Neuroscience - University of I

The Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Illinois Chicago offers a PhD in Neuroscience and an MS in Neuroscience for physician residents in Psychiatry. The program focuses on three areas of concentration: neural signal transduction and molecular biology, systems and integrative neuroscience, and human/therapeutic neuroscience, cognition, and neural imaging. Students engage in coursework, laboratory rotations, and dissertation research, preparing them for careers in academia, research, industry, and government.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois Chicago focuses on the pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Neuroscience. A Master of Science degree in Neuroscience is also available for physician residents in Psychiatry. It is a multidisciplinary program with numerous research opportunities across various departments and colleges at the university. Fields of study cluster around three areas of concentration:

Outline:

The program consists of coursework, laboratory rotations, and dissertation research.

Coursework:

Core Courses:
Foundations of Neuroscience I (NEUS 501) - Covers cell and molecular neuroscience.
Foundations of Neuroscience II (NEUS 502) - Covers systems, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience.
Research Rotations in Neuroscience (NEUS 506) - Students undertake research projects in different laboratories.
Data Literacy in Neuroscience (NEUS 444) - Covers experimental design, statistics, data mining, and modeling in a neuroscience context.
Elective Courses: Students select from a wide range of courses offered by various units across the university in areas such as:
Neuroanatomy (NEUS 403, NEUS 483)
Neuropharmacology (NEUS 511, NEUS 512, NEUS 513, NEUS 514)
Addiction Neuroscience (NEUS 524)
Neurodegenerative Diseases (NEUS 525)
Cellular and Systems Neurobiology (NEUS 527)
Human Neuroscience: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NEUS 588)
Human Neuroscience: Sensory-Motor and Cognitive Systems (NEUS 589)
Neuroscience Journal Club (NEUS 595)
Independent Study (NEUS 596)

Laboratory Rotations:

During the first year, students complete three laboratory rotations in different research areas to gain experience and identify a faculty mentor for their dissertation research.

Dissertation Research:

Students conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor, culminating in a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the field of neuroscience.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods throughout the program, including:

Coursework: examinations, assignments, presentations
Laboratory rotations: performance evaluations by supervisors
Dissertation research: progress reports, dissertation proposal defense, dissertation defense

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

Seminars: focused discussions on current research and theoretical topics led by students and faculty
Journal clubs: critical analysis of research articles in a collaborative setting
Independent research: hands-on experience in laboratory research under faculty supervision

Careers:

Graduates of the program pursue diverse careers in academia, research, industry, and government, including:

Research faculty positions at universities and research institutions
Research scientist roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
Neuroscience-related positions in government agencies (e.g., FDA, NIH)
Clinical practice (for physician residents who complete the MS program)
Postdoctoral fellowships for further specialized training

Other:

The program emphasizes strong mentorship relationships between students and faculty.
Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technologies across multiple campuses.
The program fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.