Urey Cottage: Home of the Watson School of Biological Sciences

The first year of the curriculum assumes an innovative format in which students progress rapidly from intensive course instruction to doctoral research. The year begins with a 15- week fall course term that extends from the end of August to mid-December. During the fall term, students are free of research responsibilities, which allows them to devote their full attention to intensive course instruction and seminars.

During the subsequent winter and spring, students participate in three six-week-long laboratory rotations, a Topics in Biology course, and teaching at the DNA Learning Center. In May, students select a research mentor and prepare for the Ph.D. qualifying exam in June. After the requirements of the qualifying exam have been satisfied, students focus on their doctoral research

Click on the photo to read Colin Malone's perspective on the unique curriculum at the Watson School of Biological Sciences.

Click here to view the "Curriculum at a Glance"