Lab Rotations

The neuroscience graduate program promotes interdisciplinary training and interaction, and graduate students are required to have a working knowledge of research methodology in more than one area of neuroscience. Students satisfy this requirement in their first year by completing two or three research rotations in laboratories of their choice. Each rotation is usually for a period of one semester. Students must participate in at least two rotations before beginning research in their chosen thesis laboratory. Research opportunities are incredibly diverse at the INS and therefore we encourage students to use the lab rotations as a time to explore different types of experimental questions and scientific techniques. Research rotations allow the student to acquire the intellectual and experimental background necessary to make an informed choice of thesis mentor and lab for their graduate training. In recognition of the fact that students' scientific interests often evolve considerably during the first year, students are encouraged to select their thesis laboratory only after their final rotation.