Weekly/Monthly seminars are held in the department during the academic year. Speakers include departmental faculty and graduate students, and speakers from outside the department (both on- and off-campus). These seminars usually consist of a formal presentation which is followed by a question-and-answer session that can sometimes lead to lively discussion. Topics incorporate the breadth of scientific sub-disciplines represented in the department. Seminars provide a forum for exchange of ideas and for interactions among members of the department. Such exchanges are a critical component of graduate education, and provide a convenient method for students to get to know other members of the department.