We also anticipate that most of the trainees will take Computational Neuroscience I and II, a year-long sequence. The research experience in the second year is devoted to outlining the thesis project and obtaining the necessary research background. The goal of the laboratory work is to develop a hypothesis and the expertise to test the hypothesis, addressing an important problem in neuroscience and scientific computation. Trainees in the program participate in journal clubs, literature readings, and seminars. Since the interests of the students and faculty differ widely, a variety of options are available.
Most trainers conduct journal clubs with the members of their respective laboratories.
The journal clubs are focused on critical discussion of one or two preassigned scientific articles. Trainees are expected to attend Computational Neuroscience seminars and the symposium. The timing of the preliminary oral exam is determined by the trainee's major department. Some departments expect students to schedule the oral exam during the second semester of the second year. The Study Group will conduct an annual review of the each trainee's academic performance.