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Table of Contents
Genetics Graduate Group Advising Highlights
Course list
Seminar List
Expanded Guidelines for Qualifying Exam
Focus Groups
Animal Genomics
Chromosome Biology
Human Genetics
Model Plants
General Genetics
Plant Breeding and Biodiversity
Requirement Spreadsheet
Executive Committees
Advisor Information
Faculty Roster
Student Roster
Forms
Genetics Graduate Group Advising Highlights
New Student Orientation- Fall 2006
Advising-You have two official faculty mentors recognized by Office of Graduate Studies-
1. Academic Adviser
2. Major Professor (also known as your Dissertation Adviser or Thesis Adviser)
The two above must be different people! Others can serve as “mentors” as well.
Ellen Picht is also a resource (Graduate Group Complex, 310 Life Sciences)
1. Academic Adviser-nominated by Genetics Graduate Group and appointed by Graduate
Studies
Initially assigned an adviser based on research interests and your application. You may change
your adviser after consultation with the Master Adviser.
The Master Adviser is a faculty member whose job is to coordinate advising activities. The
Master Adviser as well as advisers not assigned specifically to you can also advise you if your
academic adviser is not available (for example, out of town).
Meet (academic) adviser to plan coursework to:
Ensure that deficiencies are dealt with and that remedial courses are taken
Ensue that required coursework is taken
Monitor finding research home
Help with dealing with university bureaucracy
Help solve problems with GGG program or major professor
Approve/sign petitions for late drop/PELP/Advancement to Candidacy
Get career advice
Receive periodic review of progress
Important notes:
1. If you are a full-time student: Enroll in 12 units every quarter
continuously. If you are taking classes, then schedule your 299 units to bring you up to
at least 12 units. Don’t let your registration lapse (you do not have to register for the
Summer). You must be either registered or on filing fee the quarter you submit
thesis/dissertation. Once you stop taking classes, enroll in 12 units of 299 Research units.
2. You must receive a B or better in the required GGG courses and maintain an overall B
average.
3. Do not sign up S/U for core courses or elective courses, or any courses related to GGG
and your program-these must be taken for a grade.
Times you need to see your academic adviser: You are responsible for organizing and arranging these meetings- if you are having problems,
see your Academic Adviser first.
A. First Quarter Guiding Committee Meeting-
Meet with Guiding Committee sometime during the first quarter (two other members are
assigned). If you are a member of a lab already, your future major professor should also be a
member.
Identify any prerequisites/deficiencies that need to be taken.
Discuss Winter/Spring course possibilities- discuss electives
Discuss research interest/rotations
Discuss focus group interest-decide if should switch advisers, guiding membership
Form submitted to GGG by you after meeting is held and signatures obtained.
B. Third Quarter Guiding Committee Meeting Before this meeting, Major Adviser will reconstitute committee with Adviser, future Major
Professor and one other interested faculty (can be some of the same members as above).
Suggestions from the student and major professor are advised as to composition.
Check on progress –completing prerequisites, requirements? Maintaining a B average?
Are elective courses appropriate?
Form submitted to GGG by you after meeting is held and signatures obtained.
C. Fifth Quarter Guiding Committee Meeting Same committee as in (B).
Verify that have completed/or will complete ALL coursework by end of 6th
quarter
Suggest Qualifying Examination Committee Members
Verify that have dissertation proposal- submit abstract
Form submitted to GGG by you after meeting is held and signatures obtained.
Advisers then assign QE members using suggestions from students as guide.
Official request for QE membership submitted to Graduate Studies for approval.
D. Annual Dissertation Committee Reports- After passing your QE, you are required to meet
with the Dissertation committee at least one time per year. A form must be completed with
signatures, submitted to your adviser for signature, and then submitted to GGG office.
E. Graduate Studies Annual Progress Reports- Currently required to be submitted by GGG
to Graduate Studies by July 1. Requires adviser signature, submit to GGG office.
Milestones
A. Qualifying Examination- should be taken by end of Winter Quarter of third year. Students
typically take it Summer/Fall/Winter Quarter (7th
, 8th
quarter). Students must take the QE by the
9th
quarter to remain eligible for RAs, TAs.
B. Advancement to Candidacy- After passing the QE, you form a dissertation committee.
This step requires a form submitted to Graduate Studies and the Registrar. This committee has
three members, one of which is your Major Professor. The other two are chosen by you after
consultation with your Major Professor.
Genetics Graduate Group Course List
A. GGG Required Courses
1. Core Courses:
GGG201A (Fall Quarter) Advanced Genetic Analysis/Model Systems (5 units)
(CRN 27053 or 27054 depending on which discussion section you sign up for)
Lecture: TR 0900-1020 AM 101 Bowley Center Room
Discussion: Tuesday 12:10-2 PM 3 Wellman or
Wednesday 1:10-3 PM 101 Bowley Center Room
GGG 201B (Fall Quarter) Genomics (5 units) (CRN 27055)
Lecture: TR 10:30-11:50 AM 1344 Storer
Discussion: TR 6:10-8 PM 1137 PES (Plant and Env. Sciences)
GGG 201D (Winter Quarter) Quantitative and Population Genetics
GGG201C/ MCB 221C (Spring Quarter) Molecular Biology
2. Seminar Course:
GGG 291 (Winter) History of Genetics-
GGG Seminar Courses
GGG293 (Spring quarter 2007) Seminar in Animal Genetics
GGG294 (Winter quarter 2008) Seminar in Human Genetics
GGG295 (Fall Quarter 2006) Seminar in Chromosome Biology
Wolf Heyer, Professor, Instructor-in-Charge
GGG297 (Winter quarter 2007) Seminar in Plant Genetics (Model Plants)
GGG297 (Fall quarter 2007) Seminar in Plant Genetics (Plant Biology)
B. GGG Rotation Laboratory Courses
GGG Laboratory courses:
GGG205-(Fall) Molecular Genetics Laboratory (Rotations)-Lyons (CRN 27056)
GGG205-(Winter) Molecular Genetics Laboratory (Rotations)-Syvanen
GGG207L-(Fall, Winter, Spring) Research Methods in Plant Genetics Laboratory-
C. Other GGG courses:
GGG210 (Fall 2006) Horizontal Gene Transfer-Cal Kado, Mike Syvanen (3 units)
(CRN 27059)
GGG211 (Winter) Concepts in Human Genetics and Genomics
GGG220/VCR 220 (Winter) Genomics & Biotechnology of Plant Improvement Michelmore
GGG296 (Fall 2005) Science Professionalism and Integrity- Yoder (2 units) (CRN
27062)
GGG298 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Group Study
GGG299 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Research
GGG300 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Teaching in Genetics
Additional Courses with a Genetic Component
General Genetics:
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANG 107 (Fall) Genetics and Animal Breeding
ANT 151 (Spring) Primate Evolution
ANT 152 (Winter) Human Evolution
AVS 103 (Spring) Avian Development and Genetics
BIS 101 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Genes and Gene Expression
MCB 121 (Winter, Spring) Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells
MCB 162 (Fall) Human Genetics
MCB 163 (Winter) Developmental Genetics
MCB 164 (Winter) Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics
MIC 150 (Winter) Bacterial Genetics
MIC 170 (Spring) Yeast Molecular Genetics
Molecular Genetics
Graduate
ANG 211 (Spring) Genetic Engineering of Animals
ANG 212 (Winter) Sequence Analysis in Molecular Genetics
MCB 255 Molecular Mechanisms in Animal Development
MCB 256 (Fall ) Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer
MCB 257 (Fall ) Cell Proliferation and cancer genes
MCB 262 (Winter ) Transgenic Expression Systems
MCB 263 (Winter) Biotechnology Fundamentals & Applications
MIC 200A (Fall) Biology of Prokaryotes
MIC 215 (Fall) Recombinant DNA
MIC 250 (Winter) Biology of Yeasts
MIC 263 (Spring) Principles of Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
MIC 298- maybe an official number come winter quarter (Winter 2005) Recombination
PBI 227 (Winter) Plant Molecular Biology
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANG111 (Winter) Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques
BIS 102 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Structure and Function of Biomolecules
MCB 121(Winter, Spring) Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells
MCB 161 (Winter) Molecular Genetics
MCB 160L (Fall, Winter, Spring) Principles of Genetics Laboratory
MCB163 (Winter) Developmental Genetics
MIC 170 (Spring) Yeast Molecular Genetics
Cytogenetics
Graduate
VCR 221 Vegetable Genomics
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANG101 (Spring) Animal Cytogenetics
Population Genetics
Graduate
AGR 221 (Spring) Advanced Plant Breeding
EVE 210 (Spring) Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis
PBG 200A (Fall) Principles of Population Biology
PGB 200B (Winter) Principles of Population Biology
PGB 200C (Spring) Principles of Population Biology
PBG 207 (Winter) Plant Population Biology
PBG 231 (Fall) Mathmatical Methods in Population Biology
PBG 270 (Fall) Evolutionary Biology
PBG 290 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Seminar
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANT 153 (Winter) Human Biological Variation
EVE 102 (Fall) Population and Quantitative genetics
Quantitative Genetics
Graduate
AGR 221 (Spring, not offered 2004-2005) Advanced Plant Breeding
ANG 204 (Spring) Theory of Quantitative Genetics
ANG 206 (Spring) Advanced Domestic Animal Breeding
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANG120 (Spring) Introduction to Statistical Genomics
EVE 102 (Fall) Population and Quantitative genetics
Evolution
Graduate
EVE 210 (Spring offered in alternate years) Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis
PBG 203 (Winter) Advanced Evolution
PBG 270 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Research Conference in Evolutionary Biology
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANT 151 (Spring) Primate Evolution
ANT 152 (Winter) Human Evolution
EVE 100 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Introduction to Evolution
EVE 103 (Winter) Phylogeny and Macroevolution
Physiological Genetics
Graduate
MCB221D (Winter) Cellular Biochemistry
Upper Division Undergraduate
NPB 131 (Fall) Physiological Genomics
Breeding
Graduate
AGR 221 (Spring) Advanced Plant Breeding
ANG 206 (Spring) Advanced Domestic Animal Breeding
GGG 220/VCR 220 (Winter) Genomics & Biotechnology of Plant Improvement
VCR 221 (Spring) Genomics and Breeding of Vegetable Crops
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANG 107 (Fall) Genetics and Animal Breeding
PLB 154 (Winter) Introduction to Plant Breeding
PLB 160 (Winter) Principles of Plant Biotechnology
Biotic Stresses in Plants
Graduate
PLP 210 (Fall) Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plant-Microbe Interaction
Upper Division Undergraduate
PLP123/PLB123/ENT123 (Fall-not offered 2004-2005 ) Plant-Virus Interaction
Human/Primate Genetics
Graduate
ANT 252 (Winter) Human Evolution Seminar
Upper Division Undergraduate
ANT 151 (Spring) Primate Evolution
ANT 152 (Winter) Human Evolution
ANT 153 (Fall) Human Biological Variation
ANT 157 (Winter) Anthropological Genetics
ANT 157L (Fall) Laboratory in Anthropological Genetics
MCB 162 (Winter) Human Genetics
Graduate Seminar Courses
ANT 252 (Winter) Human evolution Seminar
AVS 290 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Seminar in Avian Genetics, Physiology, etc.
