Neuroscience Concentration

Neuroscience Concentration

NOTE: This page is for detailed information about the Neuroscience Advanced Concentration only. All inquiries concerning admission to the BMS Admissions office at biomed@med.ufl.edu. More information on admissions is also available on the Admissions Page.

Program of Study | Program Faculty | Program Contacts

Overview

The Advanced Concentration in Neuroscience is one of eight advanced concentrations leading to the Ph.D. degree under the auspices of the Graduate Program (BMS) in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Neuroscience is one of the most rapidly advancing disciplines in science. Graduate students in the University of Florida Neuroscience Concentration are mentored by faculty who are passionate about advancing our understanding of the normal and disordered nervous system using state-of-the-art technologies. Our program provides a fertile ground for trainees to develop original research that will contribute to the field and that is directly relevant to preserving brain health and combatting neural disease. As a neuroscience student at UF, you will receive broad interdisciplinary training that fosters independent critical thinking and develops problem-solving skills. Our program includes rigorous coursework, specialized seminar series, and explicit training in grant writing and other professional skills. Our trainees have extensive opportunities to present their research for UF colleagues and at national and international conferences. We prioritize our student’s career development, and through a partnership with UF’s McKnight Brain Institute, offer an array of unique training opportunities. In addition, the University of Florida Health Science Center hosts seven NIH-funded Training (T32) awards that offer specialized training across an array of neuroscience sub-specialities and opportunities for students to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration. By leveraging our enthusiastic mentors, and the ample resources and facilities within one of top public universities in the nation, our students have unique opportunities to excel nationally and be on the leading-edge of next generation of neuroscientists.

All students enrolled in the Neuroscience program will work towards obtaining a Ph.D. degree through the College of Medicine. Every student in the Neuroscience concentration is expected to have at least one published peer-reviewed, original research article pertaining directly to the student’s dissertation prior to graduating. 

Meet Jennifer Bizon Ph.D., professor, and Joe Lebowitz, Ph.D. student, as they describe the opportunities available in this dynamic and growing field:

Program of Study

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All students enrolled in the Neuroscience Ph.D. Concentration will pursue a rigorous didactic and research scientific curriculum that encompasses extensive fundamental neuroscience knowledge, the development of skills in experimental design and reproducibility, and training in biomedical research involving leading-edge experimental approaches as well as professional development. The highly integrated curriculum is designed to prepare doctoral students for the challenges of the next generation of neuroscientists.

The curriculum includes many required fundamental courses such as Functional and Comparative Neuroanatomy for Professionals (GMS 6701), Neurophysiology: from Cells to Systems (GMS 6022), Molecular Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (GMS 6023), and Scientific Communication for Neuroscientists (GMS7795). Most students enrolled in the program complete the majority of their required didactic coursework by the end of the second year. In addition to the core courses, trainees may select advanced elective courses from those offered by the Neuroscience Concentration or from other doctoral programs at the University of Florida. Each student is required to participate in the Neuroscience Graduate Research Seminars (GMS 6792), Neuroscience Seminars (GMS 7794), and one journal club each fall and spring semester starting in their second year. The journal clubs’ topics are tailored to our students’ specific educational needs and vary each semester.

Students are expected to publish their scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and present their data at scientific conferences. All students enrolled are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Neuroscience core course

  • Functional Human Neuroanatomy (GMS 6705) — 4 credit lecture course and associated 1 credit laboratory

List A. At least two of the following courses must be taken as a requirement for the Neuroscience Concentration:

  • Principles of Neuroscience I –  Organization & Development of the Nervous System (GMS 6021) — 2 credits
  • Principles of Neuroscience II – Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (GMS 6022) — 3 credits
  • Principles of Neuroscience III – Neuropharmacology & Its Clinical Application (GMS 6023) — 3 credits

List B. Courses required to be taken during the Spring & Fall semesters of Years 2 and beyond:

  • Neuroscience Journal Club (GMS 6029)
  • Neuroscience Graduate Research Seminar (GMS 6792)
  • Neuroscience Department Seminar (GMS 7794)

The Faculty and their Research

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For a list of faculty members in the Neuroscience advanced program, please click here.

Meet Habibeh Khoshbouei, Ph.D., and learn about her research on the neurotransmitter dopamine

Concentration Contacts

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Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Ph.D.
Graduate Co-Coordinator, Neuroscience Graduate Program
Email: ecandelario@ufl.edu

Benoit Giasson, Ph.D.
Graduate Co-Coordinator, Neuroscience Graduate Program
Email: bgiasson@ufl.edu

Ikiah Young
Academic Program Specialist II, Neuroscience Graduate Program
Phone: (352) 273-9384 | E-mail: ilyoung@ufl.edu