Ph.D. Program in Molecular Biology and Genetics with a Concentration in Neuroscience

Designed for Ph.D. students with a particular interest in neuroscience and an emphasis in genetic and molecular approaches, this concentration combines a creative curriculum and a research experience guided by CMMG faculty who work in the forefront of translational neuroscience.

The neuroscience option curriculum uses a series of new courses (described below) offered by the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics.

In addition to their coursework, Ph.D. students complete 3 research rotations during their first year in the program, and then begin their Ph.D. dissertation research starting in the summer before their second year. Faculty research interests are listed here.

CMMG Neuroscience Course Descriptions

Systems Neuroscience: The Structure and Function of The Nervous System.
In this core course the students will examine the structure and function of the major physiological systems within the brain and spinal cord. These include the sensory systems-vision, hearing and balance; the motor systems-both voluntary and involuntary motor control; and the cerebral cortex-memory, feelings, and cognition. The purpose of the course is to prepare students in the cellular and molecular sciences with sufficient background in neuroscience to read the scientific literature and/or to evaluate or participate in a research project.

Developmental Neuroscience.
In this course the students will analyze the molecular and cellular basis of neural development. This study will include mechanisms of neuronal pathfinding and synapse formation, morphological and spatial differentiation of the brain and spinal cord, regulation of myelination, and the basic molecular genetic control of embryogenesis. The topics will be covered by readings and discussion of selected papers in the primary scientific literature. The purpose of the course is to prepare students in the cellular and molecular sciences with sufficient background in developmental neuroscience to read the scientific literature and/or to evaluate or participate in a research project.

Molecular Biology of Neurologic Disease: From Protein to Patient.
In this course the students will analyze the molecular and cellular basis for a selected group of neurological diseases, including Huntington disease, neurofibromatosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Emphasis will be placed on reading the primary scientific literature in these areas and understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms causing neurological disease. In addition to the readings, the students will participate in several sessions with patients to see how these disease mechanisms actually effect real people.

Neuroscience Journal Club.
In this course students will read and analyze selected papers from the current neuroscience literature. Emphasis will be on critical analysis.