Ph.D. in Neuroscience

GMS 5924 Course Description
Provides students with fundamental skills, knowledge, and strategies to thrive in graduate school and beyond.  Slides will be used in each class for the purposes of stimulating interaction and discussion. The course director will draw on her own experiences to stimulate discussion and periodically invite other faculty to join the class when the discussion will be enhanced by their inclusion. Two senior graduate students who have passed their qualification exam will serve as teaching assistants who will also share their experiences and help stimulate discussion.    

Course Objectives and Goals
Provide students with:

• Support for success in PhD studies
• Guidance on how to individualize their graduate training experience

GMS 6022 Course Description
This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of electrical properties and synaptic signaling in excitable brain cells. Students will gain an understanding of the cellular physiological properties of the nervous system, including how ions and ion channels govern the membrane potential and excitability, and how signaling properties arise at the single neuron level to manifest as larger networks that support behavior. Following the function of individual cells, the course will cover synaptic signaling between neurons, including the molecular make-up of synapses, different kinds of synapses, the quantal theory of transmission, neuromodulation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms. The course includes a review of model systems in integrative neurophysiology, as well as a general view of the relation of neural circuits to behavior and cognitive processes.    

Course Objectives and Goals
By the end of this semester, students will be able to: 

• Detail different molecular tools to study neuronal function and recent technological advances used in research
• Describe the basic cellular physiology of neurons 
• Describe different types of cellular communication 
• Identify the different types of ionic current and describe how that gives rise to resting membrane potential and action potential propagation 
• Describe the role of interneurons in shaping neural dynamics 
• Identify circuit level physiology in normal and disease states 

GMS 6090 Course Description
students undertake research rotations which are 6-weeks in length. Students are required to complete at least two research rotations with two different faculty in the Fall of Year 1. There is an option for a third and fourth rotation in the Spring of Year 1. Approval is required for a fourth rotation. Each rotation is 1 credit hour of GMS6090. 

Course Objectives and Goals
The primary goal of research rotations is to allow students to explore different research areas and environments thus allowing them to make informed decisions in committing to a specific research topic and dissertation mentor. During the rotation, students have the opportunity to interact with their rotation mentor and laboratory personnel (i.e., other graduate students, postdocs, and research staff) and gain firsthand knowledge of various research approaches, laboratory cultures, and mentoring styles. ultimately guiding them towards a dissertation lab that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. In addition, these experiences can provide the student with skill development and networking opportunities, that will also be beneficial for their PhD journey.

The first and second rotations occur in the first semester (Fall), and if needed, the third and fourth rotations are in the second semester (Spring). At the end of each rotation, students are required to give an oral presentation which summarizes the purpose, methods, outcomes, and conclusions of the rotation research. Oral presentations are scheduled by the concentrations whereby students will present in the concentration, which is most aligned with their rotation, rather than the concentration in which they self-identified upon admission.

GMS 6701 Course Description
This course covers the structure and function of all major systems in the central nervous system of humans, quadrupeds, and rodents (brain and spinal cord). The anatomical studies and brain function will be complemented by clinical cases. At the end of this course, you will have both a working knowledge of human and comparative neuroanatomy, and you will also be able to use this knowledge to explain how disruption of brain structure leads to changes in human behavior and cognition.

Course Objectives and Goals
Specific learning objectives will be provided at the start of each lecture and anatomy introduction. Broadly, upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Understand how disruption of neural systems translates to changes in human behavior and cognition.
• Identify and name all structures provided on the neuroanatomy “hit list.”
• Describe the neuroanatomy and function of all primary sensory and motor systems.
• Describe the basic organization of higher-order cortical function.
• Be able to predict precise lesion locations in the nervous when presented with detailed functional deficits (neurological symptoms).
• Be able to define differences and similarities between functional neuroanatomy of animals and humans.
• Understand how disruption of neural systems translates to changes in human behavior and cognition.

GMS 7794 Course Description
This research seminar course provides students with a broad overview of the field of neuroscience through research seminars presented by local, national, and occasionally international speakers.

Course Objectives and Goals
Provide students with:

• A broad overview of the field of neuroscience.
• Exposure to a diverse selection of neuroscience experts.

CAI 5724 Course Description
An experiential seminar that features numerous faculty experts from diverse backgrounds who will guide students through more than a dozen unique real-world examples of machine learning for healthcare applications. Students will gain valuable experience in designing, developing, and deploying AI systems using contemporary tools, models, and platforms.

Course Objectives and Goals
The goal of this course is to translate real-world biomedical problems into clearly specified AI opportunities, and to develop fluency with the AI tools, platforms, and computational infrastructure required to address them.

GMS 6023 Course Description
This course surveys the basic principles of neuropharmacology, with emphasis on the molecular and cellular actions of drugs used to treat CNS disorders. Topics include drug effects on synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter systems, drug entry into the CNS, therapeutic targets, clinical applications, and the relationship between neuropharmacology and behavior. Current research on pharmacological treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders will also be explored. The course provides a foundation for advanced study in behavioral neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology and examines how molecular neuroscience informs medical and therapeutic approaches.

Course Objectives and Goals
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the basic neurochemical mechanisms underlying the actions of drugs on the central nervous system.
• Explain how drugs affect synaptic transmission at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Describe how drugs alter CNS function in health and disease.
• Identify brain disorders associated with altered neurotransmitter function and discuss current and emerging neuropharmacological treatments.

GMS 6025C Course Description
Students will learn and apply data management, organization, visualization, and statistical methods necessary to plan experiments and analyze neuroscience data. Students will learn how to import data from a variety of source formats and structures, how to restructure and organize data for effective analysis and visualization using modern approaches, and statistical analysis of neuroscience data.

