NEURO Training Plans
Please reference the following NEURO training plans for theme-specific curriculum requirements.
2022-2023
MSTP/ARISE-NEURO Training Plan
2021-2022
MSTP/ARISE-NEURO Training Plan
2020-2021
MSTP/ARISE-NEURO Training Plan
2019-2020
MSTP/ARISE-NEURO Training Plan
2018-2019
MSTP/ARISE-NEURO Training Plan
2017-2018
2016-2017
If you have any further questions regarding theme requirements, please contact your theme directors or GBS Curriculum Manager.
Neuroscience Theme (NEURO)
Research Areas- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Neural Bases of Behavior, Disorders of the Nervous System
Neuroscience is one of eight interdisciplinary PhD themes within Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS). Students select a theme upon application but have access to faculty and courses from across GBS, allowing for flexibility in both research and academics.
The Neuroscience Theme provides training opportunities in multiple and contemporary areas of neuroscience research — from fundamental discovery science at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels, to translational studies in cellular and animal models of diseases of the nervous system. Outstanding research faculty from various schools, departments, and centers participate in training the next generation of neuroscientists. The Neuroscience Theme seeks to equip and train students to become tomorrow's innovative neuroscientists by:
- Teaching fundamental neuroscience concepts that are the stepping-stones needed for a deeper understanding of nervous system function.
- Providing unique professional and scientific avenues through which they can develop their presentation skills and learn critical thinking and experimental design.
- Offering the opportunity to choose neuroscience research from multiple options available through laboratories across the UAB campus — not limiting students to a department but, rather, a discipline.
- Providing opportunities for informal interactions with other students to discuss research, scientific writing, and life outside and beyond graduate school.
Coursework
Neuroscience coursework areas include molecular and cellular neurobiology, development of the nervous system, synaptic physiology, diseases of the nervous system, and systems neuroscience, among others. A unique feature of the Neuroscience Theme is the introductory course at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Incoming students arrive in Birmingham in mid-July to have orientation, and for three weeks our students, along with students in other UAB graduate programs, live and learn on Dauphin Island, Alabama, at the the sea lab. See this article on the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
As with all GBS themes, the Neuroscience Theme is proud to support the NIH-funded UAB Roadmap Scholars program, which is designed and aimed to enhance the engagement and retention of underrepresented graduate trainees in the neuroscience workforce.
See here for Neuroscience theme requirements.
Why should you join the Neuroscience Theme at UAB?
The Neuroscience Theme works in close association with the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center (CNC). Our students work with experts and well-established research faculty and clinicians who use diverse approaches in a collaborative environment to focus on neuroscience research. Neuroscience students will train extensively in fundamental-discovery and translational research in various nervous system disorders using an integrative approach. The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment fostered and nourished at UAB enhances our team science approach and accelerates the progress in tackling devastating nervous system disorders.
Where will this degree take you?
Unraveling the mysteries of the brain and finding cures for devastating nervous system disorders need an integrated knowledge of the cellular and molecular bases of brain and spinal cord development and function, generation and characterization of cellular and animal models of brain disorders, and the design of novel and rational therapeutic approaches. Training from the Neuroscience Theme at UAB will prepare you to move seamlessly into your future career. Graduates are currently leaders in academia and industry in different areas of fundamental and translational research. Some of our alumni are also successfully engaged in educational positions as well as scientific consultants playing a critical role in health policy decisions. Learn where GBS graduates are now.
Neuroscience Summer Seminar
Students and faculty have the opportunity to take part in the Neuroscience Summer Seminar Series.
A critical attribute of a successful scientist is the ability to communicate their research findings in an impactful and accessible manner. Every scientist needs to practice presenting research findings in order to refine their presentation skills. The purpose of the Neuroscience Summer Seminar Series is to provide each student with the opportunity to present recent research in a supportive environment. This course provides students with the opportunity to:
1) Practice their presentation skills;
2) Learn how to convey the relevance of their research to scientists in other fields;
3) Receive input from the audience on research design and presentation style;
4) Compile and organize their data.
