The Genes & Development (G&D) Program at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is a Ph.D. program for students seeking advanced training in developmental biology, genetics, cancer biology, structural biology, chromatin and gene regulation.

The program provides an outstanding environment for students pursuing biomedical research careers in academia and biotechnology – from cutting edge research and first-rate facilities, to courses and Program activities that foster faculty-student interactions and collaborations in an intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Our graduate students carry out their research on diverse biochemical and developmental systems, including mice, worms, frogs, sea urchins, fruit flies, bats, yeast and human cells.

The G&D Program is part of the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston (UT-GSBS), and is located in the heart of the world’s largest center for biomedical research and education – the Texas Medical Center. Most of our faculty have their primary appointments in the Department of Molecular Genetics or the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at M. D. Anderson, ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the nation’s #1 Cancer Center.

Requirements for the Ph.D. degree include a broad knowledge of gene regulation, biochemistry, molecular biology and developmental biology. These are acquired through coursework, three laboratory rotations during the first year, a dissertation research project and participation in research seminars and journal clubs.

Molecular

• GS030024 Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology OR GS030014 Metabolic Biochemistry

Systems

• GS040203 Experimental Genetics

Quantitative

Any course that satisfies the GSBS quantitative area course requirement;

• GS030102 Current Methods in Biochemistry OR GS010014 Biostatistics are recommended.

Other

• GS040123 Eukaryotic Gene Expression

AND EITHER

• GS040073 Developmental Biology OR GS040133 Cancer Cell Signaling

Note: This Program has modified GSBS area course requirements that are satisfied by the above courses.

ELECTIVES

In addition, formal courses from the following list will be recommended to students based on their individual needs.

• GS000620 Literature Survey
• GS040621 Current Techniques in Molecular and Developmental Biology
• GS040013 Cell Biology
• GS040782 Topics in Extracellular Matrix
• GS110013 Molecular and Cellular Approaches to Human Genetics
• GS120072 Developmental Anatomy

Students are also required to participate in the following courses or any equivalent course or departmental activity requiring student presentation no fewer than five times before graduation. Suggestions include:

• GS040731 Seminar in Developmental Biology
• GS040801 Current Topics in Genes and Development
• GS110631 Current Topics in Human and Molecular Genetics
• GS040721 Seminar in Tumor Suppressor Genes
• GS040761 Current Topics in Oncogene Research
• GS040771 Current Topics in Tumor Progression
• GS040791 Topics in Programmed Cell Death

The rotations expose students to a variety of experimental approaches and help them select their research advisor. Most coursework is completed during the first two years of study. Students advance to Ph.D. candidacy after satisfactorily completing a written and oral candidacy exam by the first semester of their third year. After advancing to candidacy, students concentrate on completing their dissertation research.

The Program sponsors numerous activities that foster a highly collaborative environment and support our commitment to educate and train graduate students for successful careers in academics, biotechnology and other biomedical fields. Through these activities, G&D students work together with classmates and faculty to develop their experimental, reasoning and communications abilities.

Program activities include:

• Weekly research seminars and journal clubs where students present their research project or discuss recent advances described in the current literature.
• Weekly Blaffer Lecture Series with invited, internationally prominent scientists who meet with G&D graduate students over lunch.
• Our annual spring weekend retreat where faculty and students discuss their research and enjoy time together at a Texas resort.
• Ice cream socials and other events that bring G&D faculty and students together for a mix of scientific and social activities.

All G&D students are fully supported throughout their training with graduate stipends or fellowships that cover living costs, tuition, required fees and health benefits. The program also offers annual competitive awards for outstanding research projects and supports student travel to scientific meetings. Visit the GSBS Financial Assistance web page for 2003-2004 stipend levels and other information about fellowships and scholarships.

Our research facilities and resources are first rate and in 2004 we will be moving into the brand new, state-of-the-art George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building. The new building will also house UT-GSBS administrative offices and classrooms.

We have excellent libraries and computer services, and facilities for protein and nucleic acid sequencing and synthesis, electron and confocal microscopy, and the generation of transgenic animals.

In addition, our close physical proximity to neighboring institutions in the Texas Medical Center fosters collaborations with colleagues at Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Rice University and Texas A&M’s Institute of Biosciences and Technology.

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