Michigan State University Yanny Lau Joe Lonstein

First year: Introduction to discipline and department Discipline Survey courses in molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral neuroscience (over first two years) Weekly colloquia Lab rotations Program/Community First year student orientation Program-wide retreat Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Outing Faculty interviews in Research Forum Common first year curriculum

Introduction to the research enterprise Lab rotations Lab course Good Laboratory Practice Creation of protocols and animal use forms Training in Responsible Conduct of Science Graduate School workshops Training in Professional Skills NRSA preparation Oral presentations

Significant Transition Comprehensive examination Written exam on molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral neuroscience Taken at end of second year What transition tests/certifies Breadth and competency in the field Critical thinking, hypothesis testing Linked stages Transition from didactic focus to research focus

Dissertation development Research question developed with faculty advisor Research plan developed with advisor and guidance committee Written thesis proposal Public presentation and oral defense of proposal

Dissertation completion Moment of truth--when is student ready to fledge? student becomes expert by completing a program of original research progress assessed by regular committee meetings student develops “senioritis” and advisor agrees it’s life-threatening Dissertation defense “traditional” written format (not publications stapled together) public seminar oral defense with committee

Innovation Transitioned to a degree-granting program from a joint degree program minimized variations in curriculum, comprehensive exam, and training experience enhanced program cohesiveness provided impetus for additional change and growth Faculty positions allocated to Program Faculty time now “devoted” to neuroscience instruction and program activities

Novel Idea Novel Idea Exclusive use of problem-based learning in neuroscience curriculum