Graduate Track Timeline
Year 1:
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- Fall and Spring: Complete comprehensive year-long neuroscience core coursework
- Conduct 3 lab rotations averaging 10 weeks each
- Begin thesis research by mid-spring semester
- Participate in weekly PFN journal clubs and research-in-progress seminars
- Engage in departmental activities and seminars
Year 2:
- Fall: Complete any remaining coursework and continue thesis research
- Spring: Prepare for and complete qualifying exam (proposal and oral defense)
- Continue participation in weekly PFN activities and departmental seminars
Years 3-5:
- Focus on dissertation research
- Regular meetings with thesis committee
- Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication
- Complete and defend dissertation
- Ongoing participation in PFN and departmental activities
Throughout the program:
- Attend and present at weekly PFN journal clubs and research-in-progress seminars
- Participate in departmental activities and seminars
- Engage in professional development courses and workshops
- Take additional courses in integrative biology to broaden scientific perspective
- Take advantage of other UVA programs, including PhD+ which hosts frequent workshops and events focused on career design, networking, and career development after the PhD