UCSD Genetics Training Program

2008 Program Retreat

The UCSD Genetics Training Program is a predoctoral program incorporating elements of the UCSD School of Medicine, the UCSD Division of Biological Sciences, the UCSD School of Pharmacy and Pharmacuetical Sciences, and The Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The goal of this program is to train graduate students for future careers as academic or industrial scientists investigating genetic mechanisms, or using genetic methods to understand biological problems important for human health. The training faculty for this program have joined together to create a common vision of contemporary Genetics training resting on a foundation of basic Biological and Biomedical Science. The programs integrated educational principles of Genetics include rigorous education in the classical principles and intellectual methods of Genetics, research training in the newest methods of Classical and Molecular Genetics and the development of an appreciation of the problems, outlooks, and ethical issues associated with modern Clinical and Medical Genetics including Human Gene Therapy.

Our philosophy is to train outstanding students in the intellectual and technical methods of Genetics, after they have developed a strong foundation in modern biological or biomedical sciences through their first year of graduate study. UCSD graduate students with an interest in Genetics should apply with the support of a faculty mentor during the Spring or Summer of their first year, to begin training in the Fall of their second year of graduate school. Our students learn the logic and culture of current and developing Genetics and Genomics research, as well as the lore and methods of classical Genetics. By putting these focused intellectual activities into broad biological and clinical contexts, by providing training in the full range of Genetic investigation and exposing students to a broad range of research organisms, and by giving the trainees access to outstanding mentors and research problems, the UCSD Genetics Training Program develops uniquely prepared graduates with a foundation to take on any new challenge in the life and health sciences.

Last updated 5/15/08