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Research RotationsCredits (3 credits, Fall; 1 credit, Spring; 1 credit and Summer; 1 credit) Laboratory research is a major component of our PhD program. Research rotations should be considered an invaluable resource for learning broad-based skills at the bench as well as an opportunity to focus your scientific interests. Prior to choosing a laboratory, you should speak with your first-year mentor and examine the list of faculty who are interested in having a student in their laboratory by checking faculty list provided to you in orientation. The Program Director and First Year Mentors (see Career Development) supervise the selection of laboratory research rotations. You are expected to complete three (3) research rotations during the first year. At the end of each rotation, you are required to complete a written report that is prepared in the style of a scientific paper [Guidelines on how to write a laboratory rotation report are provided in orientation and are available here]. It is recognized that some rotation projects emphasize concepts and techniques rather than generating large volumes of data. Thus considerable flexibility in the style and content of the report is possible. The main goal is to generate a written, scholarly account of the scientific principles, questions, and activities undertaken during the rotation period. It is therefore expected as part of this exercise that rotation advisors will read, comment upon, and discuss changes to the rotation report with the student. When the written report is complete, the rotation supervisor will review the performance of the student and assign a letter grade for the rotation on the evaluation form provided by the administrators of the Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology Graduate Program. It is required that the three rotations will be performed in three different laboratories headed by training faculty of the Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology Graduate Program. This will provide students with an opportunity to identify an area of research interest, to establish a relationship with a potential dissertation advisor, and to learn various laboratory techniques. It is possible for students to take a fourth rotation if necessary upon approval of the Program Director. All rotations shall take place in accordance with the following schedule unless a waiver is granted upon petition to the Program Director:
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