Rotations and Lab Selection
Incoming graduate students to the Department of Biochemistry will participate in rotations during the first term of their studies.
Our rotation system is designed to give incoming graduate students the opportunity to sample different research areas and lab environments before choosing a permanent laboratory supervisor. In addition to giving additional breadth of training to new students, the rotation system improves the fit of the incoming student with their prospective supervisor and laboratory. During their first term, new students complete 5-week sessions in each of three laboratories. After this period, students select their lab in discussion with their prospective supervisor. This formalizes the faculty member’s commitment to mentor the applicant and to provide them with a stipend.
Please Note: While International Students also have the opportunity to indicate their rotation preferences and select their supervisor after the three rotations, they must obtain a Faculty Sponsor before applying to the program. This Sponsor agrees to supervise the student in the case that an alternate supervisor is not selected after the rotation period. Students should begin to contact potential sponsoring supervisors in advance of submitting their application materials. For more information, see How to Apply
*Exception - Students who received their BSc degree from the University of Toronto*
Arranging Rotations
The Department arranges the first rotation for each student before they start the program. New students will submit a ranked list of five choices of faculty member laboratories who have indicated they will be accepting rotation students in the given year. The first rotation is assigned based on the stated preferences of the student, but choices may be limited by the availability of space within faculty members' laboratories. The majority of students are placed within their top three selected labs for this rotation. Students are informed of their rotation assignment by August.
The second and third rotation choices are entirely up to the student, with consent from the selected laboratory and approval from the Graduate Coordinator. Students should make second and third rotation choices only after starting in the program in September/and within the deadlines set out by the Graduate Program. Students can make more informed rotation choices once they gain firsthand experience in the department. The second and third rotations are arranged through direct communication between students and potential supervisors and must be finalized within the timelines set out by the Graduate Program. A departmental retreat held in late September/early October provides an excellent chance to view all the available research opportunities within the Department.
Students and faculty will not make any final decisions about supervisory choice until near the end of the mandatory rotation period. New students are encouraged to seek the advice of senior students in choosing their rotations. The Grad Team and Grad Coordinators are also available to counsel students regarding rotation selection.
If a student cannot find a permanent thesis supervisor after three rotations, their enrolment in the program will be terminated. Admission to our program does not guarantee that a student will be accepted into a laboratory for their thesis work. However, it is extremely rare for an admitted student not to find a suitable laboratory to join.