Sample Graduate Course Sequence

The sequence of courses taken by students is fitted to their backgrounds and interests. However, all students complete a small set of required courses, and work in a home lab beginning in their first term in the program. During years 1 & 2, the curriculum encourages broad exposure to the many different levels of analysis found in contemporary neuroscience. The course load is 9 credit hours/semester.

Year 1

In Year 1, trainees enter their home lab and begin training on conceptual issues and technical skills to carry out research in that lab or begin 2 or more rotations in different labs.

Fall

Cell and Molecular Neuroscience
Neuroscience Colloquium
Responsible Conduct of Research
Elective hours

Spring

Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
Neuroscience: Molecules to Behavior
Comparative Neuroanatomy with Laboratory
Directed Individual Study (laboratory rotation 1)

Summer

Neuroscience Seminar
Elective hours

Year 2

Fall

Research Design and Analysis
One Core Elective
Directed Individual Study (laboratory rotation 2)
Elective hours

Spring

One Core Elective Course
Elective hours

Summer

Neuroscience Seminar
Elective hours

Year 3 to graduation

By the Fall term of the third year, each student will have completed the core requirements for a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. In the subsequent years, students will typically enroll in elective courses, focus on their thesis research, and participate in the many opportunities the program offers for exposure to the research of visiting speakers. To obtain the Ph.D., the University requires that each student pass a qualifying exam (typically in the third year), have enrolled in at least 24 credit hours of dissertation work, be continuously enrolled on the FSU campus for a minimum of 24 graduate credit hours in any period of 12 consecutive months, and pass a dissertation defense. Students should also make presentations and obtain some teaching experience to hone their communication skills.