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Systems Biology & Physiology |
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The Academic ProgramThe program is structured around some common requirements, but because students have varying academic backgrounds, research experience, and career goals, there are a range of options that your advisors will help you choose. Some of those options involve special course selections, and others involve partnering with researchers around campus, or in research companies and governmental agencies. The first year is dedicated to laying a foundation of formal classroom instruction and introductory lab experiences. The second year provides advanced coursework and exams, and more time for research. In years three and after the focus is on research, publication and attending scientific meetings.Year 1
During the first year of the graduate program the student will rotate through 2-3 labs, staying approximately 10 weeks with the primary goal of selecting a thesis research advisor, but also to be exposed to different research areas and techniques. The student should select an advisor as soon as possible but at least by the end of their 1st year summer quarter. During the first year of the graduate program, the majority of the student's time is spent in coursework. Introduction to Research and lab rotations provide limited involvement in basic research to first year students. During the summer/fall quarter of year 1, faculty members are invited to discuss their research, describing methodologies utilized in their labs. After these presentation sessions students will select 2-3 labs through which he/she would like to rotated during the autumn and winter quarters. Students should spend a minimum of 4-6 hours per week in the lab to gain direct exposure to basic laboratory principles and procedures, as well the primary goal of selecting a thesis research. Students will be graded (pass/fail) for 1 credit hour of research of each lab rotation. Year 2
During the second year you will initiate thesis research and take elective courses to complete your course requirements. Electives will be decided between the student and their advisor. Attendance at the Wednesday afternoon seminars, the related journal clubs, and the meetings scheduled with outside seminar speakers is required of all. Year 3,4,5
During the summer quarter of year three the student will prepare for and take their qualifying exam, demonstrating their preparedness to pursue of the Ph.D. degree. After successfully passing the exam the student will form a dissertation committee. This committee approves the dissertation proposal and the student will then submit a formal application to Graduate School for admission to Doctoral Candidacy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||