Neuroscience (Ph.D.)
Offered by: Neuroscience, Integrated Pgm (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Program Description
The Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience involves conducting neuroscientific research that leads to a written thesis. The program offers opportunities for cutting-edge research in diverse fields of neuroscience, ranging from cellular and molecular, to behavioural and cognitive. The program provides research in multiple branches of neuroscience.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses (6 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEUR 630 | Principles of Neuroscience 1. | 3 |
Principles of Neuroscience 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An overview of cellular and molecular neuroscience at the graduate level. Topics include: synthesis, processing and intracellular transport of macromolecules; development of the nervous system including neurogenesis, axonal pathfinding, synaptogenesis and myelination; neuronal survival and response to injury; generation and propagation of action potentials; neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission. | ||
| NEUR 631 | Principles of Neuroscience 2. | 3 |
Principles of Neuroscience 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An overview of the structure, function and interaction of neuronal systems of vertebrates. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, coding and processing of sensory information (somatic sensory, visual and auditory systems), control of posture and voluntary movement, learning and memory, processing of language and speech, cerebral blood flow, the neuroendocrine system and neuroimmunology. | ||
| NEUR 700 | Doctoral Candidacy Examination. | 0 |
Doctoral Candidacy Examination. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A qualifying examination consisting of a formal presentation and oral examination of the thesis proposal. The questioning will pertain to the student's knowledge and understanding of his/her field of specialization in neuroscience as well as the research proposal. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the student's ability to carry out original scholarship. (The Candidacy Examination course is also conducted as part of the Transfer seminar for all students currently registered in the M.Sc. program who apply for transfer to the Ph.D.) | ||
| NEUR 705 | Responsible Research Conduct. | 0 |
Responsible Research Conduct. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the ethics of scientific research and publication and to the distinctions between appropriate scientific conduct and scientific misconduct. | ||
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
6 credits at the 500, 600, or 700 level, approved by the graduate program advisor.