Program Curriculum
Program Mission Statement:
The Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience graduate program, associated with the OHSU department of Behavioral Neuroscience and with OHSU School of Medicine Graduate Studies, has a long-standing commitment to educating a diverse next generation of behavioral and systems neuroscientists and physician-scientists, so that they can conduct high-quality research that enhances our understanding of brain-behavior relationships and improves human health and well-being; the program also has a commitment to provide trainees with the ability to disseminate their research to the community of science and the community at large. Research areas of focus range from the study of molecular processes to the study of complex behavior across several neurodevelopmental stages. Emphasis is placed on understanding the independent and interacting roles of genes, neural circuits, and the environment in determining behavior, with the long-term goal of creating new knowledge that will aid in the prevention, detection and treatment of disorders and diseases of the nervous system impacting motivation, mood and cognition. Areas of excellence include research on the neurobiology of addiction, mental health disorders, and cognition. The Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience graduate program is committed to ensuring that all individuals present within the training environment are treated with dignity and respect. We understand that diversity enriches and improves the quality of research and ideas and creates an environment conducive to the development of novel, innovative solutions.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the relevant scientific field.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in one specialized area.
- Advance knowledge in selected area of concentration.
- Formulate hypothesis based on current concepts in the field.
- Design, conduct, and interpret their own research.
- Demonstrate doctoral-level competence in written and verbal communication.
- Interpret and critique scientific literature.
- Apply fundamental knowledge of ethics in research.
- Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside scientific research.
Students are required to earn a minimum of 135 graduate-level term-hour credits. At least 100 hours must represent credit hours earned in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience (hours labeled BEST). These credit hours may be Research courses (BEST 601 or 603), didactic courses, journal clubs, nano courses, or seminars.
Required courses:
- CONJ 620 Introduction to Biostatistics for the Basic Sciences or other relevant Statistics course
- MGRD 650 The Practice and Ethics of Science
- And for those students on T, K, and F awards, RCR 003 Behavioral Neuroscience Responsible Conduct of Research)
- BEST 607A Issues in Behavioral Neuroscience Seminar
- BEST 618 Behavioral Neuroscience Principles and Practice
- NEUS 624 Cellular Neurophysiology
- NEUS 625 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
- BEST 642 Systems Neuroscience
New graduate students participate in 2-4 research rotations during their first year. The objective of rotations are to (a) match the interests of the student with available research opportunities and (b) assign faculty who are willing and have the resources needed to serve as the student's faculty mentor after the first year.
During the first year of graduate training, students are expected to obtain experience in the critical evaluation of original research reports. The reprint exam serves to set a standard of competency in the critical evaluation of research articles and in oral expression, a standard which students are expected to attain early in their graduate career. In addition, it helps faculty to identify areas of weakness in this skill.
All students must pass a written qualifying examination to advance to candidacy for their Ph.D. The qualifying exam follow the format of a formal NIH-NRSA proposal and includes three parts:
- Written proposal
- Oral presentation
- Oral examination
All students must pass an oral examination and dissertation defense in order to receive their Ph.D. It is generally expected that students will complete this requirement during the 5th year of training.
Please note that this is a brief overview and does not include all detailed program requirements. Additional details can be found in the program guidelines.