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Neuroscience Graduate Programs

Neuroscience—MS

 A sound understanding of current concepts in neuroscience is the purpose of this MS degree program. The thesis research project teaches the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and trains students in state-of-the-art research techniques. Submission of the thesis to a peer-reviewed journal is encouraged but not required.

Admission and Entry

In addition to general graduate requirements, applicants should have a strong background in neuroscience. All but one of the following courses (or their equivalent) must be completed during undergraduate preparation or as part of the MS program: two advanced courses covering molecular/cellular/behavioral aspects of neuroscience (e.g., Neuro 460, 480), biochemistry (e.g., Chem 481); physiology with lab (e.g., PDBio 362, 363).

Requirements for Degree

• Credit hours (30): minimum 24 approved course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Neuro 699R).
• Required courses: Bio 503 (1 hour); Neuro 601 (3 hours), 649R (2 hours), 694R (2 hours), 696R (2 hours); Stat 510 or equivalent (3 hours).
• A seminar must be presented each year.
• Thesis: standard university thesis format or journal publication format.
• Examinations: (A) course work oral examination; (B) oral defense of thesis.

Neuroscience—PhD

Course work and research that emphasize the integration of molecular biology, developmental biology, biophysics, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology, cognition, and behavioral neuroscience is offered through this PhD degree program. Students are required to develop a strong background in the principles of neuroscience and develop the intellectual background and technical expertise necessary for successful research projects in their area of specialization. Eventual publication of the research in peer-reviewed journals is expected but not required.

Admission and Entry

In addition to general graduate requirements, applicants should have a strong background in neuroscience. All but one of the following courses (or their equivalent) must be completed during undergraduate preparation or as part of the MS program: two advanced courses covering molecular/cellular/ behavioral aspects of neuroscience (e.g., Neuro 460, 480), biochemistry (e.g., Chem 481); physiology with lab (e.g., PDBio 362, 363).

Requirements for Degree

• Credit hours: 54 hours, including 18 hours of dissertation (Neuro 799R).
• Students who have earned a master’s degree must complete at least 36 semester hours of additional graduate work at BYU beyond the master’s degree.
• Required courses: Bio 503 (1 hour); Neuro 601 (3 hours), 649R (2 hours), 694R (2 hours), 696R (2 hours); Stat 510 or equivalent (3 hours). One semester (2 credits) of Neuro 649R must be performed in a laboratory different than the labortory of the student’s graduate committee chair.
• A seminar must be presented each year.
• A professional development requirement must be met.
• Dissertation: standard university dissertation format or journal publication format.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written and oral examination; (B) defense of dissertation.

A complete description of the programs can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

For more information about the programs in Physiology and Developmental Biology: 

http://pdbio.byu.edu/ or 597 WIDB
Chair: William W. Windor
Graduate Coordinator: Dixon Woodbury

Neuroscience Graduate Students

Administered by the PD Bio Department

• David Allison
• Beth Marriott
• Abhishek Trikha
• Mary Wolf

Contact connie_provost@byu.edu, 801-422-3706 for more information.