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During the first year, students will contact potential dissertation advisors and complete lab rotations to learn techniques and explore research areas of interest to find the best lab fit. Typically, students will experience 3-4 rotations over the course of the first year before deciding on a lab to join for their dissertation project.
Students begin the program with two years of didactic courses in neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, ethics, and statistics. The program also requires coursework pertaining to professional development. Neuroscience classes are lead by faculty from the Neuroscience Graduate Program.
Students take the Qualifying Exam for admission to doctoral candidacy at the end of the second year. Upon passing the Qualifying Exam, students are expected to work on their dissertation research full time while attending the weekly seminar series. They are also expected to present their research regularly and participate in Neuroscience Program activities. Upon successful defense of the dissertation project the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience will be awarded. The student handbook provides further details on this process.