Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] [Neurobiology] From California Institute of Technology

Neurobiology – the study of the nervous system – is a highly integrative science. The modern neurobiologist must be conversant with concepts from molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, systems neuroscience, animal behavior, and mathematical modeling. The aim of the graduate program is to expose each student to this breadth of the discipline. To accomplish this we offer a first-year curriculum with requirements in specified areas, along with a core course that spans many subjects. Students enter neurobiology from many different disciplines, ranging from particle physics to physiology to psychology. Accordingly, each PhD student is paired with a first-year advisor, so the course selections can best complement the student’s background. In later years, the student’s focus is on original research in a chosen specialty. Our goal is that students will graduate with specific research accomplishments--culminating in a dissertation and publications--while also developing the broad understanding required to chart their subsequent forays in brain science.