BBS PhD students are required to complete three rotations during their first year enrolled in the program. These rotations are designed to:
provide a range of research experiences that will give you a broad knowledge of methodologies and techniques;
provide you with the opportunity for more substantial contact with various faculty (and faculty with you) in order for both to make an informed decision about your thesis laboratory and Special Committee membership;
provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your scientific abilities and enthusiasm for research to various faculty, with the ultimate goal of finding a mentor who is willing to accept you into the lab and provide your funding for the duration of your research project.
BBS PhD students can start discussing joining a lab with faculty no sooner than May 1st. Students officially join a lab on May 21st (the start of summer semester).
General timeline to follow for first-year rotations
Rotation #1 - Begin no later than September 1st and end sometime in November
Rotation #2 - Begin no later than the first week in December and end by February 28th
Rotation #3 – Begin no later than March 1 and end mid-May
If a fourth rotation is required, permission from your DGS and the Associate Dean of Research & Graduate Education must be obtained.