Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of Minnesota Bill Engeland Neil Schmitzer-Torbert Ginger Seybold

First year: Introduction to discipline and program Itasca Summer course Orientation Hands-On Lab Experience Builds Community Initiates Faculty-Student Relationship Core courses Didactic and comprehensive Writing intensive Introduces idea that dogma can be challenged Requires personal sacrifice for success

Introduction to the research enterprise The Environment Weekly Colloquium /Seminars Outreach activities The Curriculum Journal Clubs Career Skills course The Committee Diversity of ideas and approaches The Advisor An Apprenticeship

Significant Transition The Written Prelim Transition from classroom to laboratory Competency in core concepts The Oral Prelim Transition to independence Writing and defending a research proposal

Dissertation and defense Dissertation research topic selection guided by funding issues thesis committee selection based on expertise and experience Criteria for completion of degree scholarshipindependence

The Balancing Act Where does stewardship rank on the list of priorities for graduate faculty? How do limited time and resources affect the training environment?

Innovation The Weekly Neuroscience Colloquium Builds community Venue for sharing information Forum for student research presentations

Novel Idea Develop an internship program for Ph.D. students that expands career opportunities Gain experience in the private sector, government or teaching institutions Expand avenues for utilizing research, thinking and communications skills