BCM 291 (Fall, etc) Human Genetics Seminar
MIC 274 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Seminar in Genetics Recombination
MIC 275 (Fall, Winter, Spring) Journal Club in Recombination Genetics
ECL 208 (Winter) Issues in Conservation Biology
Genetics Graduate Group
Expanded Guidelines for Qualifying Exam Procedures
This is a document for all: students, major professors and Qualifying examination chairs
and QE committee members. All please read.
EXAM FORMAT AND PHILOSOPHY
All focus groups require preparation of a dissertation proposal and its defense at an oral
examination. In addition, all focus groups require examination in the four areas of Genetics as
represented by the 4 core courses at the same meeting. The Chromosome Biology Focus Group
additionally requires preparation and defense of a secondary proposal.
During the examinations, the emphasis of the exam should focus on determining whether the
student has acquired the intellectual research skills and the genetic knowledge base necessary to
successfully conduct independent research in the future. In this context it is important to view the
proposals as an intellectual exercise that provides one way to measure these skills. Rather than
emphasizing the quantity of work already accomplished or the quality of the data that have been
generated, the proposal should be used to measure the potential research skills of the student. By
preparing a proposal the student should demonstrate mastery of the following skills: (1) ability to
identify and clearly define a research topic that makes a substantial and novel contribution to
genetic knowledge; (2) ability to focus the proposed research around one or more testable
scientific hypotheses; (3) ability to design and interpret scientifically feasible experiments that
will specifically test these hypotheses; (4) ability to review the scientific literature in the proposal
field to clearly define the relationship of the proposed research to existing knowledge; (5) ability
to integrate, where appropriate and feasible, various genetic approaches (e.g. transmission,
cytogenetic, quantitative genetics); and (6) ability to relate proposed experiments to the biology
of the organism.
It is critical for students, major professors and examining faculty to remember that the proposal
evaluation should not be viewed as an evaluation of the work of the major professor, or as a
contract for the work that will be ultimately completed for the dissertation. The dissertation
committee will be formally constituted after completion of the qualifying exam. Definition of the
work that constitutes the dissertation is by joint agreement of the student, the major professor and
the other members of the dissertation committee. The major professor may be involved in
guiding the student during design of the overall focus of the dissertation research topic, but the
student will ultimately have the responsibility for discussing the dissertation topic proposal in the
examination and therefore should also have the responsibility for crafting a proposal of the
highest possible scientific quality. The content of the proposal should therefore not be unduly
influenced by grant or contract constraints of the major professor that would prove detrimental to
the ability of the student to defend the scientific soundness and rigor of the proposed approaches.
In other words, the role of the proposal as a mechanism to demonstrate conceptual understanding
and the ability to think and work independently in the field of genetics should be emphasized
over its role as a measure of specific accomplishments in the lab.
It is particularly important to maintain a focus on this role of the proposal(s) for students using
that exam format, as a demonstration of intellectual ability in the field of genetics when
conducting examinations on the alternate proposals. It is not appropriate to judge proposals using
criteria that would apply for extramural grant review panels, for example. The absolute
feasibility of experimental details is less important in this context than demonstration of a
breadth in understanding of the field, ability to analyze the important scientific questions in the
field, and ability to propose reasonable approaches to address those questions.
In conducting research proposal sections of the examination, committees should try to emphasize
two areas: (1) general and specific knowledge related to the proposal area, and (2) intellectual
research skills of the student (e.g. methodological rationale, hypothesis testing and evaluation,
etc.). All areas of general genetic knowledge may not be adequately covered during the proposal
segment(s) of the examination, so it is advisable to reserve some time specifically for this task.
PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL(S)
CHOICE OF TOPICS. For students that will be preparing a dissertation proposal and an
secondary (also called alternate) proposal (where applicable) it is important to remember that the
emphasis of the two proposals must be clearly distinct and demonstrate mastery of a different set
of genetic concepts and tools. One purpose of the secondary proposal is to demonstrate breadth
of knowledge in genetics and additionally to allow the student the opportunity to formulate a
completely independent proposal, not related to or guided by the research occurring in the major
professor's lab.
Students are asked to submit a one-page abstract of their dissertation proposal, and a title or brief
description of their alternate proposal along with their 5th quarter report forms. While this
provides guidance for the assignment of examination committee members, the topic should be
discussed with and approved by the Chair of the examination committee. The one-page abstract
and alternate proposal topics (where required) will be forwarded to the appointed chair of the
qualifying exam committee. If the student subsequently changes these proposal topics
significantly, the student should again consult with their examination chair as to the acceptability
of the revised topic(s). Chairs may consult with other committee members to reach a decision on
the proposal topic suitability.
Examination committee members should not provide detailed comments on the specific content
of qualifying exam proposal(s) to the student prior to the examination itself. Exam committee
members should, however, review the proposal as soon as possible after receiving it from the
student and communicate any serious concerns about the overall structure and focus of the
proposal(s) to the chair of the committee. Appropriate concerns would include general issues
such as absence of definition of an appropriate scientific problem, defects in structuring proposal
around testable hypotheses, failure to analyze interpretation of possible experimental outcomes,
etc. These general concerns should be passed on to the student by the chair, providing a chance
to correct these structural errors in the proposal prior to potentially disastrous consequences in
the exam itself. The exam date may need to be readjusted if the corrected proposal will not be
completed prior to two weeks before the exam is scheduled. It is therefore extremely important
that the students pay close attention to these aspects of their proposals during preparation and
that they distribute their proposals prior to the two-week deadline so that this evaluation can be
made in a timely fashion.
FORMAT FOR Ph.D. QUALIFYING EXAM RESEARCH PROPOSALS
The goal of each research proposal is to provide a substantial and original contribution to the
field of genetics. The scope should be similar to that of a two-year postdoctoral grant proposal.
If an alternate proposal is required, it should be in an area outside of those normally considered
by the student's research group. The topic and approaches of the alternate proposal must be
distinct from those of the thesis proposal. The student is to develop the alternate proposal
independently, without input from the major professor. The student should discuss the alternate
topic with the qualifying exam committee chair.
Written versions of both the dissertation research proposal and the alternate research proposal are
to be prepared by the student and distributed to the committee at least two weeks prior to the
examination.
