Program Overview

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Introduction to the Neurobiology and Behavior PhD Program

The Neurobiology and Behavior (NBB) PhD program at Columbia University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in neuroscience, emphasizing collaborative teaching and research. The program was one of the first to develop an integrated approach to research and graduate education in neuroscience, under the leadership of Eric Kandel in the mid-1970s.

Coursework

The NBB PhD program requires students to complete a series of courses, including:

• Required Coursework:
  • First-year:
    • Responsible Conduct of Neuroscience Research/Policy (NBHV G6001) (1 point)
    • Survey of Neuroscience I: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (NBHV G4340) (4 points)
    • Survey Neuroscience II: Developmental and Systems Neuroscience (NBHV GR6055) (4 points)
    • Analysis for Neuroscientists (or equivalent training in Rigor and Reproducibility) (NBHV G6030) (3 points)
    • Research in Neurobiology (NBHV G9040)
  • Second-year:
    • Two elective courses relevant to the student's research
    • Student Journal Club - Two semesters (Fall and Spring) (NBHV G4990) (1 point/semester)
    • Writing Skills for Neuroscientists I: Crafting an NSF GRFP Proposal (GR7010) (0.5 points)
    • Writing Skills for Neuroscientists II: Building a Specific Aims Page (GR7010) (0.5 points)
    • Research in Neurobiology (NBHV G9040)
  • Third-year:
    • Writing Skills for Neuroscientists III - Components of an advanced research proposal (GR7010) (0.5 points)
    • Research in Neurobiology (NBHV G9040)
  • Fourth-year:
    • Presentation Skills for Neuroscientists (NBHV GR7020) (1 point)
    • Professional Skills I : Navigating the PhD (NBHV GR4800) (1 point)
    • Research in Neurobiology (NBHV G9040)
  • Fifth-year:
    • Responsible Conduct of Research: 5th year follow up (NBHV G9050) (1 point)
    • Research in Neurobiology (NBHV G9040)

Sample Electives and Additional Courses

• Advanced Topics in Theoretical Neuroscience (NBHV G6040) (3 points)
• Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology II (CMBS G6301) (4.5 points)
• Biological Microscopy (BIOL GU4290) (3 points)
• Genomics & Machine Learning in Neuro Sci (NBHV GR6060) (3 points)
• Intro to Python for Neuroscientists (NBHV GR7050) (1 point)
• Intro to Theoretical Neuroscience (NBHV G4360) (3 points)
• Mathematical Tools for Theoretical Neuro (NBHV GU4359) (3 points)
• Molecular Mechanisms in Synaptic Transmission (NBHV G4007) (3 points)
• Neurobio II: Developmental and Systems NB (BIOL GR6005)
• Principles of Developmental Biology (GEND G4027) (3 points)
• Statistics for Basic Science (PHAR G8012) (1 unit)
• Systems Neuroscience (NBHV G6020) (3 Units)

Other Curricular Requirements

Orientation

The incoming cohort of graduate students participates in "Boot Camp" run by current students and a faculty mentor. The purpose of boot camp is to familiarize incoming students with techniques used in neuroscience research.

Rotations

In their first year in the program, students engage in rotations in the labs of training faculty. Rotations are designed to help students choose a dissertation mentor and broaden their practical and theoretical knowledge of neuroscience.

Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination, taken near the end of year 2 in the program, establishes that students are ready to undertake the research required for the PhD degree. Students must possess an in-depth understanding of the literature in their field and formulate a research proposal addressing an important scientific problem.

Thesis Committee Meetings

The goal of the Thesis Committee (TC) is to provide additional support and guidance to the student as they proceed through their dissertation studies. Committee members are responsible for evaluating the student’s progress, ensuring that the work is proceeding at a reasonable pace, providing feedback to student and mentor to maximize training, and serving as resources for career guidance and advice.

Dissertation and Thesis Defense

The dissertation is an extended piece of scholarly, experimental and/or theoretical work typically arranged as an introductory chapter followed by chapters presenting the results of experimental or theoretical work and a chapter on overall conclusions. The PhD defense or Dissertation Committee consists of five faculty members, including the mentor.

Retreat

The retreat is a 2-day, 1-night trip for all students and program mentors to become acquainted with new members, discuss and collaborate on research efforts, and gather socially.

Directors of Graduate Studies

• Wesley Grueber, PhD: Professor of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics and Professor of Neuroscience
• Kenneth Miller, PhD: Peter Taylor Professor of Neuroscience at the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute
• Clarissa Waites, PhD: Associate Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology and Neuroscience

Program Overview

The Neurobiology and Behavior PhD program at Columbia University provides students with a comprehensive education in neuroscience, emphasizing collaborative teaching and research. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, academia, and industry, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.