University of Rochester Medical Center

Program of Study

Photo of Sally Duarte

Even though my background in electrical engineering is unusual for a neuroscience graduate student, the department has been supportive in seeing this as asset. I was encouraged to rotate in a number of interdisciplinary labs where I could both apply my particular skills and also grow as a neuroscientist. I really feel that the program prepared me well for the type of research I’m doing today.

Sally Duarte

Graduate students interested in the nervous system typically apply to and enter training programs within the umbrella of Graduate Education in the Biomedical Sciences (GEBS) in the Medical Center. There are ten interdisciplinary Clusters within GEBS, one of which is Neuroscience. The cluster is responsible for recruiting prospective students and for coordinating the first year of study.

The first year core curriculum in Neuroscience provides students with a broad foundation in the principles of nervous system structure and function, training in critical reading and discussion of primary literature, as well as lab rotations to gain exposure and experience in areas of research interest.

After their first year, graduate students in the Neuroscience Cluster select one of several Ph.D. programs according to their interests and career goals, as well as the specific requirements for each program:

The Interdepartmental Program is a Cluster-wide Ph.D. program that provides broad training in Neuroscience. Each of the other degree-granting programs offers a specialized curriculum that emphasizes a particular approach to the study of the nervous system. Programs and their faculty maintain close interactions such that all students interested in a Neuroscience career can find the best match for their individual training needs within the Neuroscience community.

Degree Options

Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Neuroscience

For More Info

Please contact Jennifer Gliere, The Neuroscience Graduate Coordinator.

The Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Neuroscience (IGPN) offers broad training in research on the nervous system. The first-year core curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in the principles of nervous system structure and function, training in critical reading and discussion of primary literature, and lab rotations to gain experience in areas of research interest. This is followed in year two by specialized coursework relevant to individual goals.

Faculty research focuses on five broad areas

Neurobiology & Anatomy

Another option combines the Cluster's core neuroscience curriculum in year one, followed in year two with the choice between two key medical school options: Human Structure and Function, or Mind Brain Behavior, leading towards a Ph.D. in Neurobiology & Anatomy (NBA). Electives fulfill the remaining requirements. This program is particularly well suited to Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students interested in academic careers within a medical school setting, where teaching comprises a component of faculty mission, and where research interests include systems, integrative, quantitative/computational, and translational/clinical attributes of neural science.

Brain & Cognitive Sciences

Neuroscience training in Brain & Cognitive Sciences (BCS) emphasizes the study of neural mechanisms underlying complex cognitive processes (perception, motor planning, learning and memory, and language processing and acquisition). The curriculum reflects the department's emphasis on combining neurobiological, behavioral, and computational approaches to understanding cognitive processes.

Faculty research focuses on three main areas

Biomedical Engineering

Students with backgrounds and interests in the physical sciences or engineering should consider the graduate program in Biomedical Engineering (BME), which contains a focus in neuroscience (neuro-engineering)as one of its training paths.

Areas of particular research emphasis include

The curriculum emphasizes engineering principles, quantitative and theoretical approaches to biological systems, and their specific applications to the nervous system.

Pharmacology & Physiology

Research programs in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology (PharmPhys) focus on cell signaling mechanisms. Students in this program will receive training in basic neuroscience, as well as more focused training in neurophysiology and/or neuropharmacology. Emphasis is placed on cellular and molecular mechanisms of signal transduction that regulate synaptic transmission and neuronal gene expression. Areas of research focus on ion channels, neurodegeneration, drug addiction, G-protein-linked receptors and calcium signaling.