Advisement concerning the first year' s course curriculum is given by a faculty member before classes begin. To facilitate the selection of a thesis advisor and research topic, students take special-problems courses involving reading tutorials or laboratory research with individual faculty members. A series of research talks are also given by the faculty.
Students select a thesis advisor by the end of their first academic year.
With the counsel of the advisor, students select additional courses and initiate a thesis research project. Students are admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree upon successfully completing a comprehensive exam. This is taken in the second year, either in the beginning of the fall or spring quarters. Journal clubs in research interest areas and departmental seminars given by outside speakers inform students of new discoveries in topical research areas. Students are encouraged to participate in journal clubs and departmental seminars.