The research is expected to meet publication standards of peer-reviewed journals in the candidate's area of specialization. A draft of the dissertation, approved by the advisor, is submitted to the second reader and, after revision, to all committee members. A committee meeting with the student is held no sooner than two weeks after distribution of the dissertation for recommendations regarding final revisions. With the approval of the committee, the PhD candidate arranges for the formal dissertation defense, which begins with a seminar presentation and is followed by a discussion of the work with the committee members. Examines a spectrum of topics ranging from the regulation of gene expression in the nervous system to the structure and function of receptors and ion channels.
Emphasis is placed on theoretical foundations of pharmacological methods in neurobiology.
4 cr, 2nd sem. Supervised laboratory rotation emphasizing modern research techniques in molecular, cellular, and behavioral pharmacology. Problems of collection, summary, and interpretation of data are addressed. 2 cr, either sem. GMS BI 751, GMS PH 740, GMS MS 703 or equivalent, and consent of instructor.