Graduate Program in Biology
|
||||||||
| Advising | |
Please go to this web site and follow the instructions: http://www.wesleyan.edu/grad/DeptsPrograms/application.html
Top of Page
Student stipends
All graduate students in good academic standing receive a full stipend ($23,005 for 2008-2009), tuition remission, basic health insurance, and a dependency allowance, when applicable. All graduate students are teaching assistants (about 12 hours/week) for three semesters. They are supported as research or teaching assistants for the remainder of their stay in the program.
Top of Page
Laboratory research practica
Graduate students start their research experience with two or more semester-long practica in laboratories. These are designed to provide complementing experiences to prepare students for their thesis research. Students may take practica in research labs of the Biology Department, the Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Department, or the Chemistry Department. Should students decide to perform their thesis work in a laboratory outside of the Biology Department, it is fairly straightforward to transfer between departments. Research projects are available in the following areas:Evolutionary and Population Biology
Top of Page
Coursework and journal clubs
Working with the First Year Advisory committee, graduate students design their own program of courses to complement and strengthen their previous background knowledge.Each student participates in one of the journal clubs in which recent journal articles are presented and discussed. Three journal clubs meet weekly over lunch:
1. Ecology/Evolution
2. Cell/Development/Genetics
3. Neuroscience/Behavior
Top of Page
Qualifying exam
Towards the end of their second year, students prepare for and sit a qualifying exam. Passing of this exam permits students to formally become Ph.D. candidates. The exam includes the writing of a research proposal and an oral examination.
Top of Page
Advising
Students are advised by the First Year Advisory committee, their first year faculty mentor, and their lab practica mentors. After passing their qualifying examination, students set up a thesis committee of four faculty members which meets annually to discuss research progress and provide advice.
All graduate students present their research in bi-weekly seminars attended by all members of the department, to encourage students to become fluent and comfortable with their presentation skills.
Updated 3/08 Top of Page