University of California Davis Fully Funded PhD in Neuroscience

PhD @University of California, Davis posted 2 days ago

Job Description

Program Overview

Institution: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Program: PhD in Neuroscience
Graduate Group: Neuroscience Graduate Group (NGG)
Degrees Offered: Ph.D., M.S.

The Neuroscience Graduate Group at UC Davis offers an interdisciplinary PhD program that encompasses a wide range of research areas, including molecular, cellular, developmental, systems, behavioral, computational, cognitive, and neuroengineering approaches to neuroscience. The program is supported by over 80 faculty members from various departments across the campus, providing students with diverse research opportunities.

Funding Package

UC Davis guarantees full financial support for all admitted PhD students in Neuroscience, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. The funding package includes:

Tuition and Fees: Full coverage, including in-state tuition and health insurance.
Stipend: Approximately $37,728 per year for living expenses.
Duration: Guaranteed for the duration of the program, typically 5–6 years.

Upon admission, students receive two quarters of full support from the Graduate Group, which includes tuition, fees, health insurance, and a stipend. After joining a major professor’s laboratory, the faculty member commits to continuing that level of support. Funding sources include federal training grants, faculty research grants, university fellowships, scholarships, and teaching assistantships.

Curriculum Structure

The PhD program is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in neuroscience, with flexibility to tailor coursework to individual research interests.

Core Components

Coursework: Students complete core courses covering various aspects of neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, cellular neurophysiology, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, molecular/developmental neuroscience, and responsible conduct of research.
Laboratory Rotations: Three laboratory rotations during the first year to explore various research areas and techniques.
Teaching Experience: Opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant, gaining valuable teaching experience.
Qualifying Examinations: Written and oral preliminary examinations, followed by a qualifying examination to advance to candidacy.
Dissertation: Completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation contributing to the field of neuroscience.

Students typically complete coursework and teaching requirements during the first two years, followed by dissertation research under the guidance of a major professor.

Admission Requirements

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or a related field.
Application Materials:
- Online application through UC Davis Graduate Admissions.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Personal History and Diversity Statement.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Resume/CV.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants, if applicable.
Application Fee:
- $135 for U.S. applicants.
- $155 for international applicants.