end of the first year of IBMG, students selecting Medical and Molecular Genetics (MMGE) register for summer coursework or research credit hours as an incoming MMGE PhD student. In the fall semester of the second year, students complete the core coursework requirements for MMGE PhD degree, including the qualifying examination process to reach candidacy. Year 3 and beyond are typically spent completing the dissertation research.

All MMGE PhD students are required to take at least 12 coursework hours in Medical and Molecular Genetics from the following course groups.

Q800 Independent Research in Medical Genetics – 1-12 cr. per semester
Q660 Medical Genetics Seminar (1 cr. each Fall/Spring semesters)
Complete Qualifying Exam Part II (Written Proposal and Defense)

Years Four and Five

Q800/G901 Independent Research in Medical Genetics – 1-12 cr. per semester
Q660 Medical Genetics Seminar (1 cr. each Fall/Spring semesters until 90 credits)
Defend and Submit Dissertation

24 credits of didactic coursework total are needed for PhD (major genetics courses and minor electives)
90 credits total (including independent research credits) are needed for graduation.

Curriculum for MD/PhD Dual Degree Program

MD/PhD students are not required to take G715-G717 but are required to perform research laboratory rotations for credit. MD/PhD students must complete 12 credit hours in genetics-related courses, including the required core Medical and Molecular Genetics PhD courses in the fall as well as the seminar presentation for one credit. MD/PhD students are also required to complete the requirements for a minor. In the case of combined MD/PhD students, up to 30 hours of non-clinical medical courses may apply toward the PhD degree with approval of the student’s committee and the Graduate School.