Curriculum
Although students can select a curriculum that relates specifically to their educational needs, for approximately the first 2 years in the Program, all students are required to take a series of courses that comprise a core curriculum. These courses, which are listed below in the sequence in which they are to be taken, must be completed prior to submitting and defending a dissertation proposal. Once the proposal is successfully defended, students advance to candidacy and focus their effort on their thesis research. The first-year core courses provide a foundation in basic subjects, whereas the second-year core courses and other elective courses lead to specializations in distinct areas.
In addition to these core courses, there are a variety of other neuroscience programs or neuroscience-related courses available to students in the Program, and these are listed in the Graduate School Bulletin. Specialized reading courses and tutorials can be arranged between individual students and faculty.
Year 1
Fall Semester
*If not taken at undergraduate institution
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Year 2
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
*Statistics - IPP 741 or CPTS 730 Required if not taken at undergraduate institution either in the first or second year.
Years 3, 4, 5
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Course Descriptions
NEUR 714 (Behavioral Neuroscience)
(3) Behavioral neuroscience is a relatively new and rapidly expanding discipline utilizing techniques of molecular biology, neurochemistry, neurophysiology and psychology to investigate the neurobiological aspects of behavior. A broad overview of the field and its relationship to these individual disciplines is presented. The course will provide a survey of the field from the cellular level to the complexity of molar aspects of behavior including learning and memory. An introduction to lab models of human neurobiological disorders is included.
NEUR 771 (Clinical Neuroscience)
(3) A series of lectures and class discussions of topics dealing with the neurobiology, pathophysiology and treatment of patients with neurological and behavioral/ psychiatric problems. This course also includes a brief introduction to major concepts of patient treatment and care with utilization of up-to-date methodology in clinical neuroscience. Students have the opportunity to observe and participate in patient evaluation and diagnostic testing in the clinical setting (e.g., Grand Rounds) and to visit many of the neuroscience-related clinical research and treatment centers. Teaching faculty includes both clinicians and basic science researchers.
NEUR 721 (Molecular Neuroscience)
(3) Introduces graduate and advanced undergraduate students to the basic principles of neurobiology as studied by cell and molecular biologists. Lectures introduce invertebrate and vertebrate model neuronal systems and the cellular and molecular methods to study them.
NEUR 703, 704 (Seminars in Neuroscience)
(0) A series of research presentations by invited speakers from other institutions that will discuss modern concepts, methods, and approaches used in understanding nervous system structure, function and pathology.
NEUR 701 (Introduction to Neuroscience I)
(5) Neuroscience I is the first in a required 2-course series for first-year neuroscience students covering basic topics in the neurosciences. Neuroscience I is offered only in the fall semester and deals with neuroanatomy (6 weeks), cellular and molecular neuroscience (6 weeks), and developmental neuroscience (3 weeks). Approximately 1/3 of the course will include laboratory work in neuroanatomy.
NEUR 702 (Introduction to Neuroscience II)
(5) Neuroscience II is the second in the series of required courses for first-year neuroscience graduate students covering basic topics in the neurosciences. Neuroscience I is a prerequisite for Neuroscience II. Topics covered include: developmental neuroscience (3 weeks), sensory systems (6 weeks), and motor systems (6 weeks) Lectures will be given by faculty in the neuroscience program.
NEUR 705, 706 (Neuroscience Tutorial)
(0) A tutorial format course required in the fall and spring semesters of all PhD students in the Neuroscience Program. A one-hour presentation by faculty of current research topics being conducted in the neuroscience program followed by a discussion of the topic and of recent research or review articles in the same area of research.
NEUR 705 (Summer Neuroscience Tutorial)
(1) A summer session tutorial format course required of all PhD students in the Neuroscience Program. A one-hour presentation by students on their current research area. Students will be evaluated by faculty and peers on their presentation and given overall assessment of their Introduction, Methods, Graphics, Explanation of Data, Conclusions, and Speaking Style and Rapport with the audience.
Sample Of Elective Courses Offered Outside Of The Neuroscience Program
- Biochemistry
Intracellular Signaling
Immunochemistry - Biology
Neurobiology
Development
Molecular Biology
Sensory Biology
Behavioral Ecology
Cell Physiology - Comparative Medicine
Animal Models in Biomedical Research - Microbiology and Immunology
Fundamentals of Immunology - Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology
Research Techniques in Electron Microscopy
Fundamentals of Pathophysiology - Molecular Genetics
Molecular Biology
Human Molecular Genetics - Molecular Medicine
Introduction to Molecular Medicine - Neurobiology and Anatomy
Cell Biology
Development and Anatomy of Sensory Systems
Sensory Neuroscience I: Audition and Vision
Sensory Neuroscience II: Somatosensation, Taste and Olfaction
Sensory Neuroscience III: Higher Order Interactions and Integration
Developmental Neurobiology I: Molecular control of Neural Lineages and Differentiation
Developmental Neurobiology II: Progressive and Regressive Events in Neural Development
Developmental Neurobiology III: Neural Plasticity and Regeneration
Career Development in Neurobiology - Physiology and Pharmacology
Perinatal Physiology I
Perinatal Physiology II
Neuroendocrinology
Nerve Cell Physiology and Plasticity
Behavioral Pharmacology
Neurobehavioral Pharmacology
Neurotoxicology
Biology of Alcohol Abuse - alcoholism - Psychology
Developmental Psychobiology
Psychopharmacology
Biological Psychology
Neuropsychology and Learning Disabilities
Neuroscience and Animal Behavior