The faculty mentor, in consultation with the student’s thesis or dissertation committee, has primary responsibility for monitoring student progress and ensuring student adherence to guidelines. The Section Committee will review the progress of each student in Spring Quarter every year, based on the “Student Progress Report” provided by the student, and determine if students are meeting program requirements in a timely manner. If necessary, the Section Committee may recommend remedial actions or dismissal to the Graduate Committee. The Section Committee will provide a brief written summary of its review to the student, the student’s advisor, and the Graduate Committee. The Section Committee will evaluate requests for waiver of rotations and course requirements. The Section Leader will act as temporary supervisor for students who wish to join the program, but have not yet selected an advisor.

All students must adhere to Biological Sciences Graduate Program requirements as detailed in the bylaws. In addition, all students must attend the weekly Joint Research Seminar Series of the Departments of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. Additional required courses are listed at the end of this document. A student who can demonstrate competency (e.g., has previously taken a similar course and received a grade of B or better) in any required course may be exempt from the requirement but only with the approval of their advisor and the Section Committee.

Lab rotations are recommended for all students; Ph.D. students must complete at least two rotations. Lab rotation durations of 5-10 weeks each are recommended. Lab rotations must be completed within one year (4 quarters) of admission. Arranging for rotations of pre-determined durations in program faculty labs is the responsibility of the student. Students should register for Bios 695 (under the name of the faculty sponsoring the rotation) during the quarter in which the rotation is done. The number of hours registered each quarter will depend on the student’s schedule, but should normally be at least two. Program faculty should make every effort to accommodate student requests for rotation times. The requirement for lab rotations may be waived if the student has extensive research experience before entering the program. A formal petition for waiver of the rotation requirement for Ph.D. students must be approved by the Section Committee.

All students must complete a formal presentation each year. Several seminar courses are available that meet this requirement, e.g., MCB 741, BIOS 712, and BIOS 799. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure this requirement is fulfilled each year.

Fall Year 1 CHEM 590, Seminar/Journal Club, Optional lab rotations

Winter Year 1 CHEM 591, PBIO515/BIOS670 Stats, Seminar/Journal Club, Select thesis advisor

Spring Year 1 Seminar/Journal Club, Meet with committee, Defend proposal

Fall Year 2 BIOS 615, PBIO531/MCB760 Cell, Seminar/Journal Club

Winter Year 2 Seminar/Journal Club

Spring Year 2 Defend thesis

M.S. students must complete 45 hours, with at least 30 hrs. in formal courses and seminars

NOTE: THIS IS SIMPLY THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT – ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND COLLEGE

Fall Year 1 CHEM 590 Biochem I BIOS 615 Seminar Seminar/Journal Club Two lab rotations

Winter Year 1 CHEM 591 Biochem II PBIO515orBIOS670 Stats Seminar/Journal Club Select advisor

Spring Year 1 BIOS 615 Seminar Seminar/Journal Club Meet with committee

Fall Year 2 MCB760 Cell Bio BIOS526 (or 527 in Win) Seminar/Journal Club

Winter Year 2 BIOS527 (or 526 in Fall) optional: PBIO518 Writing Seminar/Journal Club

Spring Year 2 Seminar/Journal Club

Fall Year 3 Seminar/Journal Club Comprehensive Exam Defend Research Proposal

Winter Year 3 Seminar/Journal Club

Spring Year 3 Seminar/Journal Club

Fall Year 4 Seminar/Journal Club Meet with committee

Winter Year 4 Seminar/Journal Club

Spring Year 4 Seminar/Journal Club

Fall Year 5 Seminar/Journal Club Meet with committee

Winter Year 5 Seminar/Journal Club

Spring Year 5 Seminar/Journal Club

Ph.D. students must complete 135 hours, with at least 45 hrs. in formal courses and seminars

NOTE: THIS IS SIMPLY THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT – ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND COLLEGE