Neurobiology

Track Representative: Wesley Thompson

The Neurobiology track is intended for students pursuing a PhD degree who are primarily interested in applying cellular and molecular techniques to study the nervous system. Our faculty have wide ranging research interests that touch on most of the present frontiers in neuroscience, including specification of neuronal cell fates, integration of information by synapses and dendrites, alterations in neuronal circuits as a consequence of experience, drug and alcohol addiction, sensory processing, transmitter release, repair of neuronal injuries, hormones and behavior, and gene expression.

Requirements
Students in the neurobiology track of the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program must meet the following requirements in addition to the general requirements for all students in the program.

1. In the fall of their second year, students complete Principles of Neuroscience I (NEU 382T), a course which deals with cellular and molecular neuroscience.
2. In the spring semester of their 2nd year, students complete an additional elective course selected in consultation with the track representative and the research mentor. A list of appropriate courses is available from the track representative.
3. Beginning their 3rd year of graduate training, students must enroll and actively participate in the presentation and discussion of the current scientific literature in neuroscience. A list of appropriate journal clubs is available from the track representative.
4. As a faculty we strongly recommend (and your advisor may require) that students serve as a teaching assistant in a graduate or undergraduate course in neuroscience, neurobiology, or neuropharmacology at least once in their graduate career.