The Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Georgia offers unique multidisciplinary opportunities and innovative research approaches in broad areas of neuroscience and model systems that extend from yeast to primates. Our training model provides rigorous theoretical and methodological training in neuroscience utilizing the latest in related technologies. Students work with faculty to become independent thinkers, researchers, and decision-makers.
Due to the inherent interdisciplinary of the discipline, our program is designed to be flexible to complement the student’s background and emphasize their career objectives in neuroscience. Major emphasis is on course work related to dissertation research, but students are expected to develop a broad background in neuroscience. Therefore, many of the relevant coursework is offered through other departments (especially Psychology, Statistics, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology & Pharmacology).
The Neuroscience PhD program is a participating member of the Integrated Life Sciences Program (ILS). Therefore, the first year curriculum is specifically designed to facilitate the transition to graduate research and education. The first semester is structured to engage students in meaningful research experiences and instill good research practices. The hallmark of the ILS curriculum is GRSC 8000: Lab Rotations. This course provides an opportunity for students to explore the breadth and depth of life science research available at UGA through the ILS program before formally committing to a thesis project and advisor.
Core Coursework (19 credit hours)
- VPHY 8400: Neurophysiology (3 credit hours)
- VPHY 8020: Neuroanatomy (3 credit hours) OR PSYC 8300: Neuroanatomy for Behavioral Scientists (3 credit hours)
- NEUR 8030: Current Literature in Neuroscience (4 semesters, 4 credit hours) *
- NEUR 8040: Laboratory Group Meeting (4 semesters, 4 credit hours) **
- NEUR 8900: Seminar in Neuroscience (4 semesters, 4 credit hours) ***
- GRSC 8550: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit hour)
* ** Only 4 hours of Current Literature in Neuroscience and Laboratory Group Meeting may apply on the Final Program of Study. Nevertheless, students are strongly encouraged to continue regular attendance of both these courses as they are instrumental to a student’s research and skills development.
*** Only 3 hours of Seminar in Neuroscience may apply on the Program of Study. Nevertheless, students are strongly encouraged to continue regular attendance of speaker series presentations even if not formally registered in the seminar.
Research Skills (6 credit hours)
- STAT 6315: Statistical Methods for Researchers (4 credit hours)
- STAT 6210: Statistical Methods I (3 credit hours) AND STAT 6220: Statistical Methods II (3 credit hours)
- PSYC 6430: Applied Regression Methods in Psychology (3 credit hours)
- PSYC 6440: Experimental Design in Psychology (3 credit hours)
- VPHY 6930: Research Methods (1-3 credit hours)
- PSYC 8330: Laboratory Apprenticeship in Biopsychology (3 credit hours)
- CBIO 8920L: Cellular Biology Research Techniques (1-2 credit hours)
- BIOL (CBIO) (VPAT) 7040: Electron Microscopy (3 credit hours)
- CBIO 8050-8050L: Techniques in Modern Microscopy (4 credit hours)
Content Area Electives (9 credit hours)
9 hours of course work to be chosen (any combination) from the four research areas below.
