Contact:
Gina Conquest
Program Coordinator
Program in
Neuroscience
Harvard Medical School
220
Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Telephone: (617) 432-0912
FAX: (617) 432-0498
E-Mail: gina_conquest@hms.harvard.edu
WWW:
http://www.hms.harvard.edu/dms/neuroscience
Degrees Or Programs Offered: Neurobiology
Program Established: 1982
Number of Faculty: 94
Number of
Students: 92
U.S. Citizens: 90%
Female: 39%
U.S. Underrepresented Minorities:
12%
African American: 4%
Hispanic: 6%
Number of Graduates in the Last Five Years:
Faculty Supervising Graduate Student Theses: 37
Average Number of Years to Complete the Program:
5
Program Description:
The Program in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School is an interdepartmental program that links basic science and clinical faculties throughout the Harvard community. Established in 1981, the program is an outgrowth of the Department of Neurobiology, which was founded in 1966. The department, through its outstanding multidisciplinary research laboratories and a series of didactic core courses, helped to establish the field of modern neurobiology. The Program in Neuroscience was created in recognition of the fact that neuroscience at Harvard had grown far beyond the borders of the Department of Neurobiology.
The current program faculty consists of a diverse group of more than 90 investigators whose research interests include cellular, molecular, developmental, genetic, systems, behavioral, immunological, neurological, and psychiatric approaches to the nervous system. Ion channels, synaptic function, neuronal development and differentiation, neuronal aging and degeneration, and visual CNS pathways are areas of particular strength. Understanding the pathophysiology of diseases of the nervous system is an important focus of the program. Numerous interactions exist between basic science and clinical laboratories, which have led to significant advances in the understanding of several major neurological diseases, including muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Applicants should have a solid background in general biology; cell biology; genetics; biochemistry; organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry; general physics; and calculus. During the first 1½ to 2 years students take a series of graduate-level courses and complete three laboratory rotations that serve as the basis for the selection of a thesis adviser. Thesis research begins during the second year of study. A qualifying examination, which includes a thesis proposal, is taken by all students by March 31 of the second year of study. Students meet with their Thesis Advisory Committee at least once a year, until the thesis defense is made before a committee of 3 faculty members. The goal of the program is completion of the course work and thesis defense in four to five years. In the first years of study, students are in the Department of Neurobiology, but for their thesis research they select from among the wide range of advisers and laboratory settings. After the thesis
defense has been completed through the Division of Medical Sciences, the program faculty recommends candidates to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Harvard University for the Ph.D. in neurobiology.
Admission Requirements:
-Courses in general biology, cell biology and genetics, organic and physical chemistry, biochemistry, general physics and calculus
-GRE General Test scores (Subject Test Optional
-Transcripts
-Three letters of reference
-Statement of Purpose
How and Where to Apply: Applications are due December 8.
on line at: http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/admissions
Request paper application from:
Admissions Office, Division of Medical Sciences
Harvard Medical Scxhool
260 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Annual Tuition and Fees: Tuition and stipend are offered to students in the Program in Neuroscience
Approximate Cost of Living: single $28,000
Stipend/Assistantships and Financial Assistance: Enrolled students who are making satisfactory progress toward the degree are guaranteed tuition, health insurance fees, and a stipend throughout their tenure in the Program. The stipend level (2006-07 $28,008) is adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. Funding comes from a variety of sources. Students who are US citizens or permanent residents are usually supported by National Institutes of Health training grants during the first few years of study. All applicants are encouraged to apply for fellowship support from extramural agencies such as the National Science Foundation. Foreign applicants are urged to seek financial support from their national governments and fellowship agencies.
Last revised September 2006
http://www.andp.org/programs/graduate/unitedstates/massachusetts/harvard.htm
Directory of Neuroscience Training Programs
© 2007 Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs
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