Robert Smith M.D., Ph.D., chair
Arun Anantharam, Ph.D., track director
The combination of molecular biology and genetics with modern neuroanatomical techniques is transforming both our ability to examine and to understand the nervous system. Ongoing research by the faculty in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders graduate program is providing insights into neurotransmission, sensory system function, development and plasticity of the nervous system, regeneration and repair following neural damage, the basis of neural disease, and behavior. As one of five biomedical science degree programs in the University of Toledo, College of Medicine & Life Sciences, the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program is an interdisciplinary course of studies whose primary goal is to train students for independent, creative careers in biomedical research and/or teaching. The program currently awards PhD in biomedical sciences degree and participates in the MD/PhD combined degree programs. Nationally-recognized, NIH-funded Neuroscience faculty who serve as research mentors are drawn from a number of departments including: Neurosciences, Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, and, Psychiatry. Modern, state-of-the-art research laboratory and core facilities are available through the program and these participating departments.
The curriculum for the PhD degree consists of a core of concentrated course work in the first year, followed by specialized elective courses and an emphasis on laboratory research. Elective courses are offered in developmental and systems neuroscience, as well as ion channel function, sensory physiology, and neuropharmacology. During the first two semesters, each student rotates through three research laboratories, conducting short-term projects, gaining exposure to techniques and identifying potential areas for further investigation. During the second semester, each student selects a major advisor who directs the student's doctoral research. A faculty committee is also jointly chosen by the student and advisor to supervise academic progress toward completion of the PhD degree. In addition to 90 credit hours in didactic and other courses, PhD students are required to successfully pass a qualifying exam that consists of independently writing and defending an NIH-style grant proposal.
* MSBS in Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders is not currently offered
For admission to Neuroscience and Neurological Disorders (NND) Ph.D. program, it is expected that the applicant have completed an undergraduate major in Biology or a related field. Students must have taken at least 1 course in Biology, Chemistry, and college- level math. The minimum acceptable GPA for admission is 3.0. International students must also present evidence of a test of English Language proficiency. Scores from The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are acceptable and a minimum iBT score of 80, or pBT score of 550 is required. Scores from The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) are also accepted and a minimum score of 6.5 is required. GRE and MCAT scores can be considered but are not required for admission.
The minimum number of credits required for PhD is 90, with a minimum of 20 credits of didactic coursework (letter grade), and a minimum of 30 credits of dissertation research. The rest of the credits are approved electives and research in the NND track.
The minimum number of credits required for PhD is 90, with a minimum of 20 credits of didactic coursework (letter grade), and a minimum of 30 credits of dissertation research. The rest of the credits are approved electives and research in the NND track.
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 9 credits |
1 | 0 |
| |
BMSP 6330 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Proteins | 2 |
BMSP 6340 | Curr Prob Res App Genes/Genom | 2 |
BMSP 6360 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Cell Membranes | 2 |
BMSP 6380 | Methods in Biomedical Sciences | 2 |
BMSP 6390 | Mentored Research | 1 |
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 9 credits |
NNDP 6560 | Readings in Neuroscience | 1-4 |
NNDP 6720 | Current Topics in Neuroscience | 1-4 |
BIOE 5620 | Cellular Electrophysiology | 3 |
NNDP 6730 | Research in NNDP | 1-4 |
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 9 credits |
NNDP 8500 | Seminar in Neuroscience | 1 |
NNDP 8540 | Journal Paper Review Neuroscience (if offered) 1 | 0 or 2 |
NNDP 8720 | Current Topics in Neuroscience | 1-4 |
INDI 8790 | Basic and Adv Light Microscopy (elective) | 0 or 4 |
INDI 8860 | Electron Microscopy (elective) | 0 or 4 |
BMSP 8250 | Grant Writing Workshop (elective) | 0 or 2 |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 1-5 |
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 6 credits |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 6 |
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 9 credits |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 9 |
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 9 credits |
NNDP 8500 | Seminar in Neuroscience | 1 |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 8 |
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| 6 credits |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 6 |
1 Required
PhD Program Students: Year 4 and Beyond
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 6-9 |
PhD Program Students: Year 5 and Beyond
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| |
NNDP 9990 | Dissertation Research in NNDP | 1 |