By August 1st after the first year of study, students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program have the option of pursuing one of five Ph.D. degrees:
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Neuroscience (IGPN)
- Neurobiology & Anatomy (NBA)
- Brain & Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
- Biomedical Engineering (BME)
- Pharmacology & Physiology (PharmPhys)
After a program has been selected, the student then completes the requirements of the respective program.
Outlined below are the requirements for the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Neuroscience (IGPN). A sample second-year curriculum is also provided. For information about the other degree options, please see the specific department website listed above.
IGPN Program Overview
Resources
Coursework
Students complete all requirements of the Neuroscience Cluster and select a minimum of ten (10) credits of elective coursework that will provide them with in-depth expertise in their chosen area of research. The selection of electives is typically done in consultation with the research advisor and program director. Upper level courses and interest-specific tutorials are offered by the diverse faculty comprising the Neuroscience Community. Critical thinking and practical consideration of generating hypotheses, experimentation and data analysis are addressed by coursework and seminars.
Teaching Assistantship
All students must serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester. Ideally, this experience includes responsibility for a weekly conference, discussion group, or laboratory. Generally, students TA for the undergraduate level neuroscience courses, NSC 201 or NSC 203, with prior approval from the Course Director. M.D./Ph.D. students are exempt from the TA requirement, but may volunteer to do so if interested.
Presentations
Students are required to give at least one oral presentation annually. For first year students, this is accomplished by the lab rotation presentation in the Graduate Student Seminar Series. If no exam or defense is scheduled, students will be required to give a 30 minute presentation each year pertaining to their current research. This too will be satisfied through the Graduate Student Seminar.
Qualifying Exam (Thesis Proposal)
The Qualifying Examination is designed to evaluate the student’s potential for independent thought, his or her approach to investigating a significant scientific problem in a sound manner, and his or her general knowledge of neuroscience. Though organized around a thesis proposal, the examination is not intended to be a specific evaluation of the proposed research problem or of the supporting preliminary data. This exam must be taken prior to the Spring Semester of the student’s third year in graduate school and is required to advance to Ph.D. candidacy. Details about the format of the exam and makeup of the examining committee are provided on the Defense Information page and supplemented in the IGPN student handbook.
Ph.D. Dissertation and Final Exam
Upon successful completion of their research, students submit a written thesis of their work. Students then present their thesis work in the form of an open lecture to the University community and then defend it in a closed exam with their thesis committee. Details about the format of the exam and makeup of the examining committee are provided on the Defense Information page and supplemented in the IGPN student handbook.
Second Year Sample IGPN Curriculum
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Notes:
- One Teaching Tutorial (NSC 581) is required, either in the Fall (NSC 201) or the Spring (NSC 203).
- 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.