PhD Program Home Academic Program Courses Training Grants Laboratory Rotation Laboratory Rotation All BMBB students carry out nine-week laboratory rotation projects during their first year. Typically, three such rotations in different laboratories are performed. The goal of such rotations is to allow first-year students to perform experiments and conduct original research in a laboratory in which they have an interest. The rotation process enables students to make an informed decision when selecting a research field and a thesis advisor in one of the four areas of Molecular Biology, Regulatory Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics or Microbial Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Students are encouraged to take advantage of our early-start program, beginning July 5, which allows completion of one rotation before the start of classes in fall semester. This provides a laboratory experience uninterrupted by classes and gives incoming students time to adjust to and get acquainted with the program and the Twin City area before classes begin. Thesis advisor selections are typically completed during spring semester of the first year. As part of their training, all students participate in teaching biochemistry twice during their graduate career. Teaching experiences range from instruction in undergraduate laboratory to leading recitation sections associated with lecture courses. The graduate program sponsors a weekly seminar series featuring presentations by leading national and international scientists. In other, less formal seminar programs, graduate students present their own thesis research and give journal clubs.