Many other graduate level courses in neuroscience and development, including developmental neurobiology, neurochemistry, neuroethology, and neuroendocrinology, typically are offered every other year. This requirement usually is completed during the first year. Courses taught depend on the student's needs and those of the academic department with which the student is affiliated. To determine the depth of a student's knowledge of neuroscience or developmental biology, a two-part comprehensive examination is administered to all graduate students during the first and second year. The first part consists of a set of written quarterly examinations based on literature provided in advance.
Students select from a variety of exam topics offered each quarter.
The second portion of the examination asks the student to prepare a written research proposal and defend it orally. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination allows the student to be advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. In addition to courses, students have ample opportunity to attend laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and symposia related to their interests. Most laboratories have regular meetings, which are often open to other members of the institute. Several informal neuroscience and developmental biology journal clubs meet weekly and are conducted and attended by institute faculty members, students, and outside speakers.