NEURO Theme Contacts
![Theme Director](/gbs/home/images/Headshots/Michelle-1024x742_REDUCED.jpg)
Theme Director
Dr. Michelle Gray
(205) 996-4748
![Theme Director](/gbs/home/images/Headshots/RS31814_Ryan_Miller-3-scr_REDUCED.jpg)
Theme Director
Dr. Ryan Miller
(205) 934-7320
![Theme Director](/gbs/home/images/Neda_Wick_Photo.jpg)
Theme Director
Dr. Neda Wick
(205) 934-6433
Neuro Theme Curriculum
In addition to the information found in the Common to All GBS Students area, the Neuroscience Theme has some additional requirements specifically focused on giving our students a firm foundation to make them into the best neuroscientists they can be.
Year One
Incoming students arrive in Birmingham in mid-July for orientation and your first course — GBS 730: Intro to Neurobiology, otherwise known as the Dauphin Island Course. For three weeks you and students in other UAB graduate programs will live and learn on Dauphin Island, Alabama, at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
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Learn More: Dauphin Island Course
GBS 730: Intro to Neurobiology | The Dauphin Island Course
Course Master: Christianne Strang, PhD |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Course Dates for 2017: July 17-August 3
3 credit hours | Letter grade
Course Orientation
Orientation for 2017 is Thursday, July 13, 3:00 p.m., Campbell Hall room 320. During orientation you are told what to expect, when you leave for Dauphin Island, and the course master will ensure all students have a ride to Dauphin Island Sea Lab. There is also a question and answer session.
What to Expect
Accomodations: Students and faculty live in restored Air Force barracks while at Dauphin Island. In fact, what is now the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuary was once a United States Air Force Station. You can see some photos of Dauphin Island at this site.
Weather: The weather is hot and humid.
Dining: There is a dining hall where students and faculty eat each day. A meal ticket is included in your UAB-paid tuition and fees.
Surrounding Area: The Island is not commercial. Trips to the mainland are possible to purchase snacks and other supplies. The Island is more of a natural mixture of vacation homes and beach life.
Fall Semester
All GBS students follow the same curriculum for the Fall semester of the first year.
GBS 791: Grad Neuro Discussion
Spring Semester
- Module 1 (January) — GBS 710: Cell Signaling
- Module 2 (February) — GBSC 729: Cell Neurophys
- Module 3 (March) — GBS 714: Developmental Neuro
- Module 4 (April) — GBSC 727: Neuro Systems
- GBS 791: Grad Neuro Discussion
Summer Semester
- Module 5 (May) —GBS 733-Diseases of the Nervous System
- GBS 737: Neuro Student Summer Seminars
- GBSC 722: Biostatistics
These courses are in addition to the GBS required courses of Lab Rotations and Biostats.
Year End Assessment (YEA)
At the end of the first year you must participate in the YEA, which is an oral exam designed to explore the depth of knowledge you have accumulated. A 2nd failure of the YEA is grounds for dismissal.
Year Two and Beyond
- Seminars: You are required to register for one seminar course every Fall and Spring semester until the semester before graduation. Although the majority of Neuroscience Theme students select NBL 703: Neurobiology Seminar, you are not required to participate in that seminar if you and your mentor find another seminar series that more specifically aligns with your research. During the Summer semester you must register for GBS 737: Neuroscience Student Summer Seminar Series. You begin presenting in your second summer and are expected to present every year thereafter.
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Learn More: Student Summer Seminars
GBS 737: Neuroscience Student Summer Seminars
Course Masters: Karen Gamble, PhD; Rita Cowell, PhD
Course Dates: usually May-August
1 credit hour | Letter grade
Course Overview
- Who presents? All Neuroscience theme students, second year and up, each summer. Students graduating in summer or fall semester are exempt in the summer preceding their defense.
- Who attends? All Neuroscience theme students (including first years) must attend. The seminars are open to anyone on campus, so students should expect fellow students, faculty, and staff as their audience.
- How are presenters assessed? Each audience member is provided with an evaluation form as they enter the room. They are asked to rate each presenter on several areas and to give comments that will offer constructive feedback to the presenter. All done to strengthen the student's presentation skills. Download the most current evaluation form (pdf).
- Journal Clubs: You are free (with your mentor's input) to register for any journal club each Fall and Spring semester until the semester before graduation. You can alternate journal clubs from semester-to-semester.
- Advanced Courses: All GBS students must take three advanced courses before graduation.
- Committee Meetings
All Theme students are required to participate in theme functions, including:
- Theme Meetings
- Public defenses of dissertations for fellow theme students
- Recruiting activities, when called upon by the event manager or theme directors
- Assist in Brain Awareness Week activities at the McWane Center, as requested by the BAW coordinators