The format is that of a NIH postdoctoral fellowship proposal. Organize sections the research
proposal to answer these questions: (1) What do you intend to do? (2) Why is the work
important? (3) What have you already done? (4) How are you going to do the work? (5)
References. DO NOT EXCEED 5 PAGES FOR SECTIONS 1-4.
(1) Specific Aims: What do you intend to do? (one-half page.)
Start with a paragraph containing a synopsis of the general problem addressed and clearly stating
the hypothesis to be tested. This is necessary for the specific aims to make sense. Then, list the
specific aims.
(2) Background and Significance: Why is the work important? (one page)
Briefly sketch the background to the proposal. Critically evaluate existing knowledge, and
identify the gaps that the project is intended to fill. State concisely the importance of the
proposed research by relating the specific aims to the broad, long-term objectives.
(3) Preliminary Studies: What has already been done? (one page).
Thesis research: describe the work you have already accomplished that is relevant to the proposal
or the work in your lab that forms the rationale for your proposal. Alternate proposal: describe
the work done by others that forms the rationale for the proposal.
(4) Experimental Design: How are you going to do the work? (2.5 pages).
List the aims again. Under each aim, explain the rationale for each experiment necessary to
accomplish the aim, the experimental design, the interpretation of different types of results, and
necessary methods (without intricate details). Include the means by which data will be collected,
analyzed and interpreted. Describe any new methodology and its advantage over existing
methodologies. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures
along with alternative approaches to achieve the aims. Provide a tentative sequence for the
investigation. At the end, summarize how your experimental results will test your hypothesis.
(5) References: quote references in the text (Author[s], date) and then collect them in
alphabetical order at the end. Each citation must include the names of all authors, title of the
article, name of the book or journal, volume number, page numbers and year of publication.
PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSAL DURING THE EXAMINATION
In order to reduce the emphasis on data already collected and to increase the emphasis on the
scholarly and general knowledge aspects of the exam, the student will not be allowed to use
computer slides or overhead projectors during their short presentation of the dissertation
proposal. Students are allowed and encouraged to use a brief outline on the blackboard to focus
and direct their presentation.
THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EXAM CHAIR:
For the Chair- Prior to exam:
1. Confirm topics of dissertation proposal (and alternate where applicable) with student.
2. Communicate general concerns about the design of proposals from exam committee to the
student.
3. Discuss exam format with student.
4. Remind committee members of the time and place of the exam if student has not already done
so; make sure committee members understand exam format and exam areas.
5. Make sure that you have appropriate paperwork.
6. Obtain from Ellen two things: student file to have present at the exam and the Graduate
Studies (GS) paperwork.
For the Chair- During the Exam
1. Assure a fair examination of the student. Make sure examination has a break.
2. Bring appropriate student records relating to past academic work to the examination for
consideration by the committee.
3. Assure that all required areas in the examination are adequately covered, by monitoring the
time spent in questioning in each area and initiating movement to the remaining topics if
necessary during the exam. For all focus groups, make sure there is sufficient time for
examination in the four core areas and that approximately 1-1 1/2 hr is spent on the
dissertation proposal. .For Chromosome Biology Focus Group: sufficient time for
examination of the secondary proposal.
4. Moderate discussion of evaluation of student performance after examination is completed.
Allow all committee members to express their evaluation of the student and vote.
For the Chair- After the Exam
1. Immediately after the final vote, communicate the outcome of the exam to the student.
2. Complete paperwork and submit to Ellen Picht in GGG office. She will forward to GS.
3. In the event of a "not pass", clearly communicate to the student verbally and in writing the
opinion of the committee and the requirements for converting a "not pass" to a "pass". A
letter should be written to Graduate Studies explaining in detail what needs to be done and
this letter and the information within must be discussed with the student. Please submit to
Ellen Picht in GGG office and she will forward to GS.
THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OTHER EXAM COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
1. Set aside time to meet with the student prior to the examination to provide general
suggestions about preparing for the exam, useful material to review during exam study, etc.
2. Review the proposal(s) soon after receipt to evaluate general proposal design. Communicate
concerns to chair of committee as soon as possible.
3. Read proposal carefully prior to the exam date.
4. Conduct a fair and thorough examination of the student, covering intellectual skills necessary
for independent scientific research as well as specific knowledge in the areas related to the
proposed dissertation work and general knowledge in genetics. It is unreasonable to expect
extensive knowledge in your own particular area of expertise, unless it is closely related to
the student’s exam topics.
5. Remember that you are examining the student, not the major professor. The student's ability
should be evaluated independently of any particular characteristics of the major professor.
6. Use evaluation criteria appropriate for the academic "stage" of the student. Do not expect that
a large portion of research for the dissertation will have already been completed at the time of
the exam.
THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT
1. Arrange for a meeting of your guiding committee to complete the fifth quarter report form
during winter quarter of your second year. For this meeting, prepare a one-page abstract of
your planned dissertation proposal, emphasizing the scientific hypotheses/questions that your
work will address and the planned approaches to test those hypotheses. Define the general
focus of your alternate proposal/area, if appropriate. If an alternate proposal is required,
provide a classification of the main areas of emphasis of the dissertation proposal and the
alternate proposal to demonstrate their distinctiveness.
2. Contact the chair and each committee member to arrange for a time to hold the examination.
Arrange, or request the chair to help you arrange, a room reservation for the examination. In
general, exams do not extend beyond 3 hours but is useful to reserve the room for 1/2 hour
preceding and following the projected exam period.
3. Meet with the chair to verify your choice of proposal topic (and alternate topic, if
applicable). Notify chair if there is a significant change in these topics.
4. Make appointments as needed with each committee member to update them on your
dissertation proposal and alternate proposal topics and to discuss with them suggestions for
study areas or resources. But do not expect committee members to provide you with detailed
lists of exact topics or questions to study.
5. Provide committee members with your proposal(s) well in advance of the exam date and
certainly no later than 2 weeks prior to your exam, to allow communication about any
general concerns regarding the design and scientific soundness of your proposal(s). Do not
expect your committee members to give you detailed feedback on the specifics of your
proposals.
Prepared by Educational Policy Committee (April/May 1996)
Jeanette Natzle (Chair), Abhaya Dandekar, Kathryn Radke, Marta Marthas, Thea Wilkins, Doug
Shaw, Anita Oberbauer, Ken Shaw
Updated by Judy Callis (April 2003) to reflect new focus group organization.
Updated by Judy Callis (Summer 2006) to remove affinity group requirements and change
procedure such that paperwork for QE is received by Ellen Picht and the chair must get the
paperwork from GGG office.
Focus Groups- 2005
Genetics Graduate Group
Interested Potential Focus
Focus Group Members Address Group Leader
Animal Genomics Danika Bannasch
VM: Pop. Health &
Repro. Anita Oberbauer
Mary Delany Animal Science
Holly Ernest Vet Genetics Lab
Tom Famula Animal Science
Sree Kanthaswamy Vet Genetics Lab
Dietmar Kueltz Animal Science
Leslie Lyons
VM: Pop. Health &
Repro.
Marta Marthas CRPRC
Bernie May Animal Science
Juan Medrano Animal Science
Jim Murray Animal Science
Anita Oberbauer Animal Science
Alison Van
Eenennaam Animal Science
Chromosome
Biology Sean Burgess MCB Wolf-Dietrich Heyer
Ken Burtis MCB
Anne Britt Plant Biology
Roger Chetelat Plant Sciences
Wolf-Dietrich
Heyer Microbiology
Neil Hunter Microbiology
S. Kowalczykowski Microbiology
Ken Kaplan MCB
Janine LaSalle Microbiology
Human Genetics Gino Cortopassi
VM: Molecular
Bioscience Mike Seldin
Paul Gumerlock Hematology/UCDMC
Nobuko Hagiwara
Med: Cardiovascular
Med.
John Hershey
Med. Biological
Chem.
Liping Huang Nutrition
Hsing-Jien Kung UCD Cancer Center
Janine LaSalle Microbiology
Marta Marthas CRPRC
Maria Mudrji
Med. Micro. &
Immuno.
Mike Seldin
Med. Biological
Chem.
Craig Warden Rowe Program
Reen Wu
Research Bio. &
Medicine
Model Plants Steffen Abel Plant Sciences Chuck Gasser
John Bowman Plant Biology
Anne Britt Plant Biology
Judy Callis MCB
Chuck Gasser MCB
John Harada Plant Biology
Stacey Harmer Plant Biology
Dan Kliebenstein Plant Sciences
Julin Maloof Plant Biology
Richard
Michelmore Plant Sciences/ MCB
Neelima Sinha Plant Biology
Venkatesan
Sundaresan Plant Biology
Thea Wilkins Plant Sciences
John Yoder Plant Sciences
General Genetics All faculty
Plant Breeding
and Biodiversity Roger Chetelat Plant Sciences Paul Gepts
Jorge Dubcovsky Plant Sciences
Paul Gepts Plant Sciences
Julin Maloof Plant Biology
David Neale Plant Sciences
Dan Parfitt Plant Sciences
Pamela Ronald Plant Pathology
Doug Shaw Plant Sciences
Dina St. Clair Plant Sciences
Larry Teuber Plant Sciences
Andy Walker Viticulture
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE ANIMAL GENOMICS FOCUS GROUP REVISED September 2003
OBJECTIVES
The Animal Genomics (AG) focus group within the Genetics Graduate Group (GGG) will bring
together faculty who are active in this area of research to enhance the training opportunities in
this area.
