Laboratory Rotations for Non-targeted Ph.D. Students

Entering PB (PhD) students (unless targeted) will do two, four-month research rotations. The first rotation will run from Oct – Jan, and the second Feb – May. The student is expected to join a lab by their first summer. In exceptional circumstances (and with approval from GOC), the student may undertake a third (three-month) research rotation (June- August). At the conclusion of the second laboratory rotation, the student will select a laboratory in which to complete their dissertation research and obtain approval from the PB faculty member to work in their laboratory.  

The purpose of the laboratory rotations is to attain focused, in-depth research experience, and to learn first-hand about working with potential advisors and their laboratories. Expectations regarding time commitment (hours per week) and expected activities/accomplishments during the rotation will be decided jointly by the faculty member and student.  The faculty member and student will complete a Practicum Agreement Form which will provide the following information: 1) objectives and planned activities; and 2) evaluation criteria.  The student will submit the completed Practicum Agreement Form to the Graduate Program Director.  The Graduate Program Director may request changes in the Practicum Agreement Form if the objectives and/or expectations are not clear.  The two rotations must occur in different laboratories. Students should register for two credits of BIOLOGY 698A (Practicum) for each rotation.

1. Fall Semester Rotation
   The fall semester rotation will last for approximately 14 weeks, commencing the first week of October and continuing until the end of Wintersession.  During the month of September, the PB program seminar will feature brief presentations by PB faculty, aimed partially at helping students choose rotation laboratories. Students must select a laboratory for the fall semester rotation by September 30th.  The Practicum Agreement Form must be completed and returned to the Graduate Program Director by the end of the first week of October.
2. Spring Semester Rotation
   The spring semester rotation will commence the first week of classes in Spring semester and will continue to the end of the semester (approximately 14 weeks).  The Practicum Agreement Form must be completed and returned to the Graduate Program Director by the end of the first week of classes.
3. Summer Semester Rotation Students entering the PB program in January will complete the first laboratory rotation in spring semester and the second laboratory rotation during Summer session.  The summer session rotation will commence the first week of June and continue for approximately 12 weeks. The Practicum Agreement Form must be completed and returned to the Graduate Program Director by the end of the first week in June.