Neuroscience degree requirements and curriculum

Overview

The Neuroscience training program combines exposure to the breadth of neuroscience, provided by courses in the first two years, with focused research and scholarship in a student’s area of particular interest. To be awarded a PhD in Neuroscience, a student must successfully complete:

• Required courses. A slightly different set of courses is offered at each campus but courses are organized so that students can move between campuses. The first year curriculum includes courses in neuroscience, supplemented with courses in cellular, molecular and systems biology, and a course on professional development. The second year curriculum includes graduate seminars in neuroscience and courses on bioethics and biostatistics.
• Candidacy examination. Given at the end of the first year: a written paper tests a student’s ability to analyze the primary literature in neuroscience; an oral exam tests a student’s knowledge of neuroscience gained over the first year.
• Competency in English. The Graduate School requires that students demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English. A grade of B or better in the professional development (NEURO 530) course satisfies this requirement.
• Comprehensive examination. Usually taken before the start of the third year: consists of a written proposal on a research problem and an oral defense.
• Research Project. An original investigation under the supervision of a Neuroscience faculty advisor leading to a written dissertation.
• Thesis defense. A public presentation of a student's thesis research and oral examination by a student’s doctoral committee.

The time from admission to thesis defense averages 5.5 years. Students must maintain a B average (3.0) or better in academic courses to be retained in the program and to continue to receive financial support.

Degree Requirement Booklets