Plant Genome Sciences

Plant Genome Sciences Program

Program Overview

The Plant Genome Sciences Program is a graduate-level training program that unites the diverse fields of biological and synergistic disciplines such as structural biology, bioinformatics, computer sciences, statistics and ethics. The program will initiate with a course entitled “Introduction to Plant Genomics” which will survey the allied disciplines within genomics with a special focus on plants. Students will also take courses in subjects essential for studying plant genomics such as genetics and molecular biology. This diverse training base is designed to complement the cutting-edge research experience participants will gain by working in the labs of the eight faculty who use techniques of genomics and bioinformatics to study various aspects of Arabidopsis biology including meiosis, chromosome evolution, gene expression, bioinformatics, signal transduction, development, and plant-pathogen interactions.

Courses In the first two semesters, students will be encouraged to take up to three courses per semester. The recommended courses will include Introduction to Plant Genomics that will examine the foundations of genome sciences, its current applications, its interconnectivity with non-biological analytical disciplines and its impact on the profession of science and society at large. This will be complemented with one or two courses each semester from the UNC Genetics curriculum, GNET 110, 111, 112 and 113. These courses emphasize fundamental principles of molecular biology and genetics providing a strong background for genome analysis. In addition, students may choose additional lecture or seminar courses in related subjects including plant biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer sciences, structural biology, or bioethics.

Student Research Presentations Students in the program will gain experience in sharing and critiquing scientific data by presenting their own research in a dedicated plant genome seminar series. Students in the program will present one seminar per year on their ongoing research. First year students will report on the results of one rotation project and upper level students will report on the progress of their research.

Seminar in Genomics Students will be exposed to seminars from leaders in the field through participation in the ongoing Seminars in Genomics program at UNC, offered through the Carolina Center for Genome Sciences. Students are encouraged to invite and host at least one speaker per year for the program.

Training in Teaching Because the ability to communicate is essential to successful advancement in any scientific discipline, developing teaching skills is as important to graduate studies as developing research skills. All students will be required to TA for at least one graduate or undergraduate course offered in the Biology Department in their second or third year. Students will also be offered the opportunity to mentor an undergraduate biology student during their thesis work.

Research Program The heart of the program focuses on research. Students will do the majority of their thesis work in the laboratory of one of the eight plant biology faculty in the Department of Biology at UNC-CH. At the end of the first year students will chose a lab for their thesis project and select a thesis committee composed of 5 faculty including the student’s mentor, and at least one member from outside of the Plant Genome Sciences Program. In the second year students are required to take their qualifying exam and in the third year present a thesis proposal defense. The research phase of the program culminates in a written doctoral thesis which the student defends and a PhD in Biology.

Admission
To apply to the Plant Genome Sciences Program follow the Department of Biology application process.