During the three months of the core curriculum (Fall term) there are no research rotations but faculty auditions are held weekly to introduce students to 30-40 potential mentors to better inform their research rotation choices.  Three rotations of at least two months are full time starting Winter term. Incoming students are encouraged to arrive at the start of the summer if they want to complete a rotation prior to the beginning of Fall term. Summer rotations are particularly useful for sampling the different off-campus research sites (Oregon National Primate Research Center). The primary purpose of the rotations is to experience different laboratories and research subjects so that you can intelligently choose a thesis lab. Another purpose is to learn a variety of scientific methods.