Animal Genomics is defined as research that either utilizes global, genome-wide approaches or
information derived from such approaches to address questions about the causes of individual
differences in fitness in natural or agricultural environments, genome organization, evolution, or
gene function in animals.
ACTIVITIES
The AG focus group will:
provide visibility for recruiting students interested in this area,
develop and maintain a webpage focused on the faculty and research programs within the
Animal Genomics focus group,
allow coordination of research and training in Animal Genomics,
set the specialist curricula as below,
conduct a biweekly journal club/seminar series focused on Animal Genomics,
organize a GGG seminar once every two years focused on Animal Genomics,
assist in the function and administration of the GGG by providing representatives to serve
on GGG standing committees,
provide the framework for training grants.
ADMINISTRATION
The AG focus group will be administered by a group leader in consultation with the whole
membership. There will be no standing committees. Administration (recruiting, advising, etc.)
will be through representation on GGG standing committees. Focus group policy will be
decided by the whole focus group membership.
ELECTION OF FOCUS GROUP LEADER
The membership will elect a leader by an e-mail ballot of the whole membership. A simple
majority of those voting will decide the leadership. The leadership will usually be for a term of
three years. A majority vote of the membership can request an earlier election.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone who wishes to actively participate in the AG focus group for the
first year. At the end of the first year, the membership will self assess itself according to the
criteria below. Membership will be reviewed every three years subsequently by the whole
membership. A majority of those voting will be required for continued membership.
CRITERIA FOR CONTINUED MEMBERSHIP
1) Maintenance of an active research program in the area of animal genomics as evidenced by:
a) publications in the area of comparative and/or functional animal genomics in each of the
previous three years.
b) sufficient funding to support genomics research.
2) Activity in the AG focus group as evidenced by:
a) representing the AG focus group on a GGG standing committee,
b) teaching in a GGG core course or the AG focus group GGG seminar,
c) teaching a course directly relevant to the AG focus group,
d) sustained participation in the AG journal club, seminar and colloquium.
Sustained activity in at least one of these four activities is required unless there are significant
mitigating administrative circumstances (such as being department chair).
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION [Added 9/03]
Once the Executive Committee of the GGG approves admission of a faculty member to GGG, the
application packet for faculty interested in the AG focus group will be forwarded to the AG focus
group membership for voting. Potential members will be evaluated on the above criteria for
membership in 1) above and the potential and willingness to be active within the focus group as
noted in 2) above. Membership acceptance requires a majority of approval by current members.
STUDENT CURRICULUM
Courses:
All students will take the GGG core courses and other courses required of all GGG students. In
addition, students will take at least two courses from the course list in their area of specialization
from the restricted electives list and at least one additional graduate course to provide breadth of
education. The required GGG courses and two restricted elective courses will be taken for a
letter grade. Students will also take the AG focus group sponsored seminar plus one other GGG
approved seminar in addition to GGG291. All students will TA a genetics course prior to
advancing to candidacy and will be encouraged to enroll in GGG300.
Rotations:
In-coming students will not be required to rotate. If needed, rotations will be organized on an
individual basis.
Qualifying Examinations:
The format of the qualifying examinations will be the presentation and defense of a research
proposal plus a specific defense of each of the four areas covered by the core courses. The chair
of the qualifying examination will be from the membership of the AG focus group. [Added 9/03]
REVISION OF OPERATING PROCEDURES
These operating procedures may be revised at anytime by a majority vote of the membership and
subject to ratification by the GGG executive committee.
GGG Animal Genomics Focus Group course list
In addition to taking all of the required GGG core courses and seminars, each student will
complete a minimum of two courses from the following list, plus one additional graduate level
course as approved by the Guiding Committee. (Substitutions for one course can be made for a
course approved by the Guiding Committee).
ANG 204 Theory of Quantitative Genetics
ANG206 Advanced Domestic Animal Breeding
ANG 208 Estimation of Genetic Parameters
ANG 212 Sequence Analysis in Molecular Genetics [Added 9/03]
AVS 220/MCB257 Cellular Proliferation of Oncogenes
BCM 222 Mechanisms of Translational Control
ECL 208 Conservation Biology
ENT 212 Molecular Biology of Insects and Insect Viruses
EPI 205A Principles of Epidemiology
EVE 210 Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis
EVE 211 Applied Phylogenetics
GGG 210 Horizontal Gene Transfer
MCB 255 Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Development
MCB 262 Transgenic Expression Systems
MIC 215 Recombinant DNA
MIC215L Recombinant DNA Laboratory
MIC 263 Principles of Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
PBG 200A, B, C Principles of Population Biology
PBG 203 Advanced Evolution
PGG 200L Animal Cell Culture Laboratory
STA 226/BST 226 Statistical Genomics [Added 11/06]
Initial faculty membership in the Animal Genetics Focus Group
1. Danika Bannasch VM:Population Health and Reproduction
2. Mary Delany Animal Science
3. Thomas Famula Animal Science
4. Dennis Hedgecock Animal Science
5. Dietmar Kueltz Animal Science
6. Leslie Lyons VM:Population Health and Reproduction
7. Marta Marthas CRPRC
8. Bernie May Animal Science
9. Juan Medrano Animal Science
10. Jim Murray Animal Science
11. Anita Oberbauer Animal Science
12. Alison Van Eenennaam Animal Science
Operating Procedures for the Chromosome Biology Focus Group
of the Genetics Graduate Group
Objectives:
The Chromosome Biology Focus Group (ChromBio FG) constitutes itself within the Genetics
Graduate Group as a group of faculty with a common interest in all aspects of chromosome
biology, particularly in DNA repair, DNA recombination, DNA replication, chromosome
segregation and chromosome dynamics using a variety of scientific approaches and experimental
model systems.
Activities:
The ChromBio FG will:
provide visibility for recruiting students interested in this area,
develop and maintain a webpage focused on the group,
allow coordination of research and training in ChromBio FG,
set the specialist curricula as below,
organize a GGG seminar once every two years focused on ChromBio FG,
assist in the function and administration of the GGG by providing representatives to serve
on GGG standing committees,
conduct a journal club focused on ChromBio FG,
provide the framework for training grants.
Administration:
The ChromBio FG focus group will be administered by a group leader in consultation with the
whole membership. There will be no standing committees. Administration (recruiting, advising,
etc.) will be through representation on GGG standing committees. Focus group policy will be
decided by the whole membership. The Operating Procedures can be changed or amended by a
simple majority of its members.
Election of Focus Group Leader:
The membership will elect a leader by an e-mail ballot of the whole membership. A simple
majority of those voting will decide the leadership. The leadership will usually be for a term of
three years. A majority vote of the membership can request an earlier election.
Membership:
Membership is open to anyone who wishes to actively participate in ChromBio FG for the first
year. At the end of the first year, the membership will self assess itself according to the criteria
below. Membership will be reviewed every three years subsequently by the whole membership.
A majority of those voting will be required for continued membership.
Criteria for Membership:
1) Maintenance of an active research program in the above mentioned areas of chromosome
biology, as evidenced by:
a) peer-reviewed publications and
b) extramural funding.
These criteria are suspended for new faculty members that need time to publish and to attract
funding and will not be applied until publications and funding can reasonably be expected.
2) Activity in the ChromBio FG as evidenced by:
a) representing the ChromBio FG on a GGG standing committee,
b) teaching a GGG core course or the ChromBio GGG seminar,
c) teaching a course directly relevant to the ChromBio FG,
d) sustained participation in the ChromBio journal club MIC275.
Sustained activity in at least one of these four activities is required unless there are significant
mitigating circumstances.
Student Curriculum:
The ChromBio FG establishes the following minimum curriculum for its students:
• The four GGG core courses and other courses required for GGG students
• GGG291 History of Genetics
• The group requires that students rotate in four laboratories before deciding which laboratory
they join. It is encouraged, but not required, that students rotate in laboratories of ChromBio FG
faculty.
• One quarter Teaching Assistantship (TA) in a course of the GGG curriculum prior to the
qualifying examination. Students are encouraged to enroll in GGG300.
• MIC275 Seminar in DNA Repair and Recombination (every quarter). This course will be
developed further and/or alternated with a GGG295 seminar (for a grade) to be offered annually
or biannually as a ChromBio FG seminar.
