Programs
Undergraduate Preparation
While most students entering the GGG program have an undergraduate or Master's degree
in a traditional scientific major (e.g., genetics, biology, biochemistry, etc.),
demonstrated scholarly achievement and evidence of a strong aptitude for scientific
research weigh most heavily in the decision to accept an applicant. For this reason,
the GGG does not provide a list of preparatory courses requisite for entry into
the group. However, students do find it expeditious to completion of the Ph.D. to
have a background in chemistry, calculus, genetics, and some biochemistry (either
through work experience or coursework).
Program - General Information
A wide range of genetics-related courses are offered by faculty members across the
campus. In addition, the Genetics Graduate Group teaches a set of core courses that
provides a graduate-level education in genetics. Courses are designed to provide
a broad understanding of all aspects of modern genetics, including molecular, quantitative,
population, and cytogenetics as well as genomics and bioinformatics.
To optimize the breadth available for student training and faculty interaction while
still providing the opportunity for focused curricula, several Focus Groups (FGs)
were recently created within the GGG. These focus groups consist of clusters of
labs with similar research interests; GGG faculty members belong to one or more
focus groups (all faculty belong to the General Genetics section of GGG). In addition,
there are FGs in Animal Genomics, Chromosome Biology, Human Genetics, Model Plants, and Plant Breeding (a FG in Bioinformatics is expected
soon). Students choose their focus group affiliation based on their research interests
and the membership of their major professor.
The focus groups are similar in their
requirements and course loads but have different subject emphases and requirements
for laboratory rotations. Students may choose their focus group either at entry
or after rotating through several labs. Doctoral and master’s students are
assigned an academic adviser upon entry to the program who assists them in making
such choices as rotations, courses, and major professor.
Doctoral students spend their first two years taking a mixture of core and specialized
classes as well as assisting in teaching and gaining research experience in the
laboratory. During the first two quarters, Ph.D. students are encouraged to rotate
through three or four laboratories of their choice prior to selecting an area of
research interest and a major professor. At the beginning of the third year, a Ph.D.
oral qualifying exam is administered to ascertain each student’s knowledge
of genetics and proficiency in defending one or more research proposals. After successful
completion of the exam, students advance to candidacy and devote the remainder of
their graduate careers to scientific research.
The Master of Science degree in genetics provides an opportunity for students who
wish to prepare for a field of study, such as scientific writing, genetic counseling,
or to combine genetic studies with studies in related or unrelated fields. The M.S.
degree can be gained by exam or by writing a research thesis in addition to coursework.
To insure good training, M.S. students are not accepted into the Genetics program
until a Genetics faculty member has agreed to serve as therir major professor.
Advising Guidelines
Each student has two official faculty mentors recognized by the Office
of Graduate Studies: (1) an academic adviser and (2) a major professor (also
known as the dissertation adviser or thesis adviser). Others can
serve as mentors as well. The UC Davis Graduate Council recognizes that
the mentoring of graduate students by faculty is an integral part of the graduate
experience for both (see
Mentoring Guidelines ).
Academic adviser - nominated by the Genetics Graduate Group and appointed
by Graduate Studies. You are initially assigned an adviser based on research interests
and your application. You may change your adviser after consultation with the Master
Adviser.
The Master Adviser is a faculty member whose job is to coordinate advising
activities. The Master Adviser, as well as advisers not assigned specifically to
you, can also advise you if your assigned academic adviser is not available (for
example, out of town).
You should meet your academic adviser to plan coursework and to:
•ensure that deficiencies are dealt with and that remedial courses are taken
•ensure that required coursework is taken
•monitor finding research home
•help with dealing with university bureaucracy
•help solve problems with GGG program or major professor
•approve/sign petitions for late drop/PELP/Advancement to Candidacy
•get career advice
•receive periodic review of progress
Important Notes
•If you are a full-time student - enroll in 12 units every quarter continuously
If you are taking classes, then schedule your 299 research units to bring you up
to at least 12 units. Don't let your registration lapse (you do not have to register
for the summer). You must be either registered or on filing fee the quarter you
submit your thesis/dissertation. Once you stop taking classes, enroll in 12 units
of 299 research units.
•You must receive a B or better in the required GGG courses and maintain an
overall B average.
•Do not sign up for core courses, elective courses, or any courses related
to GGG and your program with a S/U grade - these must be taken for a grade.
Times you need to see your academic adviser/milestones/forms:
You are responsible for organizing and arranging these meetings - if you are having
problems, see your academic adviser first. Ellen Picht can help you as well.
A. First Quarter Guidance Committee Meeting (form)
Meet with your Guidance Committee (two other members are assigned before you arive).
If you are a member of a lab already, your future major professor should also be
a member.
•identify any prerequisites/deficiencies that need to be taken
•discuss winter/spring course possibilities - discuss electives
•discuss research interest/rotations
•discuss focus group interest - decide if you should switch advisers
•form submitted to GGG by you after meeting is held and signatures obtained
B. Third Quarter Guidance Committee Meeting (form)
Before this meeting, the Master Adviser will reconstitute committee with adviser,
future major professor, and one other interested faculty (can be some of the same
members as above). Suggestions from the student and major professor are advised
as to composition. Check on progress - completing prerequisites, requirements? Maintaining
a B average? Are elective courses appropriate?
Form submitted to GGG by you after meeting is held and signatures obtained.
C. Fifth Quarter Guidance Committee Meeting (same
as in B) (form)
•verify that you have completed/or will complete ALL coursework by the end
of the 6th quarter
•suggest Qualifying Examination Committee members
•verify that you have dissertation proposal - submit abstract
•form submitted to GGG by you after meeting is held and signatures obtained
•advisers then assign QE members using suggestions from students as a guide
•official request for QE membership submitted to Graduate Studies for approval
D. Qualifying Examination
Should be taken by spring quarter of the third year. Students typically take it
summer/fall/winter quarter (7th, 8th quarter). Students must take the qualifying exam and advance to candidacy by the 9th quarter
to remain eligible for GSRs, TAs.
E. Advancement to Candidacy
After passing the QE, you form a dissertation committee. This step requires a form
submitted to Graduate Studies and the Registrar. This committee has three members,
one of which is your major professor. You choose the other two after consultation
with your major professor.
F. Annual Dissertation Committee Reports (form)
After passing your QE, you are required to meet with the Dissertation Committee
at least one time per year. A report is currently due in Ellen Picht's office by
June 1.
G. Graduate Students Annual Progress Reports
Currently required to be submitted by GGG to Graduate Studies by July 1.
Designated Emphasis
The Genetics Graduate Group also has a designated emphasis in
Biotechnology. For information regarding this emphasis, please contact
Dr. Judith Kjelstrom.
