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Qualifying Exam

The qualifying examination for advancement to candidacy for the PhD should be taken prior to the end of the first semester of the second year.. This exam will consist of two portions, a research proposal and an oral defense of the research proposal to a committee of three faculty members representing three different sub-specialties of neuroscience (chosen from the following areas: Molecular & Cellular; Developmental, Plasticity & Repair; Behavioral, Cognitive & Systems; Human Neurobiology).

Student Guidelines for Qualifying Exam

Teaching

All students must complete teaching assignments in both their first and second years in the program. Teaching develops student knowledge of neuroscience and is required regardless of source of stipend support. Students must serve as a teaching assistant in one of the following neuroscience-related courses: NSCI 225, NSCI 301, or GRMD 357. Students in the second year teach in NSCI 225, NSCI 301, GRMD 357, or NSCI 110, or in other related courses including ANNB 201, BIOL 261 or 262, GRMD 354 and PSYC 221 or 222 (or any approved by the steering committee and home department).

Rotations

Laboratory rotations occur in the first year of the program, and involve a student spending full time undertaking a research project in the laboratory of a neuroscientist. First year students can complete a 7-week rotation upon arriving in July. There is a 14 week window in the spring, prior to the start of GRMD 357, during which a student may choose to do one 14 week rotation or two 7 week rotations. Students who did not do a rotation the summer prior to their first year may undertake a final 7 week rotation following the Neural Science course, but must join a dissertation lab by August 31st.

Years One through Five: Complete Coursework

Consult the UVM Graduate Catalogue for course information.

Year One By Semester

Courses: Biobehavioral Track

Courses: Standard Track

Fall

• 1 Laboratory rotation: minimum duration of 9 weeks
• MPBP 6010: Human Physiology & Pharmacology (4 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 6030: Human Gross and Microanatomy (3 cr)
• PSYS 6400: Biobehavioral Prosem (3 cr)
• Approved course in Biobehavioral cluster (1 cr)

• 1 Laboratory rotation: minimum duration of 9 weeks
• MPBP 6010: Human Physiology & Pharmacology (4 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 6030: Human Gross and Microanatomy (3 cr)
• PSYS 6400: Biobehavioral Prosem (3 cr)

Spring

• 2 Laboratory rotations: minimum duration of 7 weeks each
• NSCI 6071: Medical Neural Science Part 1 (3 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (1 cr)
• Approved course in Biobehavioral cluster (1 cr)
• PSYS 3XX: Seminar (3) **see notes on conflict with Neural Science

• 2 Laboratory rotations: minimum duration of 7 weeks each
• NSCI 6071: Medical Neural Science Part 1 (3 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NCSI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)

Year Two By Semester

Courses: Biobehavioral Track

Courses: Standard Track

Summer• 3rd rotation (optional) or join thesis lab (must join thesis lab by August 31st)
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)
• 3rd rotation (optional) or join thesis lab
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)
Fall• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (4 cr)
• PSYS 6000: Biostatistics or STAT 211: Statistical Methods (3 cr)
• Approved course in Biobehavioral Cluster (1 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (2 cr)
• PSYS 6000: Biostatistics or STAT 211: Statistical Methods (3 cr)
• Advanced Neuroscience Selective (3 cr)
Spring• NSCI 6270: Responsible Conduct in Research (1 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (3 cr)
• Approved course in Biobehavioral Cluster (1 cr)
• PSYS 3XX: Seminar (3 cr)
• NSCI 6270: Responsible Conduct in Research (1 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (4 cr)
• Advanced Neuroscience Selective (3 cr)

Year Three By Semester

Courses: Biobehavioral Track

Courses: Standard Track

Summer• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)
Fall• NSCI 381: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (7 cr)
• PSYS 393B: Biobehavioral Cluster (1 cr)
• NSCI 381: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (8 cr)
Spring• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (4 cr)
•  Approved course in Biobehavioral Cluster (1 cr)
• PSYS 3XX: Seminar (3 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (8 cr)

