The major is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge in the basic medical sciences, while preparing them for careers as effective and knowledgeable teachers, as well as productive and versatile researchers. To meet these objectives, students take courses in the medical sciences and related areas, participate in seminars, and receive individual research training. Departmental advisory committees counsel the entering students in planning their first year curriculum. In addition to course work and participation in seminars, first year students are expected to become familiar with ongoing research in their chosen department, when possible, they are encouraged to work on a part-time basis as research assistants in their department. Once the student selects a major professor, a formal dissertation committee is appointed. The dissertation committee assists the student in planning the research and course of study, evaluates the student's progress, supervises the comprehensive examination, and conducts the final dissertation defense.