Entering graduate students take coursework from a Program of Study designed to give a broad background of knowledge, while allowing specialization in one area. An important aspect of graduate training is the time most graduate students will spend in their first year as teaching assistants in laboratory courses. Selection of a research advisor follows an interview process in which the graduate student becomes familiar with the research projects available in a number of groups. During the first semester a series of presentations by the research faculty aids in this process. The graduate student chooses a research advisor and at least two additional faculty members as an advisory committee by the end of the second semester in residence. The advisory committee helps formulate the graduate student's final Program of Study and guides the student's research. During the third semester in residence, the student (in consultation with the research advisor) completes a Prospectus, which consists of a written and oral presentation of the student’s proposed thesis research project.