Genetics

The Department of Genetics & Genome Sciences embraces a unified program devoted to outstanding research and teaching in all areas of genetics, with particular emphases on genomics, human genetics and animal models, development, and chromosome structure and function. Faculty conduct internationally recognized research programs in each of these areas. The also are committed to training the next generations of leading genetics researchers. The department has three special programs: the Center for Human Genetics, the Center for Computational Genomics, and the Genomic Medicine Institute (descriptions appear later in this narrative).

Programs offered lead to the PhD, combined MD/ PhD degree, or MS with a special emphasis in genetic counseling. In addition to required and elective coursework, students participate in ongoing journal clubs, research seminars and grand rounds. A program of departmental and interdepartmental seminars by outstanding visiting scientists provides regular exposure to a broad range of current research in genetics.

The department accepts direct on-line applications to the doctoral program by those who have significant prior research experience in genetics and are committed to careers in genetics research. The PhD program also participates in the integrated Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP, please see separate listing in this publication and/or BSTP Web site). Students interested in pursuing the combined MD/PhD program are admitted through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP, please see separate listing in this publication). Those students interested in careers in genetic counseling apply directly to the Genetic Counseling Training Program, via the common Graduate Studies application.

The Center for Human Genetics is an integral part of the Department of Genetics and consists of both research and clinical laboratories involved in human and clinical genetics. This center supports research and clinical programs focusing on the molecular basis of inherited disease, human genetic disease mapping, and the genetic dissection of complex disease, as well as providing clinical care and training for postdoctoral fellows and genetic counseling students.

The Center for Computational Genomics is an interdisciplinary research and training program involving faculty in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Medicine and in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the School of Engineering. The center provides opportunities to combine research in genetics, genomics, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, and systems biology.

The Genomic Medicine Institute is a joint program involving the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Case. Its emphasis involves translating discoveries in basic and clinical research to clinical practice. The mission is to exploit the discoveries in genomics, epidemiology, ethics, pharmacology, genetics and physiology to revolutionize the practice of medicine.

Admissions to the Genetics program may be obtained through the integrated Biomedical Sciences Training Program, by direct admission to the department or via the MSTP program. The following summary pertains to most incoming PhD students, regardless of the route through which they enter the program. Exceptions are occasionally made to reflect previous educational experiences (e.g., a prior MS degree). 

The First Year

Course work, rotations in at least three laboratories, and participation in seminars, journal clubs, and research meetings are the major activities of first year students. During the Fall term, most students take core courses in Cell and Molecular Biology (CBIO 453 Cell Biology I/CBIO 455 Molecular Biology I) that are offered for Biomedical Sciences Training Program departments. Laboratory rotations begin in early July and the choice of a thesis advisor is usually made at the end of December (see below for more details on Choosing an Advisor).

During the Spring term, PhD students take the core Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics course sequence (GENE 500 Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics I/GENE 504 Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics II), which is followed by a written comprehensive examination in late May or early June. This core course is designed to acquaint students with fundamental principles and methodologies used in modern genetic research. The focus is on similarities and differences between different model organisms used in genetics research. Also during the Spring term and continuing into the Summer, students begin formulating a doctoral research proposal.

The Second Year and Beyond

During the second year, students participate in a Proposal Writing Workshop (GENE 511 Grant Writing and Reviewing Skills Workshop) and take other advanced elective courses based on the academic background and interest of the student. The remaining elective credits can be satisfied by choosing from the courses offered by departmental faculty or participating training faculty from other departments (see List of Courses below). At the end of the second academic year, students must pass an oral proposal defense in order to advance to candidacy for the PhD degree. An outline of the typical course of study is shown below.

PhD Genetics, Plan of Study Sample 

Please also see Graduate Studies Academic Requirements for Doctoral Degrees.

Other Requirements

• Students meet twice per year with Thesis Committee
• Students meet once per year with Genetics Graduate Education Committee
• Genetics Student Seminar (weekly attendance, yearly presentation)
• Genetics Journal Club (weekly attendance, yearly presentation in spring semester)
• Genetics Retreat (yearly participation, organized by students)
• Two first-author, peer-reviewed publications

Requirements

• Applicants must have a good academic record, e.g., a B-average or rank in the upper third of his or her graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
• Applicants must meet all of the undergraduate prerequisites for the proposed field of graduate study.
• Statement of Objectives — Some programs have this built into the application. If not, create your own using "Statement of Objectives" as the heading. The statement should be one to two pages and include your purpose in undertaking graduate work as well as an explanation of your study and research interests as they relate to your undergraduate/graduate study and professional goals.
• Academic Transcripts – You are required to identify all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended on your application form, and to submit an official transcript from each. Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is conditional on final certification of degrees awarded. Note to International Students: Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified translations in English.
• Letters of Recommendation - Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from those individuals sufficiently familiar with you, and who can assess your academic preparation, abilities and accomplishments. Letters should be from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. If you have been out of school for several years, one letter may be from your employer, supervisor or other person familiar with your most recent activities.
• Test Scores – Your department will identify required standardized tests. When you fill out forms for these use 1105 as the institutional code for Case Western Reserve University. The School of Graduate Studies will forward all official score reports of standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL, etc.) to the program of interest. The department will inform you which standardized tests are required for your program. International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and earn a minimum score of 577 if paper-based, or 90 if Internet-based. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted. The minimum acceptable score is 7.0. Some departments may require higher scores. International applicants cannot be admitted without receipt of an acceptable official TOEFL score. The TOEFL is valid for two years after the test date. The GRE is valid for five years after the test date.
• Application Fee - A nonrefundable application fee of $50 is required for each application submitted.

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