The purpose is to introduce students to the intellectual environment in each laboratory and to familiarize them with various experimental techniques and philosophies. First-year students work with an interim advisory committee to design their own curricula of course work according to their specific background and interests. Students choose a laboratory in which to do their dissertation research at the end of the first year. During the second year, they must pass a comprehensive examination that requires the writing and oral defense of an original research proposal. Thereafter, the primary focus is on the dissertation research.
Students also participate in journal clubs and attend seminars by invited outside speakers.
Advanced students regularly present their results to colleagues here at the University of Oregon and at national and international conferences. Financial Assistance Students admitted into the graduate program are guaranteed four years of financial support, consisting of twelve-month stipends and tuition waivers. In practice, students who make satisfactory progress toward their degrees routinely receive support from the time they join the program until they receive their Ph.D. Stipend levels are adjusted annually to be competitive with those offered by other major research institutions. Sources of support include research assistantships, graduate teaching fellowships, and federally supported training grants. Several training grants are available to provide support for students, to fund student travel, to bring in outside speakers, and to enhance the overall training program.