Human genetics: Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy and Pre-medical Basic Health Sciences Certificate

Curriculum

Each student is expected to complete the majority of his or her required course work within three semesters plus one summer session. The requirement is 30 credit hours (not to include research credit hours) - 21 hours within the department and 9 hours outside it. To be considered full time, all students must register for a minimum of nine credit hours in the fall and spring semesters, and for three to six hours in the summer. If a student is not taking classes during their last semester of graduate study, he or she must enroll for one hour as per school guidelines. This option can be used only once during an individual's time as a graduate student in this program. In order to be considered in good academic standing, a student must achieve a 2.5 grade-point average after the first semester of course work and maintain a 3.0 grade-point average from that point on. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 average are permitted one semester to bring their average up to the required level.

The courses taken by all students during the three semesters and one summer session are as follows: (Exceptions to this schedule must have the approval of the graduate program director.)

Course work

For the laboratory rotation, the student and faculty member will design a project that can reasonably be completed in 8 weeks. The student's performance in the laboratory will serve as the basis for the grade that is received for this course. The student will spend approximately 8 weeks in that lab for a minimum of 8 hours/week).

All students, except those opting for the genetic epidemiology track (see below), are required to take at least one semester of each of the subspecialty courses listed above (Biochemical/Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics, Mathematical Genetics), plus at least two advanced courses in the student's field of interest.

Genetic epidemiology track

Students who elect to enter the genetic epidemiology track of study will be required to take one of two non-genetic epidemiology specialty courses (biochemical/molecular genetics, or cytogenetics). In addition, three advanced courses in genetic epidemiology will be taken. Students in the genetic epidemiology track must take the one credit HGEN 691 Special Topics course entitled “Clinical Genetics Overview.”

Seminar

All students are required to attend research seminar each week in addition to any departmental seminars scheduled. First-year students will present their laboratory rotation research at a seminar during the spring semester. Students will be responsible for presenting a minimum of one seminar per year on their research beginning in the second year that the student is in the program. All students will present a final seminar on their research immediately prior to their dissertation/thesis defense. The student will enroll in HGEN 690 for one credit seminar. Students enrolled in HGEN690 will receive a grade of pass/fail for this course.

All students must participate in at least one of the weekly/biweekly journal clubs offered in the department in which current research papers are discussed. Students should register for the appropriate section of Special Topics in Genetics (HGEN 691) during each semester they are enrolled in the program. They also are encouraged to attend pre-clinic (Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Human Genetics Conference Room), rounds and observe genetic counseling clinics (Friday mornings in the Children’s Pavilion). The first summer of study should be used to begin to further knowledge of laboratory techniques and to take Clinical Genetics (HGEN 600).

Computer literacy

Programs housed in the Department of Human Genetics have no foreign language requirements; however, each student is expected to demonstrate proficiency in computer usage. Short courses in computer usage are offered through VCU Technology Services. Informal instruction also is routinely provided by faculty and advanced students.

Advanced study

Advanced classes in the student's field of interest are offered within and outside the department. The student shall work with his or her adviser and graduate committee in planning a schedule that will best benefit the student. All course work taken during the first year of study by students in the M.S./Ph.D. program must be approved by the graduate program director.