Frequently asked questions of the Human Medical Genetics Program at UCD
What are the first year of classes like?
The basic science graduate training programs at UCD recently adopted
a core curriculum which provides a broad overview of molecular biology,
biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology. This structure was implemented
to ensure that each graduate student has a strong general biological foundation
on which to build as they conduct their thesis research. While the curriculum
is challenging, most students successfully pass the preliminary exam required
at the end of the first year.
What is the attitude of professors?
Most faculty are extremely friendly and approachable. It’s clear
that their main goal is to help you learn how to think about science,
not simply memorize facts. They enjoy their work, and it shows in their
attitude toward students.
Is the annual stipend enough to live comfortably?
Definitely. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at about $550 a month.
How’s the weather?
Great. It’s not as cold and snowy in the winter as some news stories
would lead you to believe. There’s lots of snow in the mountains
(great if you ski), but it usually doesn’t hit the city. When it
does, it melts quickly. Summer is wonderful; pretty warm in July and August,
but very low humidity. And, of course, there are the mountains to play
in.
Should I be concerned that the Program is new?
While the Program itself is relatively new, the Health Sciences Center
is not, and many of our Program faculty have been training graduate students
as part of other programs for years. In addition, it’s exciting to
be a part of something new. As a student, you’ll have the chance
to provide more input on how the Program develops, and learn about important
aspects of building and maintaining a successful program.