Curriculum for Master of Science Degree, Neurobiology track

The Master of Science degree takes approximately two years, and requires the same first three-semester curriculum as the pre-doctoral students. Students conduct an original laboratory research project, which is written into a thesis and then defended in a final oral exam.

First year, fall semester:
Histology (ANAT 611, 5 credits)
Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology (BIOC 503, 5 credits)
Introductory laboratory presentations (ANAT 697, 1 credit)
Seminar (ANAT 690, 1 credit)

First year, spring semester:
Neuroanatomy (ANAT 610, 5 credits)
Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology (BIOC 504, 5 credits)
Laboratory rotations (ANAT 697, 4 credits)
Seminar (ANAT 690, 1 credit)

Summer following first year:

Directed Research (ANAT 697, 6 cr. hrs.) Work in the research laboratory their chosen thesis advisor.

Second year, fall semester:
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (ANAT 509, 4 credits)
Techniques in Neuroscience and Cell Biology (ANAT 615, 2 credits)
Laboratory rotations (ANAT 697, 8 credits)
Seminar (ANAT 690, 1 credit)

Second year, spring semester:
Directed Research (ANAT 697, 14 credits)
Seminar (ANAT 690, 1 credit)

Students must pass all courses with a grade of B or better. Students who fail to achieve a B will be required to re-take that course. The student must maintain a 3.0 overall cumulative grade point average to continue in the Master's program.

There is no expectation of the time required to complete the Master's degree, usually 2 years of study are necessary to complete the requirements. At the appropriate time in their research, the student will prepare a thesis and schedule a Final Oral Defense of the thesis. The Final Oral Examination (defense of the thesis) will cover the subject of the candidate's dissertation and related basic science coursework