• MIC263 Protein:Nucleic Acids Interactions (for a grade).
• One additional graduate level course (for a grade) in a different area to encourage diversity in
the educational experience.
Qualifying Examinations:
The purposes of the Qualifying Examination are twofold: 1) to determine that the student has
acquired sufficient knowledge of genetics, in breadth and depth, and 2) to determine that the
student has identified a dissertation research topic that asks a significant question in genetics.
The latter includes demonstration that the student has completed a literature review of that topic,
has identified a set of achievable goals and has designed appropriate experimental approaches to
accomplish those goals. The dissertation research part of the exam is meant to be a proposal, not
a research progress report. Finally, the student's previous academic record, performance on
specific parts of the examination, and overall performance/potential for scholarly research will
be evaluated in determining the outcome of the examination.
Qualifying Examination Committees will consist of five faculty members. The Chair and
preferably two other members of the committee will be members of ChromBio FG, at least one
of whom must have agreed to serve on thesis committee of the student. Two other faculty who
are not members of ChromBio FG will be appointed by the pertinent GGG standing committee.
The five members of the Qualifying Examination Committee will represent the four core areas of
GGG as covered in the core courses (Advanced Genetic Analysis, Comparative and Functional
Genomics, Molecular Genetics, Transmission, Population and Quantitative Genetics). The leader
of ChromBio FG will recommend to the Advisors committee which ChromBio FG members
serve on a qualifying examination committee. The chair of the Qualifying Examination
Committee is expected to ensure that a student receives a fair examination. Qualifying
Examination Committees may not include the major professor who will serve as chair of the
student's dissertation committee.
Students will be informed of the prospective composition of the Qualifying Examination
Committee, and will be asked to confer with their major professor to inform their graduate
advisor of any concerns with the committee composition. With this input taken into account, the
advisors formally recommend to Graduate Studies the composition of the Qualifying
Examination Committee. Committees will be appointed by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Copies
of the approved petition are sent to the student, the chair of the examining committee, and the
GGG Program Liaison. Students must notify all members of their examination committee that
they have been appointed. This is important - for example, if a faculty member will be on
sabbatical and unable to serve, the exam committee must be reconstituted through the GGG
Student Affairs Committee and Graduate Studies.
Scheduling the Qualifying Examination. All Ph.D. candidates are expected to take their
Qualifying Examination before or during their eighth quarter following admission into the
program (i. e. the Winter Quarter of the third year), unless a prior waiver is approved in writing
by ChromBio FG. It is strongly encouraged that students take the Qualifying Examination before
the onset of the seventh quarter following admission (i.e. before the Fall quarter of the third
year).
Format of the Qualifying Examination. The Qualifying Examination will consist of a
dissertation research proposal, a secondary proposal, and an examination in the four core subject
areas (Advanced Genetic Analysis, Comparative and Functional Genomics, Molecular Genetics,
Transmission, Population and Quantitative Genetics). Candidates will be expected to submit a
written dissertation proposal and an independent secondary proposal to their committee at least
one week prior to the oral examination (see below). During the qualifying examination only a
chalk/white board is to be used.
The Dissertation Proposal. The goal of the dissertation research proposal is to provide a
substantial and original contribution to the field of genetics. The scope should be similar to that
of a grant proposal. Written versions of the thesis research proposal are to be prepared by the
student and distributed to the committee at least one week prior to the examination. The format is
that of an NIH postdoctoral fellowship proposal. Organize sections 1-5 of the research proposal
to answer these questions: (1) Specific aims. What do you intend to do? (2) Background and
significance. Why is the work important? (3) Preliminary studies. What have you already done?
(4) Research design and methods. How are you going to do the work? (5) References. DO NOT
EXCEED 5 PAGES FOR SECTIONS 1-4. The following distribution for length is
recommended:
(1) Specific aims. State briefly the broad, long-term objectives of the work. Then state the
specific purposes of the proposed research. One-half page is recommended.
(2) Background and significance. Briefly sketch the background to the proposal. Critically
evaluate existing knowledge, and identify the gaps that the project is intended to fill. State
concisely the importance of the proposed research by relating the specific aims to the broad,
long-term objectives. One page is recommended.
(3) Preliminary studies - thesis research only. Describe the work you have already
accomplished that is relevant to the proposal. A maximum of one page is recommended.
(4) Research design and methods. Outline the experimental design and the procedures to be
used to accomplish the specific aims. Include the means by which data will be collected,
analyzed and interpreted. Describe any new methodology and its advantage over existing
methodologies. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures
along with alternative approaches to achieve the aims. Provide a tentative sequence for the
investigation. Although no specific number of pages is recommended for this section, the total
for sections 1-4 should not exceed 5 pages.
(5) References. Each citation must include the names of all authors, title of the article, name of
the book or journal, volume number, page numbers and year of publication.
The Secondary Proposal. The goal of the secondary proposal is that the candidate develops an
original hypothesis and suitable experimental tests of this hypothesis in an area independent of
the dissertation proposal. The candidate is free in the choice of topic but this choice needs
approval by the chair of the Qualifying Examination Committee. The format is identical to that
of the dissertation proposal.
ChromBio FG students may meet with each committee member to discuss his or her expectations
for the examination. This meeting should not be not a pre-examination of the research proposals.
Students should not ask for, nor should the committee members provide, comments on
weaknesses, potential problems and errors in the research proposals.
Revision of operating procedures
These operating procedures may be revised at anytime by a majority vote of the membership and
subject to ratification by the GGG executive committee.
Approved by the membership on August 8, 2002.
The present membership list is:
Sean M. Burgess, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Ken C. Burtis, Professor of Genetics
Anne B. Britt, Associate Professor of Plant Biology
Roger Chetelat, Assistant Geneticist
Wolf-Dietrich Heyer, Professor of Microbiology
Stephen C. Kowalczykowski, Professor of Microbiology
Ken B. Kaplan, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Janine M. LaSalle, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Human Genetics Focus Group
Statement of Mission
The GGG Human Genetics Focus Group provides students the opportunity for specialized
training in human genetics and genomics. The faculty members are dedicated to developing
and applying genetic information and methods towards understanding physiologic and
pathophysiologic human biology. Investigators are using human and/or model mammalian
species for these studies. The upper level courses taught by our faculty are centered on
understanding the concepts application of genetic tools towards defining the molecular basis
of human disease susceptibility and disease progression. These include molecular and
cytogenetic techniques as well as informatics, and statistical methodology and theory.
Individual faculty members have expertise in these broad topics as well as in transcription
regulation, signaling circuits, comparative genomics and quantitative trait analysis of complex
genetic disease.
Members of this focus group are investigating a wide array of specific diseases. These include
a variety of cancers, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, Rett
syndrome, and mitochondrial diseases. In addition to direct analysis of human disease,
applicable animal models of human disease being developed and studied include those in
nonhuman primates, cats and the mouse.
ACTIVITIES
The HG focus group will:
provide visibility for recruiting students interested in this area,
develop and maintain a webpage focused on the faculty and research programs within the
Human Genetics focus group,
allow coordination of research and training in Human Genetics,
set the specialist curricula as below,
conduct a biweekly journal club/seminar series focused on Animal Genomics,
organize a GGG participatory seminar course offered each years focused on Human
Genetics,
assist in the function and administration of the GGG by providing representatives to serve
on GGG standing committees,
provide the framework for training grants.
ADMINISTRATION
The HGG focus group will be administered by a group leader in consultation with the
whole membership. There will be no standing committees. Administration (recruiting, advising,
etc.) will be through representation on GGG standing committees. Focus group policy will be
decided by the whole membership.
ELECTION OF FOCUS GROUP LEADER
The membership will elect a leader by an e-mail ballot of the whole membership. A
simple majority of those voting will decide the leadership. The leadership will usually be for a
term of three years. A majority vote of the membership can request an earlier election.
Faculty Membership
Membership in GGG and active research in human or mammalian genetic models.
During the first year membership will be open to anyone who wishes to actively participate in
the HGG focus group for the first year. At the end of the first year, the membership will self
assess itself according to the criteria below. Membership will be reviewed every three years
subsequently by the whole membership. A majority of those voting will be required for
continued membership.
CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. Maintenance of an active research program in the area of comparative and/or function plant
genomics as evidenced by:
c) evidence of significant intellectual contributions to the field, for example, an average of at
least two peer-reviewed publications in the area of comparative and/or functional genomics in
each of the previous three years.
d) sufficient funding from competitive sources to support genomics research.
These criteria are suspended for new faculty members that need time to publish and to attract
funding and will not be applied until publications and funding can reasonably be expected.
