As they begin their study, students are advised on selection of courses and research rotations by the Biosciences Graduate Studies Committee, which is composed of an individual representative from each of the participating bioscience departments and programs. Before the first semester begins, the committee member most closely related to the student's academic and research interests is assigned to advise the student. At the end of the first 10-week rotation, each student is advised by an individualized committee, which consults with them regarding grades, subsequent rotations, and their choice of a department or program and a lab for thesis research. Students make a short oral presentation to their advisory committee and other students at the end of each rotation. At the beginning of each semester, biosciences students meet to choose approximately 12 seminars that they all will attend.
Discussions precede each seminar.
During the fall semester, discussions follow a roundtable format. During the spring semester, students present papers in a journal club setting. Overall student progress is monitored by the full Biosciences Graduate Studies Committee, which at the end of the spring semester provides a recommendation on whether or not the student should continue in the Ph.D. program. The committee considers factors such as cumulative grade-point average and performance in rotations. During spring semester, biosciences students confer with prospective mentors about their thesis proposals and whether openings are available in the mentors' laboratories.