NeuroscienceProgram Requirements
Admissions
Applicants to the program are expected to have had thorough undergraduate training in biology, psychology, organic chemistry, physics, and/or mathematics. Candidates must apply for admission online. Graduate Record Examination scores, transcripts and supporting letters must be submitted with the application.
Becoming a Doctoral Candidate
The course of study, which includes course work, seminars, laboratory rotations, and thesis research, is individualized. Students are expected to work closely with members of the faculty whose research approach complements their own interests. Regularly scheduled seminars, where work in progress is presented and discussed, afford students the broadest possible view of the neurosciences and are an important component of their graduate training. Learn more about Neuroscience courses at Courses.
Laboratory rotations allow students to experience research first hand and to acquaint themselves with the program's research faculty. Students are expected to complete three rotations of about two to three months each, but may complete additional rotations, before choosing a thesis advisor (major sponsor).
Prior to July 1st of year two, students must successfully complete the ACE (Admission to Candidacy Examination). The ACE is designed to test the student's general knowledge of neuroscience and also includes preparation of an original written research proposal. In consultation with the thesis advisor, and with the consent of the director of the program, the student chooses an ACE topic and committee. The ACE topic should not be a part of the thesis. The committee should consist of three examiners, including a designated chair from the neuroscience graduate faculty, and the student's thesis advisor. With submission of the ACE the student should submit a one page thesis proposal.
PhD Research and Degree
Thesis research is completed within four to six years from enrollment in the program, under the direction of the student's major faculty sponsor. The Thesis Committee advises the student in his or her research, meeting at least annually with the student to monitor progress and to oversee development of the thesis. During this time the student continues to participate in the other educational programs offered by the graduate program but works full time in the laboratory.
Upon completion of the thesis, the student prepares the work for publication, presents it to the University in an open seminar, and defends the validity of the work before the Thesis Committee and the members of the program. The culmination of the student's successful progression through the program is the final examination (the "defense") and certification by the Thesis Committee that the thesis represents an official piece of research that satisfies the requirements of the Graduate School for the PhD degree.
