Course Schedule

The following is an example of the IPN course schedule. Students typically complete the program in 5 years. Students are expected to attend the Seminar and Journal Club and the Student Seminar Series during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students have the flexibility to tailor the training towards their interests.

Year 1

Summer 1

Summer 1
Course Name Credit(s)
NSCI 801: Experiences in Neuroscience 0 (Pass/Fail)
NSCI 985: Summer Rotation  0 (Pass/Fail)
  Total 0 Credits

Additional Checklist

  • Attend the mandatory IPN and Biomedical Graduate Orientation
  • Register for Fall Courses and 2nd Rotation

Fall 1

Fall 1
Course Name Credit(s)
NSCI 501: Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience 6
NSCI 505: Neuroscience Survey I 2
NSCI 507: Neuroscience Critical Readings 1
NSCI 533: Neurobiology of Disease 2
NSCI 986: Fall Rotation 0 (Pass/Fail)
  Total 11 Credits

Additional Checklist

  • Send a Post-Rotation report to the head of the SAC for 1st rotation
  • Give Student Seminar Series talk at Fall Retreat
  • Register for Spring Courses and 3rd Rotation

Spring 1

Spring 1
Course Name Credit(s)
NSCI 503: Systems & Cognitive Neuroscience 6
NSCI 507: Neuroscience Critical Readings 1
NSCI 532: Survey Skills & Ethics for Science 2
NSCI 543: Organization of the Nervous System 2
NSCI 987: Spring Rotation 0 (Pass/Fail)
  Total 11 Credits

Additional Checklist

  • Send a Post-Rotation report to the head of the SAC for 2nd rotation
  • Give Student Seminar Series talk about 2nd Rotation
  • Register for Fall 2 Electives
  • Decide on taking the 4th Rotation or choosing a thesis lab
  • Take the Written Comprehensive Exam before the end of Year 1

Year 2

  • Send a Post-Rotation report to the head of the SAC for 3rd Rotation
  • Complete NSCI 599: Experimental Design and Statistics (1.5 credits)
  • Complete 10.5 credits of Electives
  • Give Student Seminar Series for 3rd Rotation in the Summer
  • Begin thesis research
  • Write a grant proposal (i.e., NRSA, foundation)
  • Choose Oral Committee and schedule Oral Exam
  • If sign up for fewer than 9 credits per semester, you must sign up for NSCI 999-03 for 0 credits. This course tells the Registrar that, although you signed up for less than 9 credits (which normally signifies you are a part-time student), you are full-time.

Year 3

  • Full-time Thesis Research
  • Organize thesis committee and get SAC Approval by August
  • Give Annual Student Seminar Talk 
  • Set up the 1st meeting with the thesis committee and bring the completed GSAS Thesis Proposal form for approval

Year 4 & 5

  • Full-time Thesis Research
  • Meeting with the thesis committee
  • Expect to submit your first manuscript before the end of your 4th year
  • Completion of Degree