Students are highly encouraged to select at least one of the four rotations in an area not directly related to their thesis research interests. A very important additional function of the rotation program is to initiate the first-year trainees into the community of advanced graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. In this manner, the rotations help to knit together a community of researchers, and ease the path to freer exchange of advice and sharing of facilities and skills. We believe that the combined exposure to a strong academic program, together with a rigorous rotation program and a supportive research community provides a solid foundation for the training of our Ph.D. students. Almost all first-year students choose a thesis advisor for their doctoral research by the Summer Quarter.
Trainees invariably base that choice on a rotation in the prospective advisor's lab.
Each trainee must answer a number of questions covering the areas of Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology and at least one other area. Exam questions are intended to test the trainee's ability to think coherently and analytically, interpret data, formulate ideas, and propose realistic means of putting those ideas to experimental test. Although the examination is intended to be challenging, it is quite unusual for students not to pass and proceed with their doctoral training. Students in the Ecology, Behavior and Evolution section must pass an oral examination with their committee and present a written analysis of aspects of the research conducted in their rotations. The Division of Biology provides financial support to each Ph.D. graduate student in the form of a stipend, fees, tuition and health insurance.