Graduate training in genetics emphasizes study and research leading to a PhD degree in genetics. The goal of the genetics graduate training program is to train the next generation of professional geneticists. This includes selecting the most promising university graduates for admission to the program and training those students in the methods and logic of genetic analysis. Such analyses are increasingly important in contemporary biological and biomedical research.<br><br>Genetics PhD students choose one of the mentoring faculty as the graduate thesis advisor and mentor. Genetics graduate students spend time during the first semester of graduate school rotating in the laboratories of three or four faculty mentors, selected by the student. Following rotations, a graduate thesis advisor is chosen by mutual consent of both student and mentor. Students are expected to acquire a broad and fundamental knowledge of genetics during their coursework, after which they conduct independent scholarly research based on individual interests and under the guidance and mentoring of the thesis advisor. Formal coursework requirements are modest, and independent study that includes original research is of paramount importance in the program. Students choose an individualized thesis advisory committee that approves formal coursework and provides scientific and career development advice throughout a student's graduate career.