Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Program Overview

The Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders doctoral program at the University of Toledo offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines coursework, research training, and professional development. Students gain a comprehensive foundation in neuroscience and neurological disorders, preparing them for careers in biomedical research and teaching. The program features research rotations, nationally recognized faculty, and opportunities for dual degrees and research funding. Graduates have secured post-doctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions and positions as scientists in various companies and organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders doctoral program at the University of Toledo provides an interdisciplinary course of study to train Ph.D. students for independent and creative careers in biomedical research and teaching.

Objectives:

• Integrate molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience to uncover nervous system function, dysfunction, and develop treatments for neurological diseases.

Program Description:

• The program combines coursework, research training, and professional development opportunities to provide a comprehensive foundation in neurosciences and neurological disorders.
• Students rotate through at least three labs before choosing a mentor for their dissertation research.

Outline:

Content:

• Development, organization, and maintenance of the nervous system
• Anatomy and function of neural circuits
• Mechanisms of regeneration and repair
• Synaptic biology
• Neuronal signaling
• Plasticity of the nervous system
• Neuropsychiatric disorders and behavior

Structure:

• The program requires 90 credit hours, including:
• Core coursework in neuroscience, research methods, and professional development
• Elective coursework tailored to students' research interests
• Dissertation research

Course Schedule:

• The program typically takes 5 years to complete.
• Students typically take 2-3 years of coursework before beginning their dissertation research.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Research rotations
• Dissertation research

Faculty:

• Nationally recognized, NIH-funded faculty members serve as research mentors.
• Faculty come from various UToledo departments, including Neurosciences, Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Psychiatry, and Radiation Therapy.

Unique Approaches:

• Students receive $1,000 to attend and present their research at national and international meetings.
• Dual degrees are available, including M.D./Ph.D., J.D./Ph.D., M.P.H./Ph.D., and M.B.A./Ph.D.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Post-doctoral research fellow at academic institutions
• Government or industrial scientist

Opportunities:

• Graduates have secured post-doctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions such as:
• National Institutes of Health
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Michigan
• Duke University
• Vanderbilt University
• Graduates have obtained positions as scientists at various companies and organizations, including:
• Cerulean Pharma, Inc., Cambridge, Mass.
• Platelet BioGenesis, Cambridge, Mass.
• Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• University of Utah