Overview

The Neuroscience Training Program at the CU School of Medicine provides multidisciplinary PhD training covering the breadth of neurobiology. Hands-on research training in state-of-the-art laboratories and formal coursework in cellular and molecular neurobiology, systems, neural development, neuropharmacology, and biochemistry, propels students to competitive careers in the sciences.

Admissions Requirements

The Neuroscience application deadline is December 1.

PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.

Applications received by December 1 will be given first consideration for admission to the Fall Semester of the following year, but applications received subsequently may also be considered.

An application for admission must include the following:

• Graduate School on-line application (Includes resume, statement of purpose and research statement)
• A $50 (domestic) or $75 (international) non-refundable application fee. An application will not be processed without payment. Fee waivers are available for qualified applicants.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• International Applicants should review the additional requirements on the International Admissions Website: https://www.ucdenver.edu/international-admissions/apply-for-admission/graduate
• One (1) unofficial or official transcript of all academic work completed to date. An official transcript will be required following acceptance to matriculate into our program and must come from the issuing institution directly and sent either electronically or mailed to:

Electronic Transcript(s): graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu

Mailed Transcript(s):

University of Colorado Denver
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, C5000
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045

Exams | The GRE is not required. International students may be required to submit proof of English language proficiency.

Undergraduate Coursework | An undergraduate degree or its equivalent is required. A baccalaureate degree in a biological science, chemistry, physics or engineering is recommended.

GPA | There is no absolute requirement for grade point average above that required by the graduate school, but successful applicants will generally have GPAs above 3.2 (A=4.0).

Research Experience | Research experience is strongly recommended.

Degree Requirements

First Year

Second Year¹

Third Year & Beyond¹

¹

Students in Year 2 or 3 are required to take a minimum one-credit elective course that provides training in quantitative methods in neuroscience. Some options include: MOLB 7950 Informatics and Statistics for Molecular Biology, NRSC 7612 Nervous System Modeling with NEURON, ELEC 5375 Engineering Neuroscience, BIOE 5054 Introduction to Regulatory Affairs, NRSC 7657 Workshop in Advanced Programming for Neuroscientists.

Learning Objectives

Graduate education in general | Doctoral education is the foundation of future scholarship and the “engine” of the research enterprise. It prepares future faculty and leaders in the academy and other areas of industry and society.

Program/Student Learning Outcomes | The PhD program in Neuroscience trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
• Understand the current concepts in Neuroscience.
• Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
• Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects.
• Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
• Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues.
• Write a competitive application for research funding.
• Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific research.

Courses

Policies

Please refer to the Office of Research Education and the Graduate School policy pages.

• https://graduateschool.cuanschutz.edu/forms-resources/resources
• https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/ore/forms-and-resources

The Neuroscience Program handbook is located on the resources page of our website: https://www.cuanschutz.edu/graduate-programs/neuroscience/student-resources

Contact Us

Nidia Quillinan, PhD
Associate Professor
Program Co-Director
nidia.quillinan@cuanschutz.edu

Gidon Felsen, PhD
Professor
Program Co-Director
gidon.felsen@cuanschutz.edu

Kayla Scroggins
Program Administrator
Kayla.Scroggins@cuanschutz.edu
NRSC@cuanschutz.edu