NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Developmental Genetics PhD Training Program offers students a broad yet integrated curriculum in comparative developmental biology, genetics, and molecular biology. Our program equips students to synthesize information gleaned from an array of developmental systems and apply it to their current and future research.

As a student, you participate in a curriculum that consists of the following:

• core courses
• special two-term course in developmental genetics
• upper-level genetics course
• laboratory rotations
• seminars
• student research symposia
• journal clubs
• thesis-related research

The curriculum includes training in general concepts of developmental biology and the techniques and modes of inquiry of modern developmental genetics.

Students must fulfill the general requirements of the Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences or NYU Department of Biology and the specific requirements of the Developmental Genetics PhD Training Program.

Specific Requirements for Developmental Genetics Students

In the first year, you complete laboratory rotations and start coursework. In the second year, you finish your coursework and select a training program. Preliminary exams are taken at the end of your second year.

Coursework for the developmental genetics program includes Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences required courses and Developmental Genetics PhD Training Program specific courses, including the following:

Developmental and Stem Cell Systems I (DSCS I)
Developmental and Stem Cell Systems II (DSCS II)
Genetics
Tutorial in Developmental Genetics
Seminar in Developmental Genetics

Topics in Molecular Biology is required on a case-by-case basis.

Selected elective courses for Developmental Genetics PhD Training Program students include the following:

Cell Biology
Introduction to Molecular Genetics
Developmental Neurobiology

For more information, view our PhD course catalog.

Students in the Developmental Genetics PhD Training Program often take a one-semester course in molecular genetics through NYU’s Department of Biology or advanced eukaryotic genetics through NYU Grossman School of Medicine. These courses give you in-depth familiarity with questions and methods of classical genetics, genomics, and gene technology in various model organisms and humans.

Current students can download forms for the qualifying exam, committee meeting reports, and important information on thesis defenses and graduation by logging into our student community with their Kerberos ID.