In the first term, students are introduced to the research of each faculty member through a special course. Laboratory rotations and basic science courses of general relevance to research are prominent components of the first year. In the second year, additional courses of special relevance are taken as agreed upon by the student and his or her chosen thesis advisor. The third and following years are devoted entirely to thesis research.In addition to specific course requirements, students must complete PhD degree requirements, including satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination, development of an approved research proposal, writing and obtaining approval of the doctoral dissertation, and satisfactory performance on the Final Oral Examination (dissertation defense).