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The
Graduate Program in Molecular Genetics offers a course
of study and research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) degree. Our program provides a full spectrum of
research training opportunities with the underlying
common theme of Molecular Genetics. Research
in individual faculty laboratories focuses on fundamental
questions in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.
A
wide range of model organisms
are employed in the ongoing research efforts.
The use of these model organisms
allows powerful genetic and molecular approaches to
be applied to the various biological problems being
studied. The goal of our graduate program is to
train scientists who will be able to establish themselves
as independent researchers in academia, government or
industry.
In
2007-2008, there were 40 students in the Molecular Genetics
Graduate Program, and five students earned the PhD degree.
Entering students take a set
of Core Courses as well
as Laboratory Rotations in the first year of study.
The courses provide the core information required for
undertaking research in Molecular Genetics, while the
lab rotations provide a chance to sample first-hand
the types of research being conducted in the Program.
The Graduate Studies Committee serves as academic advisor
to the incoming students. Both the course work and lab
rotations are designed to allow students a chance to
experience the "big picture" in the field
of Molecular Genetics, as well as supplying the facts
needed to make an informed decision for the choice of
thesis research advisor. By the end of the first year,
incoming students will select a thesis research advisor
in whose lab a thesis research project will be conducted.
In the second
year, one additional elective course is required, and
is selected in consultation with the individual thesis
research advisor. However, the major emphasis
for the students is now on actively pursuing research
projects in the lab. During the second year, students
also form thesis advisory committees. These committees
are composed of the major advisor and at least three
additional faculty members who serve to guide the student
through this part of the training program. By
Spring Quarter of their third year, the students take
the Candidacy Examination. This examination is
composed of both written and oral portions. After
passing this examination, the student is officially
considered a PhD candidate.Also beginning
in the third year, students make a formal presentation
on their research project progress. Learning how
to present a formal research talk constitutes a critical
portion of graduate training. These talks are
presented once a year. In years 3 and 5,
these talks are given on a single day in the context
of the annual Scott Falkenthal Memorial Graduate Student
Colloquium. This Colloquium serves to draw together
the entire faculty and graduate student population,
providing a forum for the exchange of data and ideas.
Because of the nature of scientific
research, the exact time required to complete the entire
Graduate Program is variable, but on average it takes
five to six years.
The Molecular Genetics Graduate Student Association
(MGGSA) plays multiple roles, both professional and
social, in graduate student life. The MGGSA provides
a direct mechanism for student representation on matters
of policy and governance at three administrative levels.
- At the
Departmental level, the President of the MGGSA attends
the monthly faculty meetings and is a standing, voting
member of the Graduate Studies Committee. This
gives students direct access and input into policy
and decisions made by the Molecular Genetics faculty.
- At the
level of the College of Biological Sciences, the MGGSA
President serves as a member of the Dean's Graduate
Student Advisory Committee. This Committee serves
as a forum that advises the Dean on issues related
to graduate education and serves as the conduit between
the College and students in the graduate programs
in the College.
- Finally,
the MGGSA provides an elected representative to the
Council of Graduate Students. This organization
is the student government for the 11,000+ graduate
students at The Ohio State University, and provides
student input to many University organizations,
including the University Senate, the Council
on Research and Graduate Studies, and the Graduate
School.
MGGSA
Officers for the 2008-2009 Academic Year
President:
Jamie Wolf
Vice President:
Valerie Chest
Treasurer:
Dustin Williams
Secretary:
Monica Crary
Social Chair: Christina Austin, Sudip Goswami
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