Brown University - Neuroscience

The goal of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience is to prepare students for a professional career devoted to scientific investigation of the nervous system and  the program provides the education needed to achieve this goal. Research in the program encompasses genes, molecules, cells, networks, systems, and behavior. Students enrolled in the Partnership Program between Brown and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) complete their coursework at Brown and demonstrate general academic competence in Neuroscience at the end of the first year.  Laboratory rotations are taken at Brown during the first academic year and summer rotations are done at NIH in the summers before and after the first academic year.  By the end of the first academic year, students choose either an NIH research mentor with whom to do their dissertation research, or establish a collaborative dissertation between a Brown and NIH investigator.  Faculty committees advise students throughout their studies.  This unique alliance between Brown and NIH investigators creates a very broad range of research opportunities.   Students propose and defend a thesis topic at the end of the second year. Students receive their Ph.D.s from Brown after satisfying program requirements and completing a significant body of original research. The training program also emphasizes the conceptual foundations of neuroscience, teaching skills, oral presentation of research results, clear writing of scientific reports, and proposals for research support. Successful completion of the program leads to the Ph.D. in neuroscience.

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field, and entering students have varied backgrounds. However, training in biology and related basic sciences and mathematics is essential. The program's requirements include graduate courses in the component disciplines of neuroscience, participation in weekly journal clubs and research seminars, a comprehensive examination, a written thesis proposal, a substantial body of original research, and a doctoral dissertation and oral defense. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged, and participating departments include Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology, Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, and Applied Math. Typically, five years are required to complete the Ph.D. The core of the training involves close interaction with faculty members to develop expertise in biological, behavioral, and theoretical aspects of neuroscience.

Students wishing to be considered for admission into this partnership need to submit the GPP application and the University application by the specified deadline.

Researchers Participating

• University Professors
• NIH Investigators

Partnership Directors

Additional Information

• University Home Page
• University Department / Program Page
• University Application
• University Campus Map
• Graduate Department Handbook