Graduate Program in Neuroscience The University of Alberta Guidelines for Graduate Students and Supervisors
Revised May, 2009
The Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Alberta is a group of more than 75 neuroscientists from 15 departments and 5 faculties. The Centre offers a graduate program that is designed for students who desire a broad training in various experimental and theoretical aspects of neuroscience while maintaining a research program that may be more specialized. This can be achieved by drawing on the expertise of specialists (members of the Centre) from various departments throughout the University who have research interests in neuroscience. The graduate program in Neuroscience offers both PhD and MSc programs with thesis. Applicants who are initially admitted into the MSc program may transfer to the PhD program after the first year, if this is considered appropriate after an evaluation of their progress, successful completion of a thesis proposal and assessment of their suitability for conducting PhD level research. The following are the regulations governing graduate studies in the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Alberta. They encompass and, in some cases, may supercede the equivalent regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR). Students and supervisors are referred to the FGSR calendar for further information.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are expected to have graduated with a four-year degree, which will normally be in a biological science. The minimum grade point average for students is 3.3 or B+. Normally, successful applicants will be admitted initially into the MSc program. Students who already possess a Master's degree in an appropriate subject or who have an exceptionally strong undergraduate record may be considered for direct entry into the PhD program. Applicants whose first language is not English must obtain a score of at least 100 on the TOEFL examination (internet-based) with a score of at least 20 on each of the individual skill areas or must provide other demonstration of English language proficiency as regulated by FGSR. Applicants wishing to transfer to the program from other graduate programs within the University of Alberta will be considered upon receipt of a letter from the student outlining the
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reasons for the transfer, two letters of reference, transcripts and a letter of support from the proposed supervisor. Students who have already completed the PhD Candidacy Examination in another program will not normally be considered.
APPLICATIONS
Information on the Neuroscience Graduate Program may be obtained by going to our website (http://www/neuroscience.ualberta.ca) or by contacting the: Administrator Centre for Neuroscience University of Alberta 5005-A Katz Group-Rexall Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1 Tel: (780) 492-5749 Fax: (780) 492-1617 Email: neurosci@ualberta.ca The University of Alberta has introduced Applications for Graduate Admission via the web. To access this web application, please go to: http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/applyadmission/index.htm Each department will then access the web applications and update the status when documents (such as transcripts and letters of reference) are received. The following supporting documents should be mailed to the above address: 1. Official transcripts and degree certificates from all previous university work – in the original language and with an English translation where applicable. 2. Three letters of reference (two in the case of students graduating from the University of Alberta). 3. Current Curriculum Vitae. 4. Where necessary, official documentation of score on the TOEFL (or equivalent) examination. 5. A brief description of research interests. Prospective students are also encouraged to contact directly the faculty members whose research is of interest to them and, where possible, to visit their laboratories. Final decisions regarding admission must come from the Neuroscience Graduate Committee. 6. Preliminary Application for Research Supervision form with applicant’s signature and listing interests as well as the names of those professors in whose labs the applicant interested in working. Forms and listings of the faculty members in Neuroscience can be found on the Neuroscience website.
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EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS
All applications will first be reviewed by the Graduate Committee of the Centre for Neuroscience (see below), which is chaired by the Graduate Coordinator. Applications considered to be acceptable by the Graduate Committee are then circulated to prospective supervisors working in the research areas that were indicated on the application form. If a suitable supervisor is found and funding is available, the Graduate Coordinator will recommend to FGSR that the applicant be accepted into the MSc or PhD program. The final decision on admission will be made by FGSR. Applicants should note that possession of the minimal entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Information provided in the completed application, the availability of resources and identification of an appropriate supervisor will be factors in the final decision.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available through the Centre. In addition, graduate teaching assistantships and research assistantships may be available through one of the departments participating in the graduate program in Neuroscience or from research grants held by individual investigators. Other funding is provided by scholarships awarded to students by federal and provincial agencies such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) and the Provincial Government of Alberta. Many private foundations also have scholarship programs to support graduate students. Students will usually be expected to apply for such external funding.
STUDENTSHIPS
Eligibility: Any student enrolled full-time in the Neuroscience Graduate Program and not receiving support from a major competitive award (CIHR, AHFMR, NSERC, etc.) may apply for full or partial funding from the Centre.