Application to the program

Please go to this web site and follow the instructions:  http://www.wesleyan.edu/bio/gradappreq.html

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Student stipends

All graduate students in good academic standing receive a full stipend ($22,120 for 2007-2008), 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.

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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:

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Developmental Biology

Evolutionary and Population Biology

Genetics (Transmission and Molecular)

Microbiology

Molecular Biology

Molecular Biophysics

Neurobiology and Behavior

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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

 
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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.

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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.

Research presentations

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