Program Overview

Introduction to the Neurobiology Graduate Program

The Neurobiology graduate program at the California Institute of Technology is a highly integrative science that encompasses concepts from molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, systems neuroscience, animal behavior, and mathematical modeling. The program aims to expose each student to the breadth of the discipline, providing a comprehensive education in neurobiology.

Aims and Scope of the Graduate Program

The goal of the graduate program is to provide students with a broad understanding of neurobiology, covering various aspects of the field. The program offers a first-year curriculum with requirements in specified areas, along with a core course that spans many subjects. Students are paired with a first-year adviser to ensure that their course selections complement their background. In later years, the focus is on original research in a chosen specialty.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Neurobiology graduate program are expected to have studied college-level mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. They should also have experience in independent research. Coursework in neurobiology and experience in scientific computing are helpful but not required. Whenever possible, applicants will be interviewed on campus before final admission decisions are made.

Master's Degree

The Neurobiology option does not admit students for work toward the master's degree. A terminal M.S. may be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Neurobiology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field. The program includes the following components:

First-Year Adviser

Each incoming student is paired with an academic adviser during the first year. This mentor will guide the student in course selection and other decisions, taking the student's background into account.

Rotations

First-year students carry out three laboratory rotations, each lasting one quarter. At least two of these should be with faculty participating in the option. By June 30 of the first year, students choose a Ph.D. adviser.

Formal Classes

Students take at least 6 quarter courses (54 units) as follows:

• Bi/CNS/NB 164, Tools of Neurobiology
• Bi 252, Responsible Conduct of Research
• One course in molecular, cellular, developmental neurobiology
• One course in circuits, systems, behavioral biology
• One course in mathematical methods (depending on the student's background)
• Two electives

Teaching

All students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two terms.

Admission to Candidacy

To qualify for candidacy, the student must first demonstrate broad competence by passing each of the first-year courses with a grade of B or higher. Failure can be remedied by successful second-year coursework. By June 30 of the second year, the student must also defend a thesis proposal in an oral exam before a qualifying exam committee of at least three faculty.

Thesis Advisory Committee

Once admitted to candidacy, the student chooses a Thesis Advisory Committee of at least three faculty. This committee serves as a source of advice independent of the Ph.D. adviser throughout the student's tenure. Each year, before the end of June, the student delivers a written progress report, followed by a meeting with the Thesis Advisory Committee.

Thesis Examination Committee

This committee should consist of a minimum of four voting members, three of whom must be Caltech faculty. The final oral examination covers principally the work of the thesis, and according to Institute regulations, must be held at least three weeks before the degree is to be conferred.