First Year Curriculum
The first year of the PFN Neuroscience Graduate Program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in fundamental neuroscience concepts, research skills, and exposure to various research areas. The curriculum consists of core courses, lab rotations, and a weekly colloquium.
Fall Semester
BIOL 7240
BIOL 7240 Foundations of Neuroscience I: Genetics, Development, Molecular-Cellular Biology
This comprehensive graduate-level course serves as the first part of the Foundations of Neuroscience series, focusing on the fundamental aspects of neuroscience from a molecular and cellular perspective. Topics include molecular genetics, neural development, cellular neurobiology, and the basics of neuroanatomy.
Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-10:50am
Location: Gilmer 359
BIOL 8080 Colloquium in Fundamental Neuroscience
This weekly colloquium provides a dynamic forum for exploring cutting-edge research in fundamental neuroscience. The course includes journal club discussions, student research presentations, and faculty research talks.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Location: Gilmer 400
BIOL 8080
Spring Semester
BIOL 7250
BIOL7250: Foundations of Neuroscience II: Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience
Building on the first semester's molecular and cellular focus, this course explores higher-level neural systems and cognitive processes. Topics include sensory and motor systems, neural circuits underlying complex behaviors, computational neuroscience, and cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and decision-making. Students will also be introduced to advanced neuroimaging techniques and their applications in human neuroscience research.
Schedule: TBA
Location: TBA
Lab Rotations
In addition to coursework, first-year students will complete three lab rotations throughout the academic year. These rotations provide hands-on research experience and help students identify potential thesis advisors. Each rotation typically lasts 8-10 weeks, allowing students to explore different research areas and methodologies within neuroscience.
Additional Information
The first-year curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to neuroscience, from molecular mechanisms to complex cognitive processes. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on research experience, and exposure to current research through the colloquium series, students will be well-prepared to begin their independent research projects in subsequent years of the program.
For more detailed information about course content, schedules, and program requirements, please contact the program coordinator or refer to the official program handbook.