Author: Kat Mitchel

If one is interested in studying genetics at Duke University there are two options for graduate programs.  The two options are the department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (MGM) and the University Program in Genetics and Genomics (UPGG).  MGM focuses in four major areas: 1. Experimental genetics, 2. Microbial Pathogenesis, 3. Virology and 4. RNA biology.  Each of these areas has their own center, which organizes seminars featuring researchers on the cutting edge of their respective field.  UPGG focuses on both experimental genetics and genomics in model systems and humans.  One could say that UPGG could be contained within MGM since the experimental genetics going on within MGM also includes human genetics.  The major difference between MGM and UPGG from the students’ perspective is therefore the breadth of the research within each program and the nature of the graduate program.

The depth of research in MGM is a benefit to the students in that they are exposed to many exciting topics and can choose from labs working in Chlamydia pathogenesis to molecular chemosensation.  In the first year, MGM students will complete four rotations of about 10 weeks each.  This allows for exploration of many different topics.  Students can even rotate outside the department as well, if they find a faculty member of interest who is not affiliated with MGM.  However, students are heavily encouraged to rotate with the MGM primary faculty.

However, UPGG suffers from no lack of breadth.  With 92 faculty in various departments, students in UPGG can explore many areas of genetics and genomics.  UPGG also has a close link to the Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, which is an interdisciplinary institute focusing on genomics.  UPGG is also an access point for students to the Center for Human Genetics (CHG).  Many professors doing translational research in humans are located in the CHG and are not affiliated with MGM.  Since UPGG is not a department, the program has no bias against joining labs of many different departments.  UPGG students must complete three rotations during their first year.

From an administrative perspective these two programs differ greatly.  MGM is a department within the Medical Center and UPGG is a degree-granting umbrella program within the Graduate School and Medical Center.  MGM has faculty, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students while UPGG is a graduate program only.  From the students’ perspective, the graduate-only program is beneficial because the students are of the highest priority.  The students select the speakers for their Distinguished Lecturer seminar series.  The students organize the yearly retreat and other social events.  The students also participate in a student-only seminar series on Friday afternoons.

Both programs are degree granting and many MGM faculty are part of both programs and have students from both.  Both programs only offer PhDs (though a terminal masters can be granted to a student who can not finish in certain instances).  The funding for the students comes from different sources for the first two years at Duke.  After two years, both MGM and UPGG students are paid by their respective advisors.  Irregardless of the funding source, every student will receive the same stipend amount.

Genetics at Duke is a very exciting area and offers many great opportunities for students.  One of these two programs should be able to fulfill the needs of every student with an interest in studying genetics.

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