Progress in understanding the nervous system will be enhanced by training neuroscientists with a broad interdisciplinary background including a combination of experimental and computational approaches to the study of the nervous system. To this end, at Boston University we have developed an independent and interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (PIN) that emphasizes training in this combination of approaches and which complements the specialized neuroscience training already in existing departmental programs. We have five main training activities: (1) a set of core lecture courses in both experimental and computational neuroscience, (2) a set of core methods courses involving both of these approaches, (3) a combined computational-experimental lab rotation, (4) an interdisciplinary graduate seminar series, and (5) a number of different outside speaker seminar series. As the trainees focus on their thesis research within a specific discipline, elective courses, and other activities are aimed at continuing interdisciplinary exposure throughout their training. The facilities and faculty contributing to PIN include the Departments of Biology, Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive & Neural Systems, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychology. This training program leads to degrees at both the Masters and primarily the Ph.D. levels. The PIN is administered by a Steering Committee, who selects the candidates, assigns advisors, monitors their progress throughout the pursuit of the degree, and considers the addition of new faculty to the program. Four new trainees with background experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience will be admitted to the five year training program each year. The structure of the PIN catalyzes interactions among neuroscience faculty and trainees in the various departments at Boston University, fully exploiting the broad range and substantial depth of facilities and resources available at this institution.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32MH020064-09
Application #
7452282
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDC1-SRB-W (41))
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2000-07-01
Project End
2010-06-30
Budget Start
2008-07-01
Budget End
2009-06-30
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$274,129
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
049435266
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
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