2. Activity in the HGG focus group as evidenced by:
a) representing the HGG focus group on a GGG standing committee,
b) teaching a GGG core course, an HGFG seminar,
c) teaching a course directly relevant to the C&FPG focus group,
Sustained activity in at least one of these four activities is required unless there are significant
mitigating administrative circumstances (such as being department chair).
Course Requirements
1. GGG core courses
2. 3 Credit Participatory Seminar Series:
3. Upper level Seminar courses (3 required): Students will be encouraged to enroll in at
least one seminar course that focuses on human genetics (e.g. Human Genetics Seminar BCM
291, Molecular Medicine BCM 214).
4. History of Genetics (required)
5. Two additional upper level courses are required.
Students will select from a list of courses approved by the HGG
Currently these include:
ANG 204 Theory of Quantitative Genetics
ANG 208 Estimation of Genetic Parameters
AVS 220/MCB257 Cellular Proliferation of Oncogenes
BCM 222 Mechanisms of Translational Control
EPI 205A Principles of Epidemiology
EVE 210 Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis
EVE 211 Applied Phylogenetics
MCB 255 Molecular Mechanisms of Animal Development
MCB 262 Transgenic Expression Systems
MIC 215 Recombinant DNA
MIC215L Recombinant DNA Laboratory
MIC 263 Principles of Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
PBG 200A, B, C Principles of Population Biology
PBG 203 Advanced Evolution
PGG 200L Animal Cell Culture Laboratory
NPB 131 Genome Biology
TA Responsibilities
Students will be expected to fulfill a single quarter of TA experience that are an integral
part of graduate school education and preparation for a career in academics. To be compatible
with NIH MSTP guidelines, PSTP students are not required but are strongly encouraged to
participate.
Rotations
Students will be strongly encouraged but not absolutely required to participate in 3 to 4
laboratory rotations (GGG205). Rotations can be either 5 or 10 weeks . A written and oral
presentation are required for credit and evaluation. In addition, they will be strongly encouraged
that one of these labs should be of a junior faculty’s (assistant professor) lab.
Qualifying Examinations
The format of the qualifying examinations will be of a single research proposal
describing the proposed thesis project followed by a specific defense of each of the four areas
covered by the core courses.
REVISION OF OPERATING PROCEDURES
These operating procedures may be revised at anytime by a majority vote of the
membership and subject to ratification by the GGG executive committee.
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE GENETICS OF MODEL PLANTS FOCUS
GROUP
OBJECTIVES
The Genetics of Model Plants (GMP) focus group within the Genetics Graduate Group
(GGG) will bring together faculty who are active in this area of research to enhance the training
opportunities in this area.
Genetics of model plants is defined as research that employs genetic approaches utilizing
Arabidopsis thaliana, maize, tomato and other plants as model organisms to answer fundamental
biological questions.
ACTIVITIES
The GMP focus group will:
provide visibility for recruiting students interested in this area,
develop and maintain a webpage focused on the group,
allow coordination of research and training in GMP,
set the specialized curricula as below,
organize a GGG seminar once every two years focused on GMP,
assist in the function and administration of the GGG by providing representatives to serve
on GGG standing committees,
conduct a journal club focused on GMP,
provide the framework for training grants.
ADMINISTRATION
The GMP focus group will be administered by a group leader in consultation with the
whole membership. There will be no standing committees. Administration (recruiting, advising,
etc.) will be through representation on GGG standing committees. Focus group policy will be
decided by the whole membership.
ELECTION OF FOCUS GROUP LEADER
The membership will elect a leader by an e-mail ballot of the whole membership. A
simple majority of those voting will decide the leadership. The leadership will usually be for a
term of three years. A majority vote of the membership can request an earlier election.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone who wishes to actively participate in the GMP focus
group for the first year. At the end of the first year, the membership will self assess itself
according to the criteria below. Membership will be reviewed every three years subsequently by
the whole membership. A majority of those voting will be required for continued membership.
CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP
1) Maintenance of an active research program as evidenced by:
e) significant peer-reviewed publications in the area of genetics of plant model systems
f) adequate funding from competitive sources to support such research.
These criteria will be suspended for new faculty members who will be given reasonable time to
publish and to attract funding to meet the requirement.
2) Activity in the GMP focus group as evidenced by:
a) representing the GMP focus group on a GGG standing committee,
b) teaching a GGG core course or the GMP focus group GGG seminar,
c) teaching a course directly relevant to the GMP focus group,
d) sustained participation in an GMP journal club.
Sustained effort in at least one of these four activities is required unless there are significant
mitigating circumstances (such as being department chair).
STUDENT CURRICULUM
Courses:
All students will take the core courses and other courses required of all GGG students,
including GGG 291 (History of Genetics). There is a requirement for a minimum of 3 courses in
addition to the core. Two courses are to be selected from a list approved by the GMP focus
group (attached) to provide training in the study of model plants, or in topics applicable to the
study of model plants. One course should have a molecular genetic emphasis, and one should
focus on plants as the experiment systems. In some cases, a single course can satisfy both these
requirements. The student is encouraged to consider courses with computational emphases. One
additional graduate level course, designed to encourage diversity in educational experience, is
required. This course should be chosen in consultation with your major professor and academic
adviser, and requires adviser approval. These three courses will be taken for a grade.
Seminars:
Students will also take the GMP focus group sponsored seminar, plus one other seminar
in addition to GGG291. All students will TA a genetics course prior to advancing to candidacy
and will be encouraged to enroll in GGG300.
Rotations:
In-coming students will be strongly encouraged but not absolutely required to rotate
through at least three labs during their first two quarters before deciding on a home lab. In
addition, they will be strongly encouraged that one of these labs should be in a junior faculty’s
(assistant professor) lab.
Qualifying Examinations:
The format of the qualifying examinations will consist of a single research
proposal describing the proposed thesis research followed by an oral examination which will
include each of the four areas covered by the core courses.
REVISION OF OPERATING PROCEDURES
These operating procedures may be revised at anytime by a majority vote of the
membership and subject to ratification by the GGG executive committee.
Genetics of Model Focus Group Restricted Elective Course List
AGR 221 Advanced Plant Breeding Teuber Spring (no 02-03)
ECS 124 Theory and Practice of Bioinformatics Gusfield Spring
EVE 103 Phylogeny and Macroevolution Sanderson Winter
EVE 210 Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis Nadler, Sanderson
EVE 240 Paleobotany and Angiosperm Evolution Doyle Winter (no- 03-04)
Deleted: t
Deleted:
GGG 220/
VCR 220
Genomics & Biotechnology of
Plant Improvement
Michelmore Winter
MIC 215 Recombinant DNA Privalsky Fall
MIC 262 Advanced General and Molecular Virology Bruening, Manning,
Luciw
Spring (no- 02-03)
MIC 263 Principles of Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions Kowalczykowski Spring (no 02-03)
PBI/MCB
126
Plant Biochemistry Abel/Callis Spring
PBG 203 Advanced Evolution Gottlieb Winter (no 02-03)
PBI 208 Plant Hormones & Regulators Abel W-Odd 03
PBI 218A Advanced Concepts in Plant Cell Biology:
Cell Biogenesis
Lucas Winter (even yrs)
PBI 218B Advanced Concepts in Plant Cell Biology:
Transduction
Spring (odd yrs)
PBI 219 Reproductive Biology of Flowering Plants staff F-Odd
PBI 220 Plant Development Biology Bowman/Sinha Spring (odd)
PBI 227 Plant Molecular Biology Sinha, Britt W (No 02-03)
VCR 221 Genomics and Breeding of Vegetable Crops Quiros Spring
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE GENERAL GENETICS FOCUS GROUP
MISSION- The General Genetics Focus Group consists of all faculty in GGG. This focus
group’s mission is to provide a broad training in genetics. The requirements and operating
procedures not outlined here can be found in the GGG bylaws document.
ADMINISTRATION- The chair of the Genetics Graduate Group is the Chair of the General
Genetics Focus Group. Admission to the Genetics Graduate Group in essence means admission
to the General Genetics Graduate Group.
PHD COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1.a. Core Courses
i. GGG 201A, Advanced Genetic Analysis
ii. GGG 201B, Comparative and Functional Genomics
iii. GGG 201C, Molecular Genetics
iv. GGG 201D, Transmission, Population and Quantitative Genetics
b. Seminar Course
i. GGG 291, History of Genetics
2. Additional requirements- to be approved by the academic adviser. These courses must be
taken for a letter grade.
a. Two GGG seminar courses, one a GGG 29X, and an additional seminar course approved by
the adviser
b. Two courses, at least one at the graduate level aim, both to provide depth in the general area
of proposed dissertation research
c. At least one additional graduate level course to encourage diversity in educational
experience.
3. Laboratory Rotation Programs
Rotations are encouraged but not required. Ph.D. students may enter the GGG committed to a
specific faculty member or may enter unassigned and rotate through three or four laboratories
during their first two quarters prior to deciding on a faculty sponsor. If a student enters
uncommitted, then they must enroll in two quarters of GGG205.