Course Objectives and Goals
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply these skills to neuroscience data from molecular, behavioral, and neurophysiological measures.
• Organize and manage neuroscience data using modern data management approaches (e.g., Data Carpentry).
• Visualize and effectively communicate data.
• Plan, perform, and interpret general linear model statistical analyses.
• Evaluate statistical model assumptions and diagnostics.
• Structure data acquisition and select appropriate statistical approaches for neuroscience experiments.

https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/

Create and Verify CollegeNET Account

Complete all requested information on each page of the online application

• Program of Study: Select ‘College of Medicine’ followed by ‘Medical Sciences – Degree Name – ‘Doctor of Philosophy.
• Additional Information: Select Concentration – ‘Neuroscience’.
• Leave Program Specialization and Department Contact blank
• It is very important that you calculate your undergraduate upper-division GPA and enter it in the application.
  • The minimum requirements for graduate admission at the University of Florida include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all upper division (junior/senior) undergraduate work, though stronger applicants will have a GPA of 3.5

Explain your purpose for graduate study, including your career goals and how Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Neuroscience is important to achieving those goals. Discuss areas of neuroscience research of interest and highlight any previous research experience(s). Please be sure to identify your college major in your personal statement. Your statement should be approximately 1000 words.

The resume should include pertinent work history, research experience, publications, honors, etc. Prior laboratory research experience is typical of admitted students, but not required.

Please be sure to include information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding in your resume/CV.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one letter from a research mentor. Letters are submitted by your recommenders through the online application. If there are any problems with the online process, please email the Academic Coordinator, Ikiah Young. We require at least three letters of recommendation before the application will be reviewed.

You should upload to your online application, unofficial transcripts from ALL institutions attended, which will be used for the initial review. Official transcripts from ALL institutions attended will be required if admitted to the program.

If sending official transcripts (electronic or post), order them as soon as possible. It may take several weeks for the transcript to be matched to your application once it is received by the Admissions Office and be available to the Department.

If ordering electronic transcripts, please be aware that the Office of Admissions only accepts PDF transcripts from Parchment, National Clearing House, and eScript. The email address for receipt of these transcripts is TE@admissions.ufl.edu

Posted physical transcripts can be sent to:

University of Florida Office of Admissions
ATTN: Graduate Admissions
201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 114000
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000

No

No. We only offer fall admission.

Four Years

No. The Ph.D. in Neuroscience program is entirely on campus. Students will begin working in labs starting in their first year and continuing throughout their studies.

When you apply, it is advised to review the faculty list we have available on this page. It would also be a good idea to include the names of faculty members you would be interested in working with within your statement of purpose. You may reach out before applying if you wish, but it is not required. If admitted, during your first year, you will be enrolled in three 6-7 week lab rotations.

The deadline for applications for the Ph.D. in Neuroscience program is December 12th. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 pm on that date. It is permissible for supporting documents, such as official transcripts, official test scores, and letters of recommendation, to be received at a later date. Keep in mind that applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit all required documents, the earlier you may be considered for the program.

Yes. If you are admitted, you will automatically be given a tuition waiver, hired as a graduate assistant, and provided a stipend. You will need to make sure you maintain satisfactory academic progress and full-time enrollment status.

This is just a general guideline purported by the graduate school; this is not program specific. For the Ph.D. in Neuroscience program, we ask that your statement of purpose be approximately 1,000 words.

No. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds in science-related programs (biological science, clinical disciplines), as well as others.

While there are no official prerequisites, we recommend that applicants have 1-2 years of research experience.

Many of our applicants are currently enrolled in their educational programs. You are welcome to apply to the Ph.D. program, provided you complete your prior program before starting your Ph.D. studies. Additionally, you will need to submit your official transcripts to the University of Florida after graduating from your previous program.

The Admissions Committee will begin accepting applications in October of the year prior to the following fall matriculation date. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis from that time forward. Submitting your application early is highly desirable, as admission to the Ph.D. in Neuroscience program is very competitive.

The Admissions Committee only reviews complete applications, so be sure that you submit all required documents as soon as possible. The Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant holistically.

Once all application materials are received, the Admissions Committee evaluates the application to determine if the enrollment criteria are met. If the initial review is positive, the applicant is invited for an interview, which usually takes place in February. The interview visit typically includes formal interviews with the neuroscience faculty, students, and staff.

Following the interview, the Admissions Committee makes a decision. Applicants then receive a letter of notification regarding the admissions decision beginning in early March to mid-April.

The Graduate School at UF requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate studies. These are not the only benchmarks by which we evaluate students. Emphasis is also placed on performance in relevant undergraduate/graduate courses (i.e., biology, science), statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular and research experience.

While previous neuroscience research experience is looked at favorably, it is not required. A background from a related science discipline, with at least 1-2 years of full-time research experience, is ideal.

You should ask for recommendations from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and who can address your potential for success in the Ph.D. in Neuroscience program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one letter from a research mentor. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, letters from other individuals who can address your achievements will be accepted. References must be current (within the last four years). If you encounter any issues with recommenders uploading their letters, please have them email the academic coordinator directly.

A completed online application form, the application fee (this includes current UF students), Statement of Purpose, a current resume, three (3) letters of recommendation, unofficial and official transcripts (this includes current UF students), and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if international).

Yes. Please make sure all letters are submitted by the application deadline listed on our program webpage. If you encounter any issues with recommenders uploading their letters, please have them email the academic coordinator directly.