Apr 30, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Neuroscience PhD


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The neuroscience program is an interdisciplinary undertaking of research and education, offering doctoral and master’s degrees. The program encompasses over 75 faculty members in clinical and basic science departments throughout the university. The goal is to provide maximal academic flexibility that matches the broad scope of modern neuroscience. The emphasis is on interactions between five main areas: cellular and molecular mechanisms of nervous system function and dysfunction, development and plasticity, sensory systems, behavioral neurobiology, and translational medicine in the nervous system.

Requirements and Curriculum


If you are interested in the Neuroscience PhD program, you should apply directly to the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS), where you will participate in a core curriculum in the first semester. Beginning in your second semester, you would have the option to take Neuroscience courses as electives and select your thesis advisor and research topic. 

The PhD requires 72 credits, including at least 20 credits of didactic courses and the remainder composed of a mix of didactic and research credits. Most of the didactic course requirements can be completed in the first year. You must receive a grade of B or higher on all required courses, with an overall GPA above 3.0.

The Neuroscience program has a set of required courses (NRS 520 , NRS 524 , NRS 601 , and NRS 602  and PMY 516 ). In addition, you can select from a variety of elective courses upon consultation with your mentor.

Selection of Thesis Advisor


Summer Laboratory Rotations (Optional)

3rd Semester (14 credits)


4th Semester (16-17 credits)


Summer after 4th Semester


At the end of the second year you will prepare for the preliminary examination, which is a the submission of a modified grant proposal.  On successful completion of all required courses and the preliminary examination, you can apply to candidacy. At that time you will select a thesis committee that consists of a mentor and three other faculty.

Semesters 5-8


  • Thesis Research, 1 credit*

*You should register for research credit under your home department’s course number in your mentor’s section. Some examples are PMY 751 /PMY 752 , BCH 701 /BCH 702 , and NEU 600 . If your home department does not have such a course, the default is NRS 600 . Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator or your department administrator with any questions.

Total Credit Hours: 72


3.0 Degree GPA required

 

Instruction Method


  • In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options


  • Full Time

Credits Required


  • 72 Hours

Time-To-Degree


  • 5 Years

Application Fee


  • $85

Program Contact


Jacobs School Office of Graduate Education
955 Main St., Room 6130
Buffalo, NY 14203
Email: smbs-gradprog@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-829-3398

SED Statement


This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

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