First Year Students

• Orientation. All entering graduate students are expected to attend Orientation, which is the third week of August.
• Rotations. Please check the Graduate Student Calendar [pdf file] for the dates of each rotation period. Requests for the first rotation period are due the Friday of the first week of class. Requests for the second and third rotations should be in the GAO two weeks prior to the start of the rotation (notices are sent during the year at appropriate times). Most students receive their first choice for all three rotations.
• Courses. Students are expected to take at least three graduate-level courses in 3 different areas of Neuroscience before their Qualifying Examination (Spring semester of the second year). Students arrange specific individualized curricula with the Graduate Adviser during Orientation week.
• Retreats. First year students are expected to attend the Fall Neuroscience Retreat. Details about the retreat will be emailed in late August.
• SERPs. The Student Evening Research Presentations (NEUROSC 290), taken during Spring semester (last 4-5 weeks of classes), allow students the opportunity to present the research conducted during their rotations. The course is moderated by a faculty instructor and is designed to familiarize students with and instruct them in the skills necessary to present research findings in a clear and incisive manner.
• Ethics course. The Ethics in Science course (MCB 293C) is required of all first year students who receive fellowships through NIH Training Grants. This six week course is offered at the end of Spring semester.
• California Residency. Information regarding the steps necessary to become California residents is found on the Registrar’s site. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are expected to become California residents at the end of their first year of study. Residency paperwork is due at the Registrar's Office in June.
• GSI Appointments. During Spring semester the GAO forwards announcements from affiliated departments regarding teaching assignments for the upcoming academic year. For more information regarding Graduate Student Instruction and training, see here.