Neuroscience Curriculum
The Tufts PhD in Neuroscience offers a dynamic and immersive curriculum designed to prepare students for research-driven careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Through a blend of didactic coursework, individualized mentorship, experimental training, and professional development, our program equips students with the scientific foundation and skills needed to make lasting contributions to neuroscience.
PhD in Neuroscience Curriculum Overview
Our multi-dimensional curriculum is structured to promote deep learning, creativity, and confidence in the lab and beyond. Students gain early exposure to cutting-edge techniques, critical thinking, collaborative learning, and career exploration, all while building their own research focus.
Core Curriculum Components:
- Didactic General Lecture Courses: These foundational courses equip students with essential knowledge upon which to build their understanding of neuroscience.
- Small Group Specialty Courses: These courses introduce students to advanced concepts and current developments within specific neuroscience sub-disciplines.
- Faculty-Student Tutorials: One-on-one interactions with faculty allow students to explore specialized areas of neuroscience in greater depth.
- Techniques Workshops: Hands-on workshops expose students to both fundamental and cutting-edge experimental methods used in contemporary neuroscience research.
- Thesis Research: From the outset, students engage in laboratory work that culminates in original, high-impact dissertation research.
In addition to research and coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in career seminars, mentored teaching, and community-building events.
Qualifying Exam
All PhD students complete a qualifying exam by the start of their third year. This exam ensures that students are ready to embark on their thesis research and involves:
- A written research proposal on the student’s thesis topic
An oral defense of the proposal before a faculty panel
The exam evaluates students’ ability to formulate and defend a testable hypothesis, design rigorous and logical experiments, communicate their research clearly in both written and oral formats, and demonstrate a broad understanding of scientific knowledge beyond their specific research focus.
Thesis Committee & Research Mentorship
Students select their thesis advisor after completing lab rotations at the end of their first year. By early second year, each student forms a thesis advisory committee, composed of:
- At least three Neuroscience program faculty (including the thesis advisor)
- An external examiner added in the final phase of the program
Students meet with their committee twice annually—once in the fall and once in the spring—to receive feedback and guidance. This structure ensures consistent support and scientific accountability throughout their training. Refer to the Program Guide linked below for detailed guidelines on preparing and submitting the committee report.
Seminar Series & Specialized Training
Neuroscience students engage in a dynamic seminar series featuring leading researchers, faculty, and postdocs, including the annual Tufts Neuroscience Symposium & William Shucart Lecture. Career seminars offer insights from neuroscience PhDs in diverse fields, supporting professional development.
Students also present their research annually in the Student Research Workshop to build communication skills and receive feedback. In the student-led Journal Club, they critically analyze recent literature to strengthen scientific reasoning and collaboration.