Overview
The Neuroscience Graduate Program at USU is an interdisciplinary program within the graduate school. The faculty are full-time members of departments that may include Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical & Clinical Psychology, Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, Neurology, Pathology, Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry, Radiology & Radiological Sciences and, in a few instances, other departments in the University who share an interest in the development, structure, function and pathology of the nervous system and its interaction with the environment.
Outcomes
The USU Neuroscience Program aims to provide an opportunity for students to pursue classroom and laboratory study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience. The program, as a part of the overall USU Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences, aims to provide students with a curriculum and opportunities to meet each of the Graduate Education Core Competencies (see link) in Education, Research, Professionalism and Ethics, and Leadership. Specific objectives of the program are below:
- Knowledge of chosen research area: Students will be given a strong core in basic neuroscience principles, including cell biology, pharmacology, neurophysiology and neuroanatomy. They are expected to expand this core foundation of knowledge with elective course work and independent study into areas of their own interest. As a university with unique ties to the Department of Defense, the federal government, and the military, we expect that students will build a knowledge base with an understanding of the impact of their work on military responses and care of wounded warriors.
- Mastery of experimental design and methods: Students plan, design, carry out and interpret experiments; they are expected to be fully competent in the standard techniques of their field and to learn cutting-edge techniques where possible.
- Analytical and quantitative skills: All students are encouraged to take statistics courses appropriate to their research area and to become experts in the treatment, analysis, and interpretation of data.
- Writing and presentation skills: All students must demonstrate strong skills in writing manuscripts for publication and grant proposals, and in giving oral presentations. Students are expected to communicate their research effectively to general scientific and to lay audiences. Courses in presentation skills and workshops in presentation to lay audiences are provided yearly.
- Teaching and mentoring: Students are given the opportunity to serve as Teaching Assistants (TA) for graduate or medical school courses. These TA positions are customizable to accommodate the needs of the course and the student. Most students are also given the opportunity to mentor junior students, including junior graduate students and interning college or high school students.
- Professional skills and ethics: The program requires completion of a course in Scientific Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research that covers topics required by NIH and NSF. In addition, students will have exposure to seminar series, workshops, and courses that cover career planning, grant writing and review, oral presentations, time management, and career options, including academic and non-academic positions.
- Citizenship and organizational skills: Students are expected to develop strong interpersonal and collegial skills for professional networking and community outreach. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many National Capital Area events nearby to develop these professional skills.
- Leadership: Students are expected to participate in the Leadership training course, providing training in the development of leadership skills and understanding of interpersonal activities. Students are given opportunities to be leaders in several activities on campus, including student government and outreach activities, and are expected to become ambassadors of neuroscience and military medicine in their future careers.
Degree Requirements
Complete the following:
| ATO 1012 | Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neuroscience | 4.50 |
| NSO 506 | Introduction to Neuroscience | 3 |
| NSO 802 | Advanced Topics and Techniques in Neuroscience | 2.25 |
| IDO 502 | Experimental Statistics I | 2-3 |
| NSO 601 | Neuroscience Seminar | 0.75 |
| NSO 901 | Neuroscience Dissertation Research | 11.25 |
| IDO 704 | Scientific Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research | 2 |
| NSO 508 | Neuroscience Journal Club | 2.25 |
| NSO 509 | Neuroscience Journal Club Presentation | 0.75 |
| NSO 905 | Neurochemistry | 2.25 |
| NSO 531 | Principles of Neurophysiology | 2.25 |
| PHO 514 | Principles of Pharmacology | 0.75 |
| PHO 516 | Neuropharmacology | 1.5 |
| MCB 509 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| NSO 906 | Elements of Seminar Presentation | 0.75 |
| Electives | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 108 |
Students must complete a minimum of 108 credit hours which includes required elective and research courses not shown above.