Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

http://tamin.tamu.edu/

Chair: Dr. Michael Smotherman

The Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience at Texas A&M University is designed to prepare students to become successful independent researchers that can help society meet wide-ranging needs in industry, medicine, defense and academic fields. Our interdisciplinary program spans several colleges (Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences) thereby offering our students access to a breadth of tools, training and expertise not normally found in single departments. Major breakthroughs in Neuroscience research often come from the fusion of novel technologies applied to basic questions. Our program facilitates discovery by giving students a solid knowledge base in fundamental neuroscience and then putting them in position to conduct cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art tools in a wide variety of research areas. The training program emphasizes flexibility by allowing each student to work with their thesis committee to design a unique degree plan that best suits his or her long-term objectives.

Mission Statement

Neuroscience is a rapidly growing and diverse academic discipline that will significantly influence many aspects of our society over the next century through its impacts on human health, behavior, and emerging technologies in computer science and engineering. The interdisciplinary graduate program in Neuroscience at Texas A&M prepares students to meet these societal needs by providing a comprehensive training that spans these broad disciplines by bringing together faculty, staff and students from across many colleges and departments. The program provides formal training, research opportunities and public exposure for students seeking careers in basic, translational and clinical neuroscience research, teaching and industry. Students completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience are prepared for teaching/research positions within academia and research positions in the private sector. 

Rotations and Research

Two seven-week (half-semester) rotations with TAMIN faculty during the fall are required of incoming students. Students may register for a third rotation in the spring semester if needed. Those that hold a master's degree may waive the rotations requirement if they have already identified a thesis advisor and the advisor requests the exemption in writing to the Graduate advisor.

Students are expected to begin full-time in the lab of their choice by the end of the spring semester of year one. From this point, students will focus almost exclusively on their thesis work.

A list of recommended and elective courses for students in the PhD program can be obtained from the Graduate Advisor or Chair.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program