Training In Systems And Integrative Biology Neuroscience

Emory University, Atlanta GA

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Abstract

The Emory Graduate Program in Neuroscience provides the multidisciplinary training in basic and disease-related neuroscience research leading to the Ph.D. degree. This training provides the breadth of knowledge and research skills in modern systems and integrative neuroscience required for successful careers in biomedical research, education, and industry. Given the successful integration of faculty from clinical and basic science departments, PhD students in the Emory graduate neuroscience program benefit of a unique environment to build, develop and successfully achieve a graduate training in translational research that spans from genes and molecules to disease-related research and clinical care of neurological and psychiatric brain disorders. Through a rigorous series of courses and laboratory rotations during the first two years of training, the program also allows the student to learn currently accepted scientific facts and theories; learn to plan, conduct and critically evaluate experiments; make an original contribution to scientific knowledge; become skilled in oral and written communication; and become self-sufficient in continuing education beyond graduate school. The program also prepares the student to teach neuroscience and related disciplines in professional and graduate schools. We have just completed our 26th year of training grant support. The program comprises 130 faculty members (118 training members, 12 associate members) drawn from 24 departments and centers and around 100 graduate students. In addition to provide trainees with a breadth of neuroscience education that cuts across various fields of basic and clinical neuroscience research, another objective of the Emory Neuroscience program is to help students get important information about their professional and career development as well as opportunities to develop their teaching, communication and mentoring skills. The faculty in the Emory Neuroscience program and the Laney Graduate School are also heavily involved in educating students about responsible conduct of research and various ethical issues related to the implications of neuroscience technical advances on the society. In this report, we will summarize some of the key elements of training that have been used to achieve the program’s goals during the past funding period. We will also highlight some of the changes that have been made in the past year to facilitate the successful achievement of the program’s educational objectives.