The Neuroscience program offers a diverse curriculum in the form of core neuroscience courses and advanced topics courses. Courses taken during the first two years are designed to fill gaps in the general biological or physical science background of each student, to provide broadly based training in neuroscience, and to provide intensive training in the particular area in which a student plans to carry out research. A specific program of courses designed to take advantage of the full educational opportunities of the University of California is developed by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor.
Core Neuroscience Courses: First-year students take core courses in the fall, winter and spring quarters. These courses are designed to fill gaps in the general biological or physical science background of each student and to provide broadly based training in neuroscience.
Advanced Courses: Students participate in at least four advanced topics courses (MSTP students complete three advanced courses). These are one-quarter courses devoted to an intense and up-to-date review of single topics of contemporary interest.
Lab Rotations and Dissertation Research: First-year students complete three lab rotations, one per quarter (MSTP students complete two lab rotations). Rotations are designed to familiarize new graduate students with various approaches to neurobiological research.
Research in Progress Talks: Senior students give weekly talks on their research.
Formal Seminars: Weekly seminars are given by renowned neurobiologists representing all areas of Neuroscience. Students attend lunch with seminar speakers and host student-invited speakers.
Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Science: Students in the second year take this course which covers topics such as conflicts of interest, responsible authorship, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, handling misconduct, proper data management, research funding rules and procedures.
Teaching: In the second year, neuroscience students teach as graduate assistants for one quarter. The teaching experience consolidates the students' grasp of the field and provides training for those who will eventually be employed as college or university professors. (Additional teaching opportunities are available through the University’s Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP).
UCSF Courses: Neuroscience students may register for courses offered by other graduate programs.
Courses Outside UCSF: Neuroscience students may enroll in courses at other UC campuses as well as other local universities.