Lab Rotations

In research rotations, students learn about the neuroscience problems being addressed in different laboratories, and the strategies and methods employed in research. The rotations help the student to choose a laboratory and mentor for their dissertation research. Students choose their rotations with the assistance of the Program Director and the Chair of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC).

Requirements

Students are required to take three rotations: one each for the summer, fall and spring of the first year. They may take a fourth rotation in the summer of their second year. After each rotation, students make a presentation in the Student Seminar Series.

Students should complete a Pre-Rotation Form before starting a rotation, and a Post-Rotation Form within a week of completing the rotation. Contact your SAC Chair to receive these forms via DocuSign.

A student must successfully complete three rotations before taking the Comprehensive Exams.

Expectations

During the first summer rotation, students are engaged full time in laboratory research (along with the summer course). During the fall and spring rotations, students must balance their rotation work with their course load. The demands of the courses change through the semester (e.g., during midterm exams), but on average, students should expect to spend at least 15-20 hours per week in lab. Achieving at least passing (B) grades in all courses and a B average overall must remain a priority. Failure to achieve this academic minimum jeopardizes the student’s graduate status.

Before beginning rotation work, students should discuss their current course load demands with their rotation mentors and arrange a tentative work schedule. The mentor should be sensitive to the course demands. Overall, graduate school is a full-time occupation, and students may use school holiday time to work on lab research.