Genetics

Molecular Genetics: chromosome structure and function, genetic recombination, viral genetics, DNA damage repair, ribosome biogenesis, protein folding, neurodegenerative diseases, non-coding RNA function, and the regulation of gene expression. Genomics: genome mapping, genome modification, high-throughput technology, evolutionary genetics, and functional genomics. Cellular and Developmental Genetics: limb development, kidney development, cilia function, stem cell development, genetic control of the cytoskeleton, cell death, aging, cell fate determination, cell cycle progression, cell migration, cell signaling, and growth control. Cancer Genetics: oncogenesis and tumor suppression, tumor progression and metastasis. Model Organism Genetics: forward genetic screens in Drosophila, C. elegans, yeast, zebrafish, frogs, and mouse, transposon and insertional mutagenesis, gene and protein trapping, mosaic genetics. Medical Genetics: genetic basis of human disease, chromosome rearrangements, population and quantitative genetics.

Terminal Degrees Offered
  • PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
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Admission Requirements

Standardized Testing Requirements

GRE is not accepted.

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English. BBS requires a score of at least 600 on the paper version, 250 on the computer-based exam, and 100 on the internet-based exam. Please take the test no later than November and no earlier than 24 months prior to submitting your application. Use institution code 3987 when reporting your scores; you may enter any department code.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Admission Information

Genetics participates in the Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), and applicants interested in pursuing a degree in genetics should apply to the Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development Track within BBS. 

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