University of Rochester Medical Center

First Year Core Curriculum

The core curriculum during the first year consists of two courses

Most students also take a graduate-level Biochemistry or Cell Biology course during the first semester, along with Ethics in Research (IND 501). A course in statistics is also required during the first two years.

student in lab

Laboratory Rotations

An important component of the first year of study is a series of three required (fourth optional) laboratory rotations, intended to both familiarize students with a range of research topics and techniques, and facilitate the student's choice of a dissertation laboratory following the first year of study. The sequence of rotations is planned in consultation with a faculty advisory group. During each rotation, students conduct a research project under the guidance of a faculty member of their choice. Students will formally present their work to the faculty and their peers in a biannual lab rotation presentation session. Typically the rotations are completed by the Summer of the first year.

Current first year students are encouraged to view the list of available lab rotations and contact the associated PI for more information.

Journal Club

Journal Club is required for first and second year students. It focuses on historic and recent findings in neuroscience literature and provides additional experience in critical thinking and experimental design. The readings are often coordinated with materials being taught in the required Cellular and Systems courses.

Student Seminars

Each year, students give a short seminar describing their recent research activities. They are then evaluated by faculty and other students present.

Cluster Handbook

The Cluster Handbook is the guide for first year students. It explores in detail the curriculum overview, cluster requirements, performance evaluations, and other commonly asked questions. It was prepared to supplement, but not reaplce the Official Bulletin for Graduate Studies.

First Year Sample Curriculum

Fall Semester

  • NSC 512 – Cellular Neuroscience
  • NSC 592 – Neuroscience Journal Club
  • NSC 590 – Lab Rotation 1
  • IND 501 – Ethics in Research
  • STT 563 – Intro to Biostatistics OR BCS 510 – Data Analysis I
  • Electives – Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Other 2

Spring Semester

  • NSC 531 – Integrative & Systems Neuroscience
  • NSC 592 – Neuroscience Journal Club
  • NSC 590 – Lab Rotations
  • Electives 3

Notes:

  1. Lab Rotations: 3 lab rotations must be completed by 30 August of the first year.
  2. Neuroscience Graduate students are expected to understand basic aspects of modern biomolecular and cellular science. Students without this background generally take Biochemistry (IND 408) in their first semester. Cell Biology (IND 409) may be more appropriate for some students. Students with strong backgrounds in these areas may substitute an elective.
  3. A minimum total of 10 credit hours of elective coursework, including Tutorials in Neuroscience Research, is required. Six or more hours must be earned in "upper level" courses that do not include IND 408, 409, or 410.