Laboratory Rotations

Three laboratory rotations are required of Pharmacology students.  The first occurs during the summer prior to the initiation of classes (July - Aug).  The second rotation must be initiated by September 15 and continues through the end of the academic year (~April-May).  The third must be initiated before June 1 and continues into August. 

            The purposes of the laboratory rotations are (1) to become familiar with a significant issue in pharmacology and the experimental strategies that may be utilized to approach this issue and (2) to explore laboratories and mentors as potential choices for thesis work. 

Expectations of the rotations.  During the summer rotations, students are engaged full-time in the laboratory research.   During the rotation that occurs during the school year, a compromise between the demands of the course load and the research rotation must be achieved.  This compromise changes week to week since the demands of the courses change (e.g. mid-term exams).  Thus, it is difficult to state an absolute number of hours per week a student should commit to a fall or spring rotation.  A first priority must be for the student to achieve at least passing (B) grades in all courses and a B average overall.  Failure to achieve this academic minimum jeopardizes the graduate status of the student.    Prior to beginning work, students should discuss with their rotation mentors the schedule that their current course load demands and arrange a tentative work schedule for the laboratory rotation.  The mentor should be sensitive to the changing demands of the courses.