 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dept of Molecular Genetics |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|||||
 |
|||||
|
Entering students take a set of Core Courses as well as Laboratory Rotations in the first year of study. The courses provide the core information required for undertaking research in Molecular Genetics, while the lab rotations provide a chance to sample first-hand the types of research being conducted in the Program. The Graduate Studies Committee serves as academic advisor to the incoming students. Both the course work and lab rotations are designed to allow students a chance to experience the "big picture" in the field of Molecular Genetics, as well as supplying the facts needed to make an informed decision for the choice of thesis research advisor. By the end of the first year, incoming students will select a thesis research advisor in whose lab a thesis research project will be conducted. In the second year, one additional elective course is required, and is selected in consultation with the individual thesis research advisor. However, the major emphasis for the students is now on actively pursuing research projects in the lab. During the second year, students also form thesis advisory committees. These committees are composed of the major advisor and at least three additional faculty members who serve to guide the student through this part of the training program. By Spring Quarter of their third year, the students take the Candidacy Examination. This examination is composed of both written and oral portions. After passing this examination, the student is officially considered a PhD candidate. Also beginning in the third year, students make a formal presentation on their research project progress. Learning how to present a formal research talk constitutes a critical portion of graduate training. These talks are presented once a year. In years 4 and 5, these talks are given on a single day in the context of the annual Scott Falkenthal Memorial Graduate Student Colloquium. This Colloquium serves to draw together the entire faculty and graduate student population, providing a forum for the exchange of data and ideas. Because of the nature of scientific research, the exact time required to complete the entire Graduate Program is variable, but on average it takes five to six years. |
|||||