PhD in Neuroscience Curriculum

Didactic courses

In their first year in the program, students enroll in Foundations in Neuroscience, an intensive course covering the main areas of neuroscience including neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, molecular and cellular neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. A significant portion of class time also is spent on discussions of primary literature in small group settings.

Students also can take advantage of an offering of advanced courses (both within and outside of the program). A full listing of Program in Neuroscience classes can be found on the Neuroscience Course Descriptions web page.

Research

In the first year, students conduct short research rotations in up to six laboratories for 5 weeks each to develop a sense of the breadth of research opportunities, training environments and technical skills available in the program. In the summer between their first and second years, students begin intensive training and research in either the laboratory they have selected for their dissertation or continue with longer research rotations in up to three laboratories over the next three semesters.

Transferable skills

Our mission is to prepare our students for many different career opportunities. Our students receive training in transferable skills including critical thinking and evaluation, scientific writing and presentation, biostatistics, responsible conduct of research, teaching tools and techniques, and professional and career development.