• Home
  • Programs
  • Genetics and Epigenetics
  • Academics

Genetics and Epigenetics Academics

G&E students typically complete their degree in 5 - 6 years.  Students complete coursework and a thesis proposal-based Preliminary Exam within Years 1 and 2. Years 3+ are spent primarily on thesis research, supplemented by a variety of seminars and other activities that promote scientific interactions and continued development of communication and other career-relevant skills. After successfully passing the prelim exam, trainees become eligible for GEN-TG support.

Requirements | Typical Timetable | Suggested Electives

Requirements for students in the G&E program
  • General CAMB Requirements
    • BIOM 5550: Regulation of the Genome
    • BIOM 6000: Cell Biology & Biochemistry
    • BIOM 5100 (MD/PhD Combined Degree only): Case Studies in Translational Research
    • CAMB 5420 (Combined Degree only): Topics in Molecular Medicine
  • CAMB 5500: Genetic Principles
  • GCB 5350:  Introduction to Bioinformatics or CAMB 7140: DIY transcriptomics
  • Electives chosen from any relevant CAMB or BGS Courses and Curricula offerings, depending on interest and background.

This information can also be found on the G&E Catalog page.

Requirements | Typical Timetable | Suggested Electives

Typical G&E Course Timetable
2025 Matriculants
  Fall Spring Summer
Year 1 BIOM 6000
CAMB 6050
Lab Rotation I		 BIOM 5550
CAMB 5500
Lab Rotation II and III		 Lab Rotation or
Pre-Dissertation Research
Year 2

GCB 5350
Elective (if not taking GCB 5350)
Pre-Dissertation Research

 CAMB 7140 (if didn't take GCB 5350)
CAMB 6950
Electives
Pre-Dissertation Research
Candidacy Examination		 Dissertation research
Year 3+ Dissertation research Dissertation research Dissertation research

Requirements | Typical Timetable | Suggested Electives

2026 Matriculants
  Fall Spring Summer
Year 1

BIOM 6000
Lab Rotation I and II

 BIOM 5550
CAMB 5500
(Optional additional lab rotation)		 Pre-Dissertation Research
Year 2

GCB 5350
CAMB 6950
Pre-Dissertation Research

Candidacy Examination

 CAMB 7140 (if didn't take GCB 535)
Elective (if not taken in Fall)
Pre-Dissertation Research		 Dissertation research
Year 3+ Dissertation research Dissertation research Dissertation research

 

 

Suggested Elective Courses

Whereas any CAMB courses can be used to fulfill elective requirements (depending on the student's interests and background), the following courses are likely to be of particular relevance. Students will receive guidance from G&E leadership and faculty when choosing electives.