Active research participation is central to the PhD program in Systems and Integrative Neuroscience (SINS). Students are accepted into the program under the guidance of a specific faculty member, and work closely with them for the duration of the program. Collaboration with other students or faculty from within and outside the department is also strongly encouraged. The training program is flexible, and is tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.
Requirements
Requirements for the PhD include:
- Two first-year laboratory rotations ;
- Four foundation courses, including: cell and molecular neuroscience, behavioral and computational neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience; along with an elective in developmental cognition, clinical, social or cognitive science;
- Participation in seminars relevant to the field of research;
- Successful completion of a major area paper and oral qualifying examination;
- Teaching experience;
- Presentation of findings at professional meetings and in published manuscripts;
- Completion of a research dissertation under faculty guidance
Most students complete the PhD within 5-6 years. Students can expect to receive extensive training in basic brain and behavioral sciences, as well as a core foundation in statistical and data analysis methods that will prepare them for a research-focused career in academics or industry.
Advanced research techniques available include:
- Immunohistochemistry (multiple label light and fluorescence);
- Confocal microscopy and stereology;
- Radioimmunoassay, ELISA and multiplex protein analysis;
- Flow cytometry;
- Quantitative real-time PCR;
- Immune and glial cell cultures;
- Core-body telemetry;
- Pharmacological assays including self-administration;
- Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and microinjection techniques;
- Electrophysiological recording in vivo and in vitro as well as magnetic resonance imaging;
- And a wide-variety of advanced behavioral assays, including those for learning and conditioning, memory, interval timing, counting, spatial navigation, anxiety, social interaction, maternal care, and psychophysical/multi-dimensional analysis of auditory and visual integration.
All SINS faculty are actively recruiting graduate students.
Visit our department's application page for more information on how to submit an application to our graduate training program.