Information Brochure (pdf) - Physiology and Neurobiology ...

Graduate Program
The Graduate Research Experience
The Department of Physiology and Neurobiology
offers a program of graduate study leading to both
M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physiology and Neurobiology.
The program prepares students for successful
research careers in academia or industry
by providing a structured and yet flexible plan of
coursework and research. During their first year,
all students enroll in a two semester core course
where they learn the fundamental theories, facts,
and concepts necessary for advanced study in
Physiology and Neurobiology. In addition, students
are encouraged to begin original research
early in the program. First year students either
rotate through two laboratories before choosing
an area of research, or those who have already
selected a field of interest may begin dissertation
research immediately.
To complete their coursework, students choose
from several advanced courses offered within the
department in the fields of Comparative Physiology,
Endocrinology and Neuroscience. Courses
offered by other departments on campus including
Molecular and Cell Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology, Pharmacy, Biobehavioral Sciences,
and Psychology may also be taken to provide
background in other disciplines. Participation in
the departmental colloquium series and weekly
departmental meetings provides additional opportunities
for training. Through the colloquia, students
learn first hand about the newest and most exciting
research in Physiology and Neurobiology and meet
with distinguished scientists from around the world.
In the weekly departmental meetings, students
present their own original research, and refine their
presentation skills.
Progress through the program is marked by
several clearly defined accomplishments. By the
end of the first year in the program, students are
expected to have chosen a dissertation thesis laboratory,
and to have mastered the fundamentals of
neuroscience and physiology necessary for more
advanced study. This mastery is demonstrated by
performance in the core course and by passing
a comprehensive written exam. Near the end of
the second year, students write a research proposal
that is based on the original research they
have been engaged in through the first two years
in the program. After successfully defending this
proposal, students are admitted to candidacy for
the Ph.D., and/or receive an M.S. in Physiology
and Neurobiology. After admission to candidacy,
students meet regularly with their thesis advisory
committee to discuss their progress, and typically
complete their dissertation research and receive
a Ph.D. in Physiology and Neurobiology within 5
years of entering the program. All students in the
Ph.D. program receive a full tuition waiver, and a
graduate assistantship to cover living expenses.