Program Overview

PhD Course in Neurobiology

The PhD Course in Neurobiology is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the principles and methods of neurobiology. The program is structured to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in scientific research.

Regulations

The regulations for the PhD Course in Neurobiology are outlined below:

Article 1: Admissions to the Courses

1. Admissions to the PhD course in Neurobiology take place through a selection based on academic and scientific qualifications and an oral examination.
2. Candidates must possess the Italian Laurea (Laurea Specialistica, Laurea Magistralis, or the old Laurea Quadriennale) in a scientific subject, or a University degree obtained abroad and considered equivalent by the School Senate.
3. The Admission Committee is composed of at least three members: two faculty members and one member from another institution.
4. The entrance examination aims to verify the candidate's aptitude for scientific research and their level of knowledge of the basics in Neurobiology.
5. The evaluation is based on 100 points, with 30 points for academic and scientific qualifications and 70 points for the oral examination.
6. A written essay in English must be provided with the application documents, illustrating the candidate's previous academic background and scientific motivations.
7. The oral examination is a discussion on topics of basic neurobiology, previous experience, and research interests.
8. The candidate passes the selection by reaching a score equal to or higher than 70/100.

Article 2: Students' Obligations

1. The teaching activity starts in November and is structured into courses and seminars.
2. Students are expected to attend all suggested courses and participate actively in group discussions.
3. Each new student will start working on a research project for their PhD dissertation agreed upon with one of the available Supervisors.
4. The assignment of a student's supervisor must be approved by the Teaching Board.
5. Only under exceptional circumstances can a student ask for a change of supervisor.

Article 3: Admission to the Following Year

1. To be admitted to the following year, each student must pass a qualification exam called Progress Report.
2. The Progress Reports are usually held in September and consist of a presentation of the scientific activity carried out by the student.
3. The admission of a student to the following year is deliberated by the Council of the Neuroscience Area.

Article 4: Magister Philosophiae

1. Under motivated circumstances, the supervisor may suggest that the student sits the examination to obtain a Master (Magister Philosophiae).
2. The request must be approved by the Teaching Board.
3. In case of approval, the student will present a thesis that will be discussed in front of a Committee nominated by the Teaching Board.

Article 5: PhD Course Duration

1. A student can spend from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 4 years to complete their PhD project.
2. Only in exceptional and motivated cases can a student present their PhD thesis after the fourth year.

Article 6: PhD Examination

1. The Thesis to be defended for the Doctor Philosophiae title should contain original and published results.
2. The thesis should contain an abstract, introduction, methodology, novel data, and a systematic discussion.
3. The candidate needs to attach to the thesis the list of publications originated from their research work.
4. The Council of Neuroscience Area nominates the Board of Examiners for the PhD exam upon proposal by the Teaching Board.
5. The exam to obtain the title of Doctor Philosophiae consists of a public seminar followed by a discussion.
6. The Board of Examiners may approve the Thesis and confer the PhD or not approve the Thesis, in which case the student may present the Thesis at the next session.

Article 7: Dispensations

1. In case of serious personal reasons or maternity/paternity leave, students can ask the Council of Neuroscience Area for their position to be held in a "status quo" for up to a maximum of 12 months.

Article 8: Code of Conduct

1. Students are to respect the Codes of Behavior and safeguard the dignity of female and male employees and students of the School.
2. Students are required to respect the rules of ethic and behavior also in the lab.