Course work and research that emphasize the integration of molecular biology, developmental biology, biophysics, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology, cognition, and behavioral neuroscience is offered through this PhD degree program. Students are required to develop a strong background in the principles of neuroscience and develop the intellectual background and technical expertise necessary for successful research projects in their area of specialization. Publication of the research in peer-reviewed journals is expected but not required.  

Requirements for Degree

• Credit hours: 54 hours, including 18 hours of dissertation (Neuro 799R).
• Students who have earned a master’s degree must complete at least 36 semester hours of additional graduate work at BYU beyond the master’s degree.
• Required courses: Bio 503 (1 hour); Neuro 601 (3 hours), 649R (2 hours), 694R (4 hours), 696R (4 hours); Stat 511 (3 hours). One semester (2 credits) of Neuro 649R must be performed in a laboratory different than the laboratory of the student’s graduate committee chair.
• A seminar must be presented each year (PDBio 694R).
• A professional development requirement must be met (PDBio 689R).
• Dissertation: standard university dissertation format or journal publication format.
• Examinations: (A) comprehensive written and oral examination; (B) defense of dissertation.