Neuroscience, PhD

Neuroscience is a collaborative and interdisciplinary PhD program that provides training for careers in neuroscience research, teaching and more. Our training program is designed to provide a strong foundation of neuroscience knowledge while at the same time taking into account each student's strengths, needs, and career goals.

Virtually all aspects of traditional neuroscience are reflected in the research programs of the 186 faculty members who participate in NGG training, including computational, systems, cellular and molecular, developmental, behavioral, and cognitive neuroscience, along with the neurobiology of disease.  NGG faculty members represent 30 academic departments in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Applied Science, Wharton Business, Veterinary Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Nursing, as well as the Perelman School of Medicine.  

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

Required Courses 

Coursework
BIOM 6000Cell Biology
NGG 5720Electrical Language of Cells
NGG 6050NeuroCore:Quantitative Rigor and Reproducibility in Neuroscience
NGG 5730Systems Neuroscience
NGG 6950Scientific Writing
Select three electives
NGG First Year Journal Club
NGG Specialty Journal Club
Research
NGG 6990Lab Rotation
NGG 8990Pre-Disst Lab Rotation
NGG 9950Dissertation

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.


Sample Plan of Study

Year 1
Fall
Cell Biology
Electrical Language of Cells
Lab Rotation
First Year Journal Club
Spring
Systems Neuroscience
Foundations in Statistics
NeuroCore:Quantitative Rigor and Reproducibility in Neuroscience
Lab Rotation
First Year Journal Club
Summer
Lab Rotation
Year 2
Fall
Pre-Disst Lab Rotation
Specialty Journal Club
Elective
Elective
Spring
Scientific Writing
Pre-Disst Lab Rotation
Specialty Journal Club
Elective
Year 3 and Beyond
Dissertation