In addition, students pass freely between labs to learn new techniques and discuss ideas. In the first year, there is a 3-quarter core course that introduces neuroscience from the molecule to the mind. In the first or later years, each student also must select at least 5 additional neuroscience-related courses from a large list of possibilities offered throughout the campus. There are ample opportunities to TA in the field of neuroscience. First, there is a Neuroscience undergraduate major at UW and Neurobiology and Behavior graduate students have first dibs on those courses.
Most students do their teaching in their second or third year.
Our philosophy is to choose well during the admission process and provide any support necessary to assure that all admitted students receive their Ph.Ds. The exam consists of an oral presentation of a written thesis proposal, followed by a question and answer session about the proposal and neuroscience issues in general. The exam is conducted by the student's thesis committee, which consists of faculty in the program and a faculty representative from the Graduate School of the University. In addition to the two directors, the program is managed by a program administrator, Lucia Wisdom and a program coordinator, as well as a part-time assistant. These personnel are dedicated to making your graduate student life run smoothly.