First Year

FALL

  • NS200 Introduction to Neuroscience. Essential Concepts & Methods
  • NS201A Basic Concepts in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • NS215 Lab Rotation (Note: A total of 3 lab rotations (2 for MSTP students) must be completed in the first year.

Other Activities:

  • Weekly RIPS
  • Formal Seminars
  • Faculty/1st Year Dinners
  • Meet with your faculty advisor

WINTER

  • NS201B Basic Concepts for Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience
  • NS215 Lab Rotation

Other Activities:

  • Weekly RIPS
  • Formal Seminars
  • Meet with your faculty advisor

SPRING

  • NS201C Introduction to Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
  • (optional): NS219 Topics in Basic or Translational Neuroscience (Mini Courses)
  • NS215 Lab Rotation
  • Grad 214 Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research (View course description)

Other Activities:

  • Weekly RIPS
  • Formal Seminars
  • Meet with your faculty advisor

At the end of spring quarter (June), first year students join a thesis lab. If needed, students may do a 4th rotation starting in June

Second Year 

FALL

  • NS250 Dissertation Research 
  • NS219 Scientific Writing (apply for NSF)
  • NS219 Experimental Design

Neuroscience Advanced Courses. Note: A total of 4 advanced courses are required before graduating (3 for MSTP students). Mini-courses and NS221, Current Topics in NS (taken in year 3), count toward advanced course requirement.

Other Activities:

  • Weekly RIPS
  • Formal Seminars
  • Meet with your faculty advisor

WINTER

  • NS250 Dissertation Research
  • Neuroscience Advanced Courses

Other Activities:

  • Weekly RIPS
  • Formal Seminars
  • Meet with your faculty advisor

SPRING

  • NS250 Dissertation Research
  • Teaching Assistantship, School of Dentistry
  • Neuroscience Advanced Courses

Other Activities:

  • Weekly RIPS
  • Formal Seminars
  • Meet with your faculty advisor

By September 30 (beginning of the 3rd year), students will take the qualifying exam and apply to advance to candidacy.

Third Year 

FALL

  • NS250 Dissertation Research
  • NS221 Current Topics in Neuroscience (fall, winter and spring quarter)
  • Neuroscience Advanced Courses

Other Activities: Weekly RIPS and Formal Seminars

WINTER

  • NS250 Dissertation Research
  • NS221 Current Topics in Neuroscience (fall, winter and spring quarter)
  • Neuroscience Advanced Courses

Other Activities: Weekly RIPS and Formal Seminars

SPRING

  • NS250 Dissertation Research
  • NS221 Current Topics in Neuroscience (fall, winter and spring quarter)
  • Neuroscience Advanced Courses

Other Activities: Weekly RIPS and Formal Seminars

By April 30th of year 3, students must have met with their thesis committee.

Fourth Year Until Graduation

  • NS250 Dissertation Research (fall, winter, spring quarters)
  • Neuroscience Advanced Courses

Other Activities: Weekly RIPS and Formal Seminars

By June 30 annually, students must meet with their thesis committees.