PHD, Genetics

Degree Program Summary:

Research in genetics has brought about one of the major scientific revolutions of humankind. The advent of recombinant DNA technology provided the tools to isolate, sequence and characterize genes, the building blocks of life. Evolutionary biology has allowed us to reconstruct the history and selective pressures acting to shape those genes. In the past ten years, a remarkable synthesis of molecular and evolutionary genetics has taken place and created the field of genomics, which promises unprecedented scientific breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture. Our program is unique in that it brings together a broad array of faculty in many areas of molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and genomics into one group. A graduate degree in Genetics from the University of Georgia will put you at the forefront of this scientific revolution.

The Department of Genetics offers a graduate program leading to the PhD degree. The department is particularly strong in the areas of recombinant DNA technology, gene regulation, prokaryotic molecular genetics, plant molecular biology, mammalian genetics, evolutionary genetics, and population genetics. After a student is admitted, a faculty advisory committee is appointed to recommend a program of study based on the individual student’s academic background and research interests. A master’s degree is not required for entrance into the doctoral program, and students without a master’s degree are encouraged to enter the doctoral program directly.

Physical facilities available for research include all modern equipment and facilities necessary for research in the various areas of genetics. Special on-campus facilities include a DNA and protein sequence and synthesis facility, a molecular marker analysis facility, a complete electron and confocal microscopy laboratory, controlled-environment equipment, equipment for radioisotope studies, a special fermentation facility, a monoclonal antibody production facility, and extensive computer facilities. Cooperative arrangements for joint research exist with such off-campus facilities as the Russell Agricultural Research Center, the Yerkes Primate Center, the Sapelo Island Marine Institute, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Prospective students should address inquiries to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Genetics. E-mail: gradapp@uga.edu. Our World Wide Web address is genetics.uga.edu. Graduate doctoral students in the department are eligible for a number of university fellowships and research and teaching assistantships. Interested applicants primarily apply through the Integrated Life Sciences program, although some students may choose to enter through the Integrated Plant Sciences program.