During the first year in the program, GSBS students perform research rotations in the laboratories of GSBS faculty members. Laboratory rotations are essential components of a student’s education in the Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience (MCBN) program. These experiences introduce students to specific areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and neuroscience, expose students to specialized techniques, and familiarize students with specific projects in the program in anticipation of choosing a research advisor. Students will be evaluated on their attendance, motivation and interest within the lab as well as their attendance and participation at lab meetings. Students are responsible for learning new techniques, asking questions and working semi-independently by the end of each lab rotation. Each lab rotation will consist of 7 weeks. All MCBN students are required to complete three rotations in different laboratories. The fourth rotation may be in a new laboratory or the laboratory of the mutually agreed upon thesis mentor in the Spring semester. Exposure to different laboratories allows students to become acquainted with potential advisors for a thesis while exploring diverse scientific areas and learning new experimental approaches. DO/PhD students are expected to perform 1 or 2 Summer Medical Research Fellowships (SMRF) while still being a 1st or 2nd year DO student prior to officially enrolling in the PhD program.