Mission

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience is a multi-departmental, multi-disciplinary effort by faculty, students, and fellows to provide an outstanding education in neuroscience. We believe that graduate education is an important step on a career pathway that may be in academics, a specialized research institute, the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, government, business, or education. We expect our graduates to be able to think independently and creatively, to have a demonstrated ability to make important discoveries, and to communicate their ideas effectively.

Admission

Applicants to the program are expected to have had thorough undergraduate training in biology, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students entering this program after attaining an M.D. or a Masters' degree can have a modified educational program. Graduate Record Examination scores, transcripts, and supporting letters must be submitted with the application. Candidates considered for admission are invited to visit the program.

Course of Study

The program of research, course work, seminars, and independent study is individualized. Students are expected to spend time working closely with members of the faculty whose research approach is complementary to their interests. There are regularly scheduled seminars where work in progress is presented and discussed. By these means, the students are afforded the broadest possible view of the neurosciences during their graduate training. Depending on their background and interests, students will be expected to take a course both in basic neuroscience and at least one upper level course in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or pharmacology. The offers courses in molecular, biochemical, cellular, and systems neurobiology. Students will select advanced graduate courses in the neurosciences and related fields and undertake independent study to deepen their knowledge in areas of interest and develop a minor specialty. There is sufficient flexibility in choosing elective courses that students may specialize in a particular area(s), including molecular neurobiology, developmental neurobiology, systems neuroscience, neuropharmacology, or neurophysiology. Throughout their training, students are expected to participate in the weekly, 'Progress in Neuroscience' seminar series and the seminar companion course, 'Current Topics in Neurobiology.' Each year, the program organizes an academic retreat which includes talks, poster sessions and discussions. This retreat provides an informal setting away from the city where members of the program can interact and discuss their work. Senior students also present their work at the student organized du Vigneaud Symposium and the Progress in Neuroscience Series.

Laboratory Rotations and Thesis Research

Laboratory rotations allow students to experience research first-hand and to acquaint themselves with the research faculty of the Program. Students are expected to do two rotations of about two quarters each, but may do more rotations, before choosing their thesis advisor. Thesis research is guided by the student's major sponsor and a committee that includes at least two additional faculty.

Admission to Doctoral Candidacy

Before the end of the second year, students will organize a special committee and take the qualifying (Admission to Candidacy) exam. In the Neuroscience Program, this exam is a defense of both the thesis research proposal and an original non-thesis research proposal.

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