Graduate Catalog 2025-2026

Neuroscience

Graduate Program in Life Sciences

http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/neuroscience/

Degrees Offered

PhD, PhD/MD, PhD/DDS

Program Description

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience (PIN) is an interdisciplinary program of study leading to a PhD degree in Neuroscience. For over 20 years, PIN has been a center of excellence for graduate training in the life sciences. PIN faculty expertise and research interests range from molecular to clinical realms. Our program enhances interaction among our internationally renowned faculty and enables graduate students to take advantage of the full depth and breadth of Neuroscience research conducted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Our PhD students are highly sought after, routinely being appointed as postdoctoral fellows at other prestigious academic institutions or finding employment at one of the many Neuroscience-related occupations in industry and government that the greater Washington D.C./Baltimore area offers.

Program Admission

In addition to meeting the Graduate School’s minimum admission requirements, applicants often have strong academic records having earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or other major fields of biology. Applicants with mathematical, computer science or biomedical engineering backgrounds are also highly encouraged to apply. The program is particularly interested in candidates with independent research experience conducted in the undergraduate setting and/or beyond. The program encourages the application of women and candidates from racial and ethnic minorities under-represented in the sciences. Our application deadline is Dec. 1. Admission to the program is highly competitive, and, after interviews, acceptances are made as qualified candidates are identified. Additional information is available from the program manager at http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/neuroscience/.

Degree Requirements

PhD candidates must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits of doctoral dissertation research and all required classes. All students are required to rotate through three laboratories prior to choosing their dissertation research lab/advisor. Additionally, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program. A complete description of progression guidelines and degree requirements is provided in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.

Required Courses

GPLS 601MECHANISMS IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES: FROM GENES TO DISEASE

8

GPLS 608SEMINAR

1 OR 2

GPLS 609LABORATORY ROTATIONS

1 TO 3

GPLS 620SYNAPTIC PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY

4

GPLS 629JOURNAL CLUB

1

GPLS 632EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

2

GPLS 641SYSTEMS AND COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

4

GPLS 691CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE

1

GPLS 737PROSEMINAR IN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

2

CIPP 907RESEARCH ETHICS

1

GPLS 609: Three credits required

GPLS 608: for proposal and defense presentations

Students should consult with program director regarding selection of electives

 

Details are given in the Course Descriptions part of this catalog.