Neuroscience Theme (NEURO)

Research Areas: Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Neural Bases of Behavior, Disorders of the Nervous System

Neuroscience is one of eight interdisciplinary PhD themes within Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS).  Students select a theme upon application but have access to faculty and courses from across GBS, allowing for flexibility in both research and academics.

The Neuroscience Theme provides training opportunities in multiple and contemporary areas of neuroscience research — from fundamental discovery science at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels, to translational studies in cellular and animal models of diseases of the nervous system. Outstanding research faculty from various schools, departments, and centers participate in training the next generation of neuroscientists. The Neuroscience Theme seeks to equip and train students to become tomorrow's innovative neuroscientists by:

• Teaching fundamental neuroscience concepts that are the stepping-stones needed for a deeper understanding of nervous system function.
• Providing unique professional and scientific avenues through which they can develop their presentation skills and learn critical thinking and experimental design.
• Offering the opportunity to choose neuroscience research from multiple options available through laboratories across the UAB campus — not limiting students to a department but, rather, a discipline.
• Providing opportunities for informal interactions with other students to discuss research, scientific writing, and life outside and beyond graduate school.

Coursework

Neuroscience coursework areas include molecular and cellular neurobiology, development of the nervous system, synaptic physiology, diseases of the nervous system, and systems neuroscience, among others.

As with all GBS themes, the Neuroscience Theme is proud to support the NIH-funded UAB Roadmap Scholars program, which is designed and aimed to enhance the engagement and retention of underrepresented graduate trainees in the neuroscience workforce.

Why should you join the Neuroscience Theme at UAB?

The Neuroscience Theme works in close association with the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center (CNC). Our students work with experts and well-established research faculty and clinicians who use diverse approaches in a collaborative environment to focus on neuroscience research. Neuroscience students will train extensively in fundamental-discovery and translational research in various nervous system disorders using an integrative approach. The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment fostered and nourished at UAB enhances our team science approach and accelerates the progress in tackling devastating nervous system disorders. 

Neuroscience Summer Seminar

Students and faculty have the opportunity to take part in the Neuroscience Summer Seminar Series. 

A critical attribute of a successful scientist is the ability to communicate their research findings in an impactful and accessible manner. Every scientist needs to practice presenting research findings in order to refine their presentation skills. The purpose of the Neuroscience Summer Seminar Series is to provide each student with the opportunity to present recent research in a supportive environment. This course provides students with the opportunity to:

1) Practice their presentation skills;

2) Learn how to convey the relevance of their research to scientists in other fields;

3) Receive input from the audience on research design and presentation style;

4) Compile and organize their data.   

NEURO Theme Contacts

Theme Director

Dr. Michelle Gray
(205) 996-4748
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Theme Director

Dr. Neda Wick
(205) 934-6433
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Theme Director

Dr. Elizabeth Lucas
(205) 975-0483
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Neuro Theme Curriculum

In addition to the information found in the Common to All GBS Students area, the Neuroscience Theme has some additional requirements specifically focused on giving our students a firm foundation to make them into the best neuroscientists they can be.

Year One

Fall Semester

All GBS students follow the same curriculum for the Fall semester of the first year.

GBS 791: Grad Neuro Discussion

Spring Semester

• Module 1 (January) — GBS 710: Cell Signaling
• Module 2 (February) — GBSC 729: Cell Neurophys
• Module 3 (March) — GBS 714: Developmental Neuro
• Module 4 (April) — GBSC 727: Neuro Systems
• GBS 791: Grad Neuro Discussion

Summer Semester

• Module 5 (May) —GBS 733-Diseases of the Nervous System
• GBS 737: Neuro Student Summer Seminars 
• GBSC 722: Biostatistics 

These courses are in addition to the GBS required courses of Lab Rotations and Biostats.

Year End Assessment (YEA)

At the end of the first year you must participate in the YEA, which is an oral exam designed to explore the depth of knowledge you have accumulated. A 2nd failure of the YEA is grounds for dismissal. 

Year Two and Beyond

• Seminars: You are required to register for one seminar course every Fall and Spring semester until the semester before graduation. Although the majority of Neuroscience Theme students select NBL 703: Neurobiology Seminar, you are not required to participate in that seminar if you and your mentor find another seminar series that more specifically aligns with your research. During the Summer semester you must register for GBS 737: Neuroscience Student Summer Seminar Series. You begin presenting in your second summer and are expected to present every year thereafter.

• Journal Clubs: You are free (with your mentor's input) to register for any journal club each Fall and Spring semester until the semester before graduation. You can alternate journal clubs from semester-to-semester.
• Advanced Courses: All GBS students must take three advanced courses before graduation.
• Committee Meetings

All Theme students are required to participate in theme functions, including:

• Theme Meetings
• Public defenses of dissertations for fellow theme students
• Recruiting activities, when called upon by the event manager or theme directors
• Assist in Brain Awareness Week activities at the McWane Center, as requested by the BAW coordinators