4. TA Requirement
Students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one genetics-oriented lecture or
laboratory course prior to advancing to candidacy in order to gain experience in teaching
genetics. A list of appropriate courses that fulfill this requirement will be assembled and
approved by the Advising Committee. The Advising Committee will have the discretion to
approve particular courses for individual students on ad hoc basis.
MS DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
C. Advising:
1. Each Masters student will be assigned to an adviser by the Advising Committee and a Guiding
Committee consisting of the major professor, the graduate advisor, and a third member of the
faculty
2. The academic curriculum and progress of each M.S. student will be followed by a guiding
committee consisting of the major professor, the adviser, and a third member of the faculty
chosen by the student in consultation with their major professor. When a thesis committee is
chosen for a Plan I student, the Guiding Committee will be discontinued.
D. Rotation Programs: M.S. students will not participate in rotation programs.
E. Curriculum
The normative time for a M.S. degree is two years. Students judged by the Advising Committee of
the GGG to be making inadequate progress towards the degree will be recommended to Graduate
Division for suspension from the program. Courses and other components of the program
chosen to fulfill the M.S. requirement must form an integrated plan to meet the individual
student's objectives. This plan will be developed by the Guiding Committee. Course work will
include the following:
Plan I: Thesis Option
Course work
a) requirements:
At least 30 quarter units in residence at UC
Davis. At least 12 of the 30 units must be in
graduate level courses.
Graduate Studies
b) GGG requirements:
1) Core courses: GGG201A
Advanced Genetic Analysis
and at least two of:
GGG201B Comparative and Functional
Genomics,
GGG201C Molecular Genetics
GGG201D Transmission, Population and
Quantitative Genetics
All core courses must be completed with a
grade B or better.
2) Group seminar (GGG292, 293, 295 or 297),
including one of the following:
Developmental Genetics
Cytogenetics
Quantitative Genetics
Population, Evolutionary and Ecological
Genetics
Animal Genetics
Molecular Genetics
Plant Genetics
3) Other courses: At least 18 of the 30 unit
requirement must be fulfilled by courses (no
299 units); 15 units must be in genetics-related
courses.
c) Focus Group requirements:
At present there are no specific Focus Group
Plan II: Course Option
Course work
a) Graduate Studies requirements:
At least 36 quarter units in residence at UC
Davis. At least 18 of the 36 units must be in
graduate level courses.
b) GGG requirements:
4. Core courses: GGG201A Advanced
Genetic Analysis
5.
and at least two of:
GGG201B Comparative and Functional
Genomics,
GGG201C Molecular Genetics
GGG201D Transmission, Population and
Quantitative Genetics
All core courses must be completed with a
grade B or better.
2) Group seminar (GGG292, 293, 295 or 297),
including one of the following:
Developmental Genetics
Cytogenetics
Quantitative Genetics
Population, Evolutionary and Ecological
Genetics
Animal Genetics
Molecular Genetics
Plant Genetics
3) Other courses: At least 27 of the 36 unit
requirement must be fulfilled by courses (no
299 units); 21 units must be in genetics-related
courses.
4) 299 (Research): At least 6 units of either
Group study (GGG298) or research (GGG299)
are required. A written report of 10 pages or
longer following the style of either a review or
research paper in a scientific journal in the
field must be submitted to and approved by the
examining committee.
c) Focus Group requirements:
At present there are no specific Focus Group
Masters Thesis
The thesis committee is appointed after the
student submits an application for candidacy
to the M.S. degree, no later than the third
quarter in residence. It consists of a Chair,
who is the major professor of the candidate,
and two additional members, one of whom
must also be a member of the GGG.
Suggestions for the membership of the
committee may be made by the guiding
committee, but the Advising Committee of the
GGG will have final responsibility for
appointing the committee. The thesis
committee will meet with the candidate to
follow the progress of the thesis research as
needed.
After providing each member of the
committee with a copy of the thesis at least
two weeks in advance, the candidate will
defend the thesis at a meeting of the thesis
committee. After the thesis is approved and
filed with the Graduate Division, a signed
copy must be sent to the GGG office.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination committee is
appointed after the student submits an
application for candidacy to the M.S. degree,
no later than the third quarter in residence. It
consists of a Chair (who must be a member of
the GGG) and two additional members, one of
whom must also be member of the GGG.
Suggestions for the membership of the
examination committee may be made by the
guiding committee, but the Advising
Committee of the GGG will have final
responsibility for selecting the committee.
The comprehensive examination will cover
those areas of General Genetics included in
the course work completed by the student. The
Chair of the comprehensive examination
committee for Plan II students shall report the
results of the examination to the GGG office
and to the Dean of the Graduate Division.
In addition to the comprehensive examination,
Plan II students will submit a 10 page
scientific paper for approval by the examining
committee. The subject of the paper will be
by mutual agreement of the Chair of the
examining committee and the student.
PhD. Requirements- Requirements for a Ph.D. include successful completion of a Qualifying
Examination, dissertation research, and completion of a written Ph.D. dissertation.
1. The procedure for the Qualifying Examination is detailed here.
The chair of the Qualifying Examination Committee, in consultation with the student, will set the
exact date and location of the examination and provide the other members of the committee with
this information. It is the responsibility of the chair to ensure that the Graduate Division's
regulations regarding qualifying examinations are followed. When possible, the Chair will
belong to the same Focus group as the student. The role of the Chair is to 1) assure a fair
examination of the student; 2) ensure a broad examination of the major areas of genetics
(particularly if the exam is also serving as the Comprehensive Exam for a Masters degree, see
below); 3) approve the topic of the alternate proposal if required by the Focus Group.
It is the responsibility of the major professor to ensure that the student is well prepared for
examination on both the proposal and the breadth of genetics.
The Qualifying Examination Committee will conduct an oral examination to evaluate the
student's knowledge of general genetics and ability to defend one or more research proposals.
The aim of the examination is 1) to determine whether the student has a broad knowledge of
genetics at a level sufficient to teach undergraduate genetics and to be able to explain genetics to
the lay public, 2) to determine whether the student understands the scientific method, particularly
in the context of genetics, 3) whether the student reviewed the literature and has the background
and knowledge to apply the scientific method specifically to the proposed dissertation project
and 4) whether the proposed dissertation project is likely to result in a significant contribution to
genetic knowledge and the timely graduation of the student.
The chair will report the decision of the committee to the Graduate Dean, and notify the student's
graduate adviser of the outcome of the examination through the GGG Administrative Assistant.
Format of Qualifying Examination
There will be a standard format for the qualifying examination for students in all Focus Groups
as specified below. Focus Groups may request a variance from the standard format. Such
variances must be reviewed by the Ed Policy Committee and approved by the Executive
Committee.
The Qualifying Examination Committee will administer the oral examination at some time after
April 30 in the Spring Quarter of the second year of enrollment and before March 1 in the Winter
Quarter of the third year of enrollment to determine if the student is qualified for advancement to
candidacy for the Ph.D. degree based on the criteria listed in C2b above. If circumstances are
such that the qualifying examination cannot be taken before March 1 in the third year, the
student must submit a written request with justification for a delay and proposed examination
date to the Advising Committee. It is the responsibility of the student and major professor to
ensure that the qualifying exam is taken in a timely fashion.
The examination shall include the following:
a. Presentation and defense of a written research proposal covering the proposed
dissertation research. This will be submitted to committee members not less than two weeks
prior to the date of the examination. The proposal should reflect the goal of dissertation projects
to provide a substantial and original contribution to the field of genetics. The format should be
that of a Federal grant proposal and should be no more than five pages long.
b. Oral examination covering the breadth of genetics as reflected by the subject matter of the core
courses
c. A Focus Group may require an additional research proposal, written on a subject area distinct
from the dissertation proposal, to be submitted two weeks prior to the examination and defended
at the oral examination. Alternatively, Focus Groups may require the defense of an area of
genetics distinct from the subject of the dissertation proposal.
2. Dissertation Committee
After advancement to candidacy the Dissertation Committee shall be appointed by the Dean of
the Graduate Division on recommendation of the adviser, after consultation with the major
professor and the student. Changes in membership of Dissertation Committees are made by the
appointment of a new committee and must be approved by the Graduate Division.
The major professor will serve as the chair of the committee. There will be two additional
members of the Dissertation Committee
The committee shall be appointed as soon as possible after the student has passed the qualifying
examination.
The Dissertation Committee shall normally include at least two members of the Graduate Group
in Genetics. The third member may have specialist knowledge pertinent to the research area and
does not necessarily have to be a member of the GGG.
The Dissertion Committee will provide the student with intellectual and technical advice on the
research project so as to allow the student to complete the research for the Ph.D in a timely
manner. It should be comprised of faculty that are capable of providing such specialized advice.