Year Four By Semester

Courses: Biobehavioral Track

Courses: Standard Track

Summer• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (5 cr)
Fall• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (fill)
• Approved course in Biobehavioral Cluster (1 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (fill)
Spring• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (fill)
• Approved course in Biobehavioral Cluster (1 cr)
• PSYS 3XX: Seminar (3 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club (1 cr)*
• NSCI 7491: Research Credits (fill)

Year Five By Semester

Courses: Biobehavioral Track

Courses: Standard Track

Summer• GRAD 902: Continuing Registration (5 cr)• GRAD 902: Continuing Registration (5 cr)
Fall• GRAD: 903: Continuing Registration (9 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club *
• GRAD: 903: Continuing Registration (9 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club *
Spring• GRAD 903: Continuing Registration (9 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club *
• GRAD 903: Continuing Registration (9 cr)
• NSCI 6820: Graduate Student Journal Club *

*Once a student has reached 75 credits, Graduate Student Journal Club (NSCI 6820) will not be taken for credit though it is still a requirement.

**Overlap between year 1 spring biobehavioral seminar and Neural Science:  The seminar instructor will work out a plan on an individual student basis to make sure that first-year students are not completing biobehavioral seminar work while in Neural Science.  This could be in the form of these students either completing the seminar work early or taking an incomplete and finishing the seminar work over the summer or early fall.   This is OK because "I" is considered a real grade.  It will not affect technical issues such as funding, insurance, visa status etc.

Information on Required Courses

Course DescriptionSemester OfferedAlternative Course
MPBP 301: Human Physiology & Pharmacology (6 Credits) - An integrated examination of the physiology and pharmacology of the peripheral nervous, muscle, the endocrine, digestive, renal, respiratory systems and cardiovascular systems in the human body.FallNA
NSCI 303. Human Gross and Microanatomy (3 Credits) - Combination of gross anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology and medical imaging to present an integrated overview of the human body. Emphasis on peripheral nervous system including autonomic nervous system and cranial nerves. Cadaver dissection laboratory combined with lecture and/or content modules and research and teaching presentations. Pre/Co-requisites: Graduate standing; Neuroscience Graduate Program or others with Instructor permission; six credits coursework, plus two credits lab in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and Physics.FallNA
PSYS 315: Biobehavioral Proseminar (3 credits) -
Advanced survey and analysis of behavioral and biological psychology, with special emphasis on learning theory and behavioral neuroscience.
FallNA
PSYS 304: Advanced Statistical Methods I (3 credits) -
Statistical methods for evaluating psychological data. Emphasizes exploring data with respect to research hypotheses. Critical study of hypothesis tests on means, chi-square, and correlational techniques.
FallSTAT 211: Statistical Methods I (3 credits) -
(Cross listed with Biostatistics 211.) Fundamental concepts for data analysis and experimental design. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including classical and nonparametric methods, regression, correlation, and analysis of variance. Statistical software. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
NSCI 381: Graduate Student Journal Club (must participate each semester; 1 credit) -
Research presentations and critical review of the literature in various areas of anatomical and neurobiological sciences.
FallNA
GRMD 357: Neural Science (6 credits) -
Organized study of the human nervous and behavioral system through lessons that integrate cell metabolism, endocrinology, normal and pathologic anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology and psychopathology. Pre/co-requisites: graduate standing; permission of instructor; 6 credits coursework plus 2 credits lab in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics; graduate coursework in cell biology or biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and an introduction to immunology, microbiology, toxicology, pathology and pharmacology.
SpringNA
NSCI 327: Responsible Conduct in Research (1 credit) -
Topics in Scientific Integrity surrounding responsible conduct and practices in biomedical research. Prerequisites: Advanced graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and assistant professors in the biological or biomedical sciences.
Spring 
NSCI 382: Graduate Student Journal Club (must participate each semester; 1 credit) -
Research presentations and critical review of the literature in various areas of anatomical and neurobiological sciences.
SpringNA

 

Selectives

Below is a list of approved selectives. A student, in conjunction with their advisor, may request another course to fulfill the selective requirement. The request will need to be approved by the NGP Director. The curriculum committee will be consulted if content is questioned.
Please Note: Students must take at least 6 credit hours of selective credit.

