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Neuroscience Program

Studies in Neuroscience focus on Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Development and Regeneration, and Integrative Systems Neuroscience.


Application Materials Need to Be Submitted By:

PhD Applicants:  Jan 1, 2024

Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Graduate Program is a multidisciplinary interdepartmental program. The program is anchored in the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology but composed of faculty across multiple departments at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

This program awards:

  • PhD in Neuroscience

The overall goal of the program is to provide students with broad foundational knowledge in neurosciences while enabling students to tailor their curriculum toward their specific research interests and areas of expertise. We offer a collaborative, supportive and comprehensive environment in neurosciences focused on training students to become independent scientists.

Program research has strengths in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders and diseases, addiction, neurodegenerative disorders and neural trauma, aging, sensory and cognitive systems, eye development and disease, and neuro-oncology and neuroimmunology disorders.

"The student faculty relationship is one of the best assets of this program"

Jaclyn Rittershaus, MD/PhD Student

College of Graduate Studies - Neuroscience

About the Program

The next generation of neuroscientists are trained in our interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, to lead the way to future discovery and scholarship. The program has three main areas of focus: Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, Development and Regeneration, and Integrative Systems Neuroscience.

Students encounter diverse faculty across multiple departments, dedicated to providing them with strong core knowledge in neuroscience, and a focused curriculum in their specific areas of research. The majority of Neuroscience research labs are housed in the Neuroscience Research Building, which provides a uniquely integrated, collaborative, and supportive environment.

Our dedicated students are committed to research discoveries and make unique nationally and internationally recognized contributions to Neuroscience in their work. Upon graduation from our Neuroscience Program, students have an impressive track record of securing top post-doctoral positions, and ultimately leadership positions in academia and industry.

Degree Requirement Checklist

Please review the following checklist of requirements needed to obtain a PhD degree in Neuroscience:

PhD Degree Requirement Checklist

Neuroscience - PHD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Required Graduate Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
GS604 Graduate Student Research Opportunities 1
GS612 Biomedical Sciences Laboratory Rotations 6
GS616 Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology 3
GS637 Responsible Conduct of Scientific Research 2
GS892 Introduction to the Presentation and Analysis of Scientific Literature: Journal Club 1
GS690 Experimental Design & Analysis 2
*N507

Intro to Neuroscience

3
*N601

Neuroscience

3
N623

Systems Neuroscience

3
N627

Grant Writing in Neuroscience

3

* Either N507 or N601 is required.


Elective Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
N610

Topics in Developmental Neurobiology

2
N616

Topics in Vision Research I

3
N617

Methods in Neuroscience Research

2
N618

Topics in Vision Research II

3
N620

Advanced Topics in Receptors & Cell Signaling

1
N621

Neuroanatomy Lab

2
N628

Neurobiology of Addiction

2
N630

Independent Studies in Neuroscience (1-3 credits)

variable

*N631

Topics in Neuroscience

1
N635

Neurophysiology Methods

2
N653

Topics in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology

2

* Only open to 1st year students - Fall, Weeks 8-14.

Current Research

Our researchers use state-of-the-art approaches to understand basic and complex aspects of brain function, and discover new insights into the potential causes, biomarkers, and treatments for diseases of the nervous system.

Have Questions?

Please direct inquiries to:

Office of Admissions

Phone: 315-464-4570
Email: admiss@upstate.edu

Schedule an Admissions Appointment

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