Program Overview

Neuroscience, PhD

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Program is an interdisciplinary and highly individualized Ph.D. program. Students have varied backgrounds but typically have undergraduate degrees in psychology, biology, electrical engineering, or computer science. The Neuroscience Program guides students to become productive, scholarly neuroscientists with access to careers in academic research, medicine, industry or non-research careers such as law, policy, or journalism. The faculty have broad and diverse research interests; areas of particular strength include aging, brain plasticity, cognitive functions, neurogenomics, molecular bases of development and disease and neuroengineering. Integrative and collaborative studies that bridge two or more labs are encouraged.

Admission

Applications are considered individually by the admissions committee, for the fall semester and subject to final approval by the Graduate College. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. International applicants must meet the minimum English Language requirements as set by the Graduate College.

Financial Aid

The Neuroscience Program is committed to supporting its students and makes every effort to ensure that students who remain in good academic standing receive full support including tuition waiver and stipend throughout their tenure in the program. Support may come in the form of fellowships, traineeships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships according to the student's qualifications.

Degree Requirements

• Coursework is tailored to the student's fields of interest as declared by a major and at least two minor areas of concentration.
• A faculty committee of representatives from the major and minor areas will then meet regularly with the student to plan coursework and research experience.
• The goal of this plan is to allow maximum flexibility while providing students with close guidance.
• Courses and laboratory research experience are supplemented by weekly seminars in neuroscience.

Course List

Other Requirements

• All students must complete a minimum of one semester of service as a teaching assistant (one semester @50% or 2 semesters @25% appointment) or the requirement may be met by education outreach activity under the supervision of a Neuroscience Program faculty member.
• Masters Degree Required Before Admission to Ph.D.: No
• Qualifying Exam Required: Yes
• Preliminary Exam Required: Yes
• Final Exam/Defense Required: Yes
• Disseration Deposit Required: Yes
• Minimum GPA: 3.0

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and critical thinking: Students are expected to acquire broad knowledge of neuroscience and in-depth knowledge of one major area and two minor areas of concentration in neuroscience.
2. Mastery of experimental design and methods: Students are expected to apply their neuroscientific knowledge to creatively and successfully plan, design, carry out, and interpret experiments.
3. Analytical and quantitative skills : All students are expected to become experts in the treatment, analysis, and interpretation of data and are strongly encouraged to take statistics courses appropriate to their research area.
4. Writing and presentation skills: All students must demonstrate strong writing skills that lead to manuscripts and grant proposals.
5. Teaching and mentoring: Students are expected to develop into successful teachers and mentors.
6. Professional skills and ethics: Students are expected to develop professionally, attain a deep understanding of research and personal ethics, and prepare for successful careers after graduation.
7. Leadership and Community Engagement: Students are expected to build and sustain productive relationships and at the local level, create positive change in their communities, thereby developing a reflective orientation toward social and cultural differences.