The Genetics Graduate Program offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees to students doing research in the field of genetics. One of the first interdisciplinary programs at UBC, the Genetics Graduate Program began over 40 years ago, initiated by a few geneticists scattered across campus who desired a common forum for scholarly exchange and training. There are now over 100 faculty and students, from the Faculties of Medicine,Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Botany, Forest Genetics, Medical Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, Plant Science, Pathology, Animal Science, and Zoology associated with the Genetics Graduate Program. Faculty members teach and supervise graduate student research. The Genetics Program continues to serve a vital role in connecting geneticists at UBC through its electronic newsletter, annual research day, and weekly Genetics Program Seminar Series. This role has become even more important in recent years with the proliferation of Research Centres and Institutes at the Point Grey, Shaughnessy and VGH campuses. The seminar series serves to inform the university community of advances in modern genetics through presentations by internationally renowned invited speakers, faculty in the program, and students completing their degrees.