The major professor will call for a meeting of the Dissertation Committee no more than six
months after its appointment to review the status of the student's research.
Additional meetings should be held once each year and may be held more frequently at the
request of the major professor, other members of the committee, or the student. A thesis
committee report signed by all members of the thesis committee must be completed annually for
the student to be considered as making adequeate progress towards completion of their degree.
Students are encouraged to consult with all members of the committee with respect to his/her
research.
The major professor, if absent for more than two months, should so inform the student’s adviser,
and recommend a substitute to serve in his/her absence. If absent beyond the completion of the
student's research, the major professor, in consultation with the adviser, the other members of the
committee, and the student, should make all necessary arrangements for completion of the
research and review of the dissertation.
The committee shall evaluate the merits of the dissertation. The dissertation will be judged as
satisfactory on three criteria: 1) The demonstration of an in depth understanding of the specific
area of research. 2) The demonstration of the application of the scientific method in a genetic
context. 3) The generation and interpretation of data that represent significant and novel
contributions to knowledge.
3. Format and presentation of Dissertation
Students will submit a dissertation based upon original research completed as a graduate student
to their Dissertation Committee for approval at least four weeks before the student wishes to
submit the approved thesis to the Graduate Division. The committee should review the thesis
within four weeks of receipt and provide the students with written comments. Prior to final
approval the Dissertation Committee should meet with the student and reach a consensus
regarding the thesis based on the criteria listed above in section IID2f.
At some time during their final six months, and before the dissertation can be signed, students
must present their dissertation research in a public seminar which shall be advertised to the
membership of the GGG.
Draft January 24, 2005; modified April 14, 2005 with comments of the GGG Exec;
approved by GGG Exec May 17, 2005
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR
THE PLANT BREEDING & BIODIVERSITY FOCUS GROUP
OBJECTIVES
The Plant Breeding & Biodiversity (PB&B) focus group within the Genetics Graduate
Group (GGG) will bring together faculty who are active in plant breeding and biodiversity
research to enhance the training opportunities for interested graduate students.
Plant Breeding is defined broadly as the application of genetics principles to plant
improvement for human-designated use. Research in plant breeding may involve primarily
classical breeding and genetics methodologies, or integrate them with modern molecular and
genomic techniques, to accomplish crop improvement and/or further the utilization and
development of germplasm resources. Research interests by members of this focus group span
topic areas such as varietal development, germplasm resource development and maintenance,
genetic/germplasm diversity, breeding methodology development, quantitative and qualitative
trait inheritance and expression, linkage and QTL mapping, marker-assisted selection,
bioinformatics, and gene introgression from wild species through sexual or transgenic means.
The study of Biodiversity seeks to understand the evolutionary causes of patterns of
genetic diversity. In turn, this information allows us to better maintain existing diversity, protect
threatened populations or species, and utilize it for the purpose of Plant Breeding. Biodiversity
studies have benefited significantly from the analysis of DNA and protein sequences to
understand past demographic events (such as episodes of sharp increases or decreases in
population size), ecological occurrences (such as episodes of selection), the molecular basis of
phenotypic variation, and particularly adaptation.
ACTIVITIES
The PB&B focus group will:
provide visibility for recruiting students interested in this area,
develop and maintain a web page focused on the group with links to lab home pages,
facilitate and coordinate training in PB&B,
set the specialist curricula as described below (and to be developed),
organize and facilitate a GGG student-participatory seminar once every two years
focused on PB&B,
organize a GGG invited speaker seminar once every two years focused on PB&B,
assist in the function and administration of the GGG by providing representatives to serve
on GGG standing committees,
conduct a monthly journal club focused on PB&B,
provide a framework for training grants.
ADMINISTRATION
The PB&B focus group will be administered by a group leader in consultation with the
focus groups members. Recruiting, advising, curriculum development, etc. for this focus group
will be the responsibility of designated focus group members, and these efforts will be
coordinated with GGG standing committees. Focus group policy will be decided by the focus
group members. Regular meetings of the focus group will be the responsibility of the group
leader.
ELECTION OF FOCUS GROUP LEADER
The focus group members will elect a Leader and by an e-mail ballot, and a simple
majority of those voting will decide the leadership. The Leader will usually serve a term of at
least two years. Service as Leader will rotate among all group members. A majority vote of the
membership can request an earlier election.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone who wishes to actively participate in the PB&B focus
group for the first year. The membership will self assess itself according to the criteria below at
the end of the first year. Thereafter, membership will be reviewed every three years by all focus
group members. A majority of the votes cast by the other group members will be required for
continued membership.
CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP
1) Maintenance of an active research program in the area of plant breeding and biodiversity as
evidenced by:
g) research activity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications (including varietal or
germplasm releases) in the area of plant breeding and biodiversity.
h) adequate funding resources to support graduate students and to maintain a PB&B-related
research program.
2) Sustained activity in the PB&B focus group, as evidenced by active and regular participation
in at least one of the following:
a) representing the PB&B focus group on a GGG standing committee,
b) teaching or co-teaching a GGG core course or the PB&B focus group GGG seminar,
c) teaching a course directly relevant to the PB&B focus group curriculum,
d) serving the PB&B focus group as the leader or by conducting activities such as curriculum
development, journal club, student recruitment, student advising, etc.
STUDENT CURRICULUM
Courses:
All students will take the core courses and other courses required of all GGG students. In
addition, students will take at least two courses from the list A for specialization and at least one
course from list B to provide a depth of education in PB&B. These courses will be taken for a
grade. Students will also take the PB&B focus group-sponsored seminar, plus one other, in
addition to GGG291. All students will be required to TA a genetics or plant breeding-related
course and will be encouraged to enroll in GGG300 prior to advancing to candidacy.
Rotations:
In-coming students will be introduced to the breath of research of PB&B members by lab
rotations and PB&B faculty research presentations during fall quarter. In-coming students will
be required to rotate through at least two labs during their first two quarters to expose new
students to the research of PB&B members. Rotations will be coordinated by the focus group.
Qualifying Examinations:
The format of the qualifying examinations will be of a single research proposal plus a
specific defense of each of the four areas covered by the core courses with a particular emphasis
on breeding. At least one member of the exam committee will be from the PB&B focus group.
The research proposal will focus on, or be directly relevant related to, plant breeding, genetics,
and biodiversity analysis.
REVISION OF OPERATING PROCEDURES:
These operating procedures may be revised at anytime by a majority vote of the
membership and subject to ratification by the GGG executive committee.
ORIGINATING FACULTY
Paul Gepts
Dina St. Clair
David Neale
Jorge Dubcovsky
Course list for Plant Breeding and Biodiversity focus group: List A: depth; List B: breadth
Substitution of a course of the course list can be made with approval of the guiding committee.
List Number Title Instructor Units Quarter
Statistics & Bioinformatics
A AGR205 Experimental design
& analysis
Dubcovsky 4 Winter, every
year
A AGR206 Multivariate
systems & modeling
Laca 4 Spring, every
year
Biodiversity
A ECL207 Plant population
biology
Rice 3 Winter, alternate
year
B ECL216 Ecology and
agriculture
Jackson 3 Fall, every year
B ECL222 Human ecology of
agriculture
Brush 4 Fall, alternate
years
B EVE210 Molecular
phylogenetic
analysis
Nadler, Sanderson 3 Spring, alternate
years
B EVE211 Applied
phylogenetics
Sanderson, Shagger,
Wainwright
3 Spring, every
year
Population and quantitative genetics
A EVE102 Population and
quantitative genetics
Langley 4 Check with
instructor
Breeding
A PLB154 Introduction to plant
breeding
St. Clair 4 Winter, every
year
A GGG220 Genomics &
biotechnology of
plant improvement
Michelmore 3 Winter, alternate
years
A AGR221 Advanced plant
breeding
Teuber 4 Spring, alternate
year
Plant molecular biology, development, and physiology
List Number Title Instructor Units Quarter
B PBI210 Plant ecophysiology Pearcy 3 Winter, alternate
years
B PBI220 Plant developmental
biology
Bowman, Sinha 4 Alternate years
B PBI227 Plant molecular
biology
Britt, Sinha 4 Winter, alternate
years
B PBI229 Molecular biology
of plant
reproduction
O’Neill 3 Alternate years
B SSC208 Soil-plant
interrelationships
Richards 3 Winter, alternate
years
Plant pathology
B PLP210 Biochemistry and
molecular biology
of plant-microbe
interactions
Gilchrist, Bostock 4 Fall, alternate
years
B PLP215
X
Genetics and
molecular biology
of plant pathogens
X 4 Winter, alternate
years
Entomology
B ENT123 Plant-Virus-Vector
Interactions
Lucas, Gilbertson,
Ullman
3 Fall, alternate
years