Hands-on workshops are held on a bimonthly basis to acquaint participants with current techniques in extraction and purification of DNA, molecular cloning, restriction fragment analysis, DNA fingerprinting, PCR technology, DNA sequencing, mutation detection, and other methods. The synthesis of oligonucleotides and automated DNA sequencing are carried out in collaboration with the Macromolecular Structure Facility. Data analysis can be performed in the LMSE computer facility which supports software for image analysis, automated sequence reading, sequence alignment and analysis, oligonucleotide design, and phylogenetic analysis. Honorific Graduate College Fellowships carrying a stipend are awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding candidates. Graduate College Academic Scholarships paying registration fees are available each semester to qualified students.
Nonresident tuition is waived for students who hold graduate assistantships.
A broad range of locations, prices, and accommodations exists in the Tucson Metropolitan area. Moderately priced off-campus housing is available within easy walking or biking distance of the campus. Living costs are such that most students can support themselves on their stipend. The Department had 55 graduate students enrolled for Fall, 2000. Most of the present students anticipate going into research and teaching positions following postdoctoral experience.