Graduate Training in Genetics
TRAINING PROGRAM RATIONALE AND FOCUS
Genetics is at the heart of all biomedical sciences. The principles of gene structure and function unify all living things. A knowledge of how genes act is basic to nearly all problems in cell biology and physiology, in regulatory biology, in developmental biology, and in evolutionary biology. Modern molecular genetics, including whole genome sequencing and genome analysis, has led to unparalleled advances in each of these areas and holds the promise for significant insight and advance in medical fields as well. In addition, molecular genetics and genomics have created a common language and toolbox that unites developmental genetics, molecular genetics and evolutionary genetics. These three areas constitute the spectrum of genetics over which we offer training. We intend to capture and foster the intellectual stimulation and excitement of genetics and to train our students in the skills and analytical thinking required to make creative contributions to our understanding of basic genetic processes.
The most important aspect of training for a productive career in genetics research comes from the interactions our trainees have in the laboratories of their major advisors. Since our goal is to produce intellectually critical and experimentally skilled geneticists, training is best accomplished at the laboratory bench (or desk, in the case of theoreticians). Thus, practical training in producing a Ph.D. thesis -- a rigorous experimental answer to a significant scientific question -- provides the backbone of our program. In this program, Ph.D. students in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry pursue original investigations on a variety of research topics in genetics using a range of experimental organisms and approaches as they train for careers in genetics research. The financial support of the Genetics Training Grant enables our best students to make rapid progress on their research projects. Our primary concern has been, and continues to be, with the training of imaginative and capable research scientists equipped ultimately with the knowledge and capability to lead research programs of their own, thereby strengthening the national resource in this area.
The strength of the Oregon Genetics Program is in three areas of genetics – molecular genetics, developmental genetics, and evolutionary/ecological genetics. At least historically, these areas have had distinct intellectual cultures. However, in recent years, molecular genetics has become a discipline and experimental tool that links these distinct areas. Therefore, the primary focus of our training program is to develop a cadre of students who have an understanding of the perspectives of these three areas of genetics and who are also well rooted in molecular genetics. We believe such students will be poised to make creative and unique contributions in whatever specialty they choose. We think that this focus provides the program a measure of cohesion that fosters fruitful interactions among students and faculty, and yet delivers enough balance to train students broadly in genetics. We strive to achieve these goals through a combination of formal courses, seminar courses, and, of course, research training at the laboratory bench. The Genetics Training Grant is a keystone in these endeavors.
The objective of our training has been, and continues to be, to prepare scientists to work on important problems in genetics. We strive to train our students in a spectrum of genetic principles and thought through coursework, seminars, and laboratory research. We attempt to achieve this objective through multi-faceted research programs in which students and faculty of various backgrounds work together. This means not only collaboration between student and professor but also the exchange of ideas among the larger group of students and faculty in genetics and in the related fields of biochemistry, structural biology and developmental biology. These interactions range from informal conversations in the laboratory, corridor and in our shared instrumentation spaces, to organized seminars, journal clubs, group meetings, and courses.
Our training program is primarily oriented toward research training. Thus, opportunities for students to carry out original and creative research under the sponsorship of first-rate scientists obviously forms the core of the program. However, exposure to new areas and techniques of research, both within and outside of the University of Oregon, is also a critical part of such training, and the provision of opportunities for such exposures beyond those available to the individual program. The means utilized to this end include active seminar programs of outside speakers, which is partially supported by funds made available through this Training Grant. This program provides opportunities for our students to come in contact with leading figures in genetics from around the world.
77 Klamath Hall