Program Purpose

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Course work and research that emphasize the integration of cellular neuroscience, molecular biology, developmental biology, biophysics, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology, cognition, and behavioral neuroscience is offered through this PhD degree program. Students are required to develop a strong background in the principles of neuroscience and develop the intellectual background and technical expertise necessary for successful research projects in their area of specialization. Publication of the research in peer-reviewed journals is expected but not required.  

Learning Outcomes

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Knowledge of Neuroscience Concepts

Describe the current state of the discipline in their area of specialization as well as foundational theories, concepts, and practices of the field. Students will add new knowledge to their field through designing and conducting research procedures, collecting data, analyzing data, determining how new knowledge fits in with current understanding in the field, and disseminating their findings to the broader scientific community.

Professional Development

Develop professionally through research or teaching assistantships and presentation of their research (Neuro 694R).

Scientific Method and Research

Successfully apply the scientific method by generating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis in their personal research that includes appropriate controls, and formulating defensible conclusions.

Critical Analysis and Effective Communication

Critically evaluate the current scientific literature in the discipline, write research proposals and papers, and make effective oral and written presentations. Publication of research in peer reviewed journals is strongly encouraged.

Teaching

Hone teaching skills through presentation of their research and teaching practicums. Under the direction of a faculty mentor, teach in a formal class setting. Assess student learning and performance.

Evidence of Learning

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Student progress is evaluated regularly by the student's graduate committee. Competency in the discipline is evaluated by a Coursework Oral Examination. Research competency is evaluated by a final Defense of Thesis. Placement into Ph.D. programs, professional schools, or employment is tracked by the department Graduate Committee. Publication of student theses is reported yearly as part of the annual faculty report.

Direct Measures

1. Performance on written/oral prospectus of research (Learning Outcomes 1-3)
2. Performance on coursework oral exam  (Learning Outcomes 1,4)
3. Performance on presentations in Neuro 601 and 694R (Learning Outcome 2)
4. Written master's thesis (Learning Outcomes 1-4)
5. Performance on oral defense of thesis and presentation of reserach in courses and at scientific meetings and publication in scientific journals (Learning Outcomes 1-4)

Indirect Measures

1. Exit interview (Learning Outcome 4)
2. Placement in professional or graduate schools or jobs (Learning Outcome 3)

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

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Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

Written work (prospectus of research, thesis, published research) for each student will be stored in the Neuroscience Center office and electronically with the university. Results from the exit interview and information about placement will be maintained as part of the exit interview data stored electronically in the Neuroscience Center. Performance on oral examinations (coursework oral exam, final oral defense of thesis) will be assessed by each student's graduate committee and these assessments will be maintained within each student's file. The Neuroscience Graduate Committee will evaluate the assessment evidence for our program and courses in light of the program goals. When evidence exists that our program is not meeting its goals, the Committee will make recommendations to the faculty for improvement. This could involve a recommendation to modify the objectives or proposed learning outcomes for a given course. It could also involve a recommendation to modify the purpose, goals, or curriculum of the program. Any changes that require approval from the College and University will be presented to the College Graduate Council by our Neuroscience Center representative for consideration up the line.