GUIDE FOR GRADUATE STUDY IN THE

GENETICS PROGRAM

AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Updated Summer 2006

I. Program Overview.. 5

A. Introduction. 5

B. Overview of Genetics PhD Program Requirements. 5

C. Time Line For Graduate Studies in the PhD Program.. 6

1. Typical First Year 6

2. Typical Second Year 6

3. Typical Third Year 7

4. Typical Fourth And Fifth Years. 7

5. Typical Timeline for Graduate Studies in the Genetics PhD Program.. 8

II. Description of the PhD Program of Study. 9

A. Course work. 9

1. Course Credit Requirements. 9

2. Course and Research Credit Load per Semester 10

3. Required and Elective Courses. 10

4. Genetics 800 Courses. 11

B. PhD Research. 11

1. Laboratory Rotations. 11

2. Selecting a Graduate Dissertation Research Topic. 13

3. Major Professor 13

4. Guidance Committee. 15

5. Comprehensive Examinations. 16

6. Dissertation and Abstract 23

C. Teaching Experience. 25

1. Teaching Requirement 25

2. Optional Certification in College Teaching. 25

III. Description of M. S. Program in Genetics. 28

A. Introduction. 28

B. Overview of Requirements for the M. S. Degree in Genetics. 28

C. Detailed Course Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Genetics. 29

IV. Supplemental Activities for PhD and M. S. Students in Genetics. 31

1. Genetics Program Symposium.. 31

2. Genetics Retreat 31

3. Genetics Research Forum.. 31

4. Dissertations, Seminars, Workshops And Journal Clubs. 31

5. Career Day. 31

6. Participation in National Meetings. 31

7. Grant Writing Workshops. 31

V. Application for Graduation and Final Certification. 32

VI. Financial Aid. 33

A. Stipends For Graduate Assistants. 33

B. Office Of Financial Aid. 33

VII. Genetics Program Policies. 35

A. Admission. 35

1. General Policy. 35

2. Applicants Whose Native Language Is Not English. 36

3. Readmission. 36

B. Registration Procedures. 36

C. Academic Files. 36

D. Work Hours and Vacation Time. 36

E. Mail 37

F. Electronic Mail 37

G. Telephone. 37

H. Genetics Program Committees. 37

1. Genetics Program Executive Committee. 37

2. Graduate Admissions Committee. 37

VIII. University Policies. 38

A. Academic Policies. 38

1. Academic Standards. 38

2. Ethical Standards. 39

3. Time Limits. 39

4. Research Involving Human or Animal Subjects or Hazardous Substances. 40

5. Residence. 41

6. Transfer Credits. 41

7. Graduate Assistant Illness/Injury/Pregnancy Leave Policy. 41

8. Work In Absentia. 41

9. Language Requirement 41