First-year Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate students rotate in three laboratories for four weeks per lab, during the first (fall) semester. A cumulative letter grade for the three rotations (718-999) will be determined via combining letter grades assigned from all three rotation supervisors.
I. Rotations (718-999) are intended to provide:
- An introduction to pharmaceutical sciences research and techniques
- Exposure to the research laboratory environment and “hands-on” research experience
- Exposure to the diversity of pharmaceutical sciences research opportunities available on the UW campus
- A chance to meet various graduate students, postdoctoral associates, scientists and faculty
- Assistance in the selection of a Thesis (permanent) Advisor
II. Determining Lab Rotations:
- Attend research orientation talks (August); those faculty members interested in taking on a graduate student for rotations will briefly discuss research being conducted in his/her lab. During the talks:
- Review each professor’s research profile/biography; available on the Pharmaceutical Sciences website.
- Note questions you have for each professor.
- Identify professors you may like to work with for a rotation period.
After the talks:
- Arrange a time to meet with each professor of interest to discuss questions, obtain more information about their lab and arrange a rotation period.
- See the Questions for Faculty for an in-depth guideline.
III. Finalize 3 Lab Rotations
- Complete a Laboratory Rotations Scheduling Form.
- Upload the form to the google form that the graduate program manager shares with you.
IV. Lab rotations will follow this approximate schedule:
- Lab Rotation 1: early-September to early October (4 weeks)
- Lab Rotation 2: early October to early November (4 weeks)
- Lab Rotation 3: early November to late November or early December (4 weeks)
V. If the student experiences difficulties with any rotation:
The student should contact the DGS for the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program.
VI. Choice of final thesis lab:
- The student’s Thesis Lab will be finalized during the week after the third lab rotation.
- Complete the Choice of Thesis Lab Form, and upload it via the Google Submission Form for Choice of Thesis Lab.
- If a student is unable to determine an appropriate thesis lab, the student must contact the DGS for the Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program.