 

  • ANNB 201: Human Gross Anatomy (6 credits) - Lectures and detailed regional cadaver dissections emphasize functional anatomy of major systems (e.g. musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous). 
  • NSCI 222: Cellular Neurophysiology (3 Credits) - Fundamentals of cellular neurophysiology through lecture, independent student reading and faculty-led group discussions of journal articles. Prerequisites: NSCI 110 or, NSCI 111 and NSCI 112, or Instructor Permission.
  • NSCI 320: Developmental Neurobiology (3 credits) - Provides fundamental knowledge of cell-to-cell interactions necessary for proper development and organization of the nervous system. Topics include pattern formation, neuronal differentiation, axon guidance, and target interactions. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Alternate years.
  • NSCI 323: Neurochemistry (3 credits) -Neurons have a special cellular chemistry related to their ability to send and receive chemical signals. This course is designed to acquaint you with these properties, which are often the targets of over-the-counter and prescription drugs (as well as drugs of abuse). This is an advanced level graduate course that assumes basic knowledge of neurobiology, molecular biology, and cell biology. Student-led discussions will be held every week on original research papers related to topics raised by the lecture. Your grade will be based upon your presentations (40%), participation in discussion (20%) and your final paper (40%), which will be a “News and Views” type article based upon a research paper that has been published within the past two years. Alternate years.
  • NSCI 326: Basic Science of Neurological Disease (1 credit) -In-depth examination of basic mechanisms and clinical aspects of one neurological disease per year. Disease examined changes every year. Prerequisites: Advanced Graduate Students, Neuroscience Faculty and Residents in Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychology. Others contact Dr. Eckenstein at 656-4536.
  • NSCI 328: Techniques in Optical Microscopy (3 credits) - Topics shall include practical background in microscopy, including brightfield, epifluorescence, confocal, multi-photon, deconvolution, atomic force and electron microscopy. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
  • NSCI 329: Excitable Membranes (2 credits) - This course is a graduate course designed to introduce the fundamentals of cellular electrophysiology through independent student reading and faculty-led group discussions of journal articles. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.
  • NSCI 330: Comparative Neurobiology (2 credits) - This course is designed to introduce students to the cellular mechanisms that underlie selective motor and sensory abilities that have evolved in various species. Pre/co-requisites: Permission of Instructor.
  • NSCI 395:  Complex Network Systems in Bio (3 credits)
  • BIOC 301: General Biochemistry (3 credits) - Survey for science majors. Chemistry, structure, metabolism, and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids; enzymes, bioenergetics and respiratory processes. Prerequisites: CHEM 141, 142 or 143, 144, and Departmental permission.
  • BIOL 262: Neurobiology Techniques (4 credits) - Extensive study of laboratory methods used in modern research on the function of the nervous system. Techniques from electrophysiology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. Pre/co-requisites: BCOR 103, BIOL 261
  • BIOL 266: Neurodevelopment (3 Credits) Current topics in developmental neurobiology through lectures and discussions of primary literature. The course is designed for advanced undergraduate life science majors and graduate students in the biological sciences. Pre/co-requisites: BCOR 101 and BCOR 103.
  • CLBI 301: Cell Biology (3 Credits) -Advanced survey of cell organelles, their composition, origin, and the relationship between their structure and function. Emphasis on recent literature and current controversies. Prerequisite: CHEM 142; Graduate standing in Biology or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: BIOL 301, PBIO 301.
  • CLBI 394: Science Communication (3 credits) - Develop effective oral and written communication skills for a range of audiences from academia to industry, organizations, news, policymakers, and the general public.
  • CSD 353: Adult Neuropathologies (3 credits) - Etiology, pathology, diagnosis, and principles of rehabilitation of CNS pathologies affecting communication. Emphasis on motor speech disorders and cognitive consequences of traumatic brain injury. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission.
  • MLS 310: Advanced Immunobiology (3 credits) - Advanced survey of key current topics in immunology. Focus on understanding the key concepts and experimental approaches in the major areas in immunology, with an emphasis on applications to human disease. Prerequisites: Graduate student standing; Cell Biology and Biochemistry recommended.
  • MPBP 310: Molecular Basis of Biological Motility (3 Credits) - This course will examine the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying dynamic cellular processes. Advanced topics in biological motility (e.g. cell locomotion, DNA segregation, cytokinesis, organelle transport, muscle contraction, etc.) will be explored from the single molecule to the whole tissue level with an emphasis on understanding how complex molecular systems are coordinated for biological function. Critical evaluation and interpretation of primary data will be a focus of the course and   active participation will be encouraged.
  • MPBP 330. Biomedical Grantsmanship. (2 Credits) - Introduces graduate students in the biomedical life sciences to process of writing competitive research proposals for funding from federal and private agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • PBIO 294. Ecological Modeling. (3 Credits) - Provide an introduction to the modeling of ecological processes and data, emphasizing likelihood and Bayesian approaches to data modeling and analytical and computational models of ecological process. Uses R, Python, and Wolfram programming languages. Prerequisite: BCOR 102 or Instructor permission.
  • PBIO 394. Data Modeling for Envir Scienc. (3 Credits) - Introduction to data modeling using R statistical computing language, emphasizing likelihood, information theoretic, and Bayesian approaches to inference. Course focuses on the R language as a tool for data modeling. Class time divided between lectures that introduce statistical concepts and R language constructs and labs that stress applications. Successful participants will have some statistical background. Prerequisite: A course in introductory statistics.
  • PHRM 272: Toxicology (3 credits) - The biology of environmental intoxicants and of drug abuse. Ecologic and physiologic consequences of the dissemination of agricultural, industrial, and medicinal chemicals. Prerequisites: Organic chemistry, background in biology.
  • PHRM 290: Topics in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (3 credits) - Focuses on basic principles, drug interactions with receptors, membranes, synapses, neurotransmitters, macromoles, cytoskeleton, ion channels and pumps, and mechanisms of drug resistance. Prerequisites: Introductory course in organic chemistry, background in physiology or health sciences.
  • PHRM 308: Integrative Physiol. & Pharm (3 Credits) - Intended for students pursuing careers in basic scientific research or health-related fields, designed to combine general physiological principles with examples of disease-based pathophysiology and targeted pharmacological approaches. Case studies will emphasize the impact of these processes on human function. Pre/Co-requisites: Two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics, and a background in biology/physiology or health sciences.
  • PSYS 311: Seminar in Learning Theory (3 Credits) - Review and analysis of contemporary theories of associative learning.
  • PSYS 312: Cognitive Neuroscience (3 Credits) - Exploration of the neural bases of complex cognitive functions in humans, including memory, attention, executive functions, and consciousness, through a survey of recent journal articles.
  • PSYS 313: Emotion (3 Credits) - Analysis of research and theory on emotion from biological, psychological, cognitive, and psychosocial perspectives. Research literature considering clinical disorders of emotion will also be considered.
  • PSYS 316: Neuropsychopharmacology (3 Credits) - Explores the foundations of behavior by examining the role of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and drugs in the production of normal and abnormal behavior.
  • PSYS 319: Neurobio of Learning & Memory (3 Credits) - Exploration of the neural bases of learning and memory, using a brain systems approach, through a survey of recent journal articles.
  • PSYS 320: Animal Minds (3 Credits) - Examination of historical and modern scientific research literature on cognition as it is represented in the behavior of animals. Considers evolutionary, behavioristic, and cognitive perspectives.
  • PSYC 385: Introduction to Functional Neuroimaging