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University of Pittsburgh    
2016-2017 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2016-2017 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Neurobiology/Neuroscience (PhD)


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The Center for Neuroscience (CNUP) Training Program is an interschool PhD degree-granting program offered cooperatively by the School of Medicine (Neurobiology, MSNBIO) and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (Neuroscience, NROSCI).  The program introduces students to the fundamental issues and experimental approaches in neuroscience and trains them in the theory and practice of laboratory research.  Research interests of the training faculty focus on several prominent themes, including behavioral/systems/cognitive, cell and molecular, development/plasticity/repair, and the neurobiology of disease.

This large research-based training program offers outstanding opportunities for students to pursue research in laboratories within more than 30 different departments and University centers. Major features of the program include extensive collaborative interactions among its faculty members and its affiliation with the Auditory Research Group, the Brain Institute, the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (a joint program with Carnegie Mellon University), Conte Center for the Neuroscience of Mental Disorders, Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, and other on-campus research centers

Contact Information

Center for Neuroscience
E1440 Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower 
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-648-9537 
Fax: 412-648-1441 
 

Admission Requirements and Procedures


Students are admitted into the CNUP training program on the assumption that they will be able to meet all requirements for the PhD degree. Those who are selected show evidence of a high level of intellectual talent, a strong interest in neuroscience, and a commitment to scholarship and research.

Admission decisions are based on many factors including the candidate’s statement of interest and goals in the field of neuroscience, evidence of research experience and accomplishment, letters of recommendation, test scores, grades, and personal interviews. An outstanding record in one of these areas may compensate for poorer performance in another area. In general, successful applicants have a BS degree in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, or psychology with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.40 (on a 4.00 scale) and a cumulative Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score greater than (160 verbal and 155 quantitative) and a 4.5 in analytical writing. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be considered.

Additional information and a link to our on-line application can be found at: www.cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/training/phd/admissions.aspx    

Financial Assistance

All students receive full stipend support and individual health benefits. This support is derived from University fellowships and numerous grants funded by the federal government and private agencies. Students in the program also have access to sponsorship on NIH training grants.

PhD Degree Requirements


http://cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/training/phd/prog_requirements.aspx

Credits: A minimum of 72 credit hours, including a 23-credit course requirement covering fundamental material in cellular and molecular neurobiology, systems neuroscience, and several elective courses.

Other requirements:


In addition to University requirements for graduate degrees, students are also required to obtain research experience in at least two separate laboratories; attend journal clubs and research seminars; pass a reprint exam following their first year of study, a comprehensive exam, and a doctoral dissertation and defense; and, to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one term (or course).

 

A list of CNUP Training Faculty may be viewed at: http:// cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/people/faculty.aspx?by=x1

A complete list of courses may be viewed at: http://cnup.neurobio.pitt.edu/training/phd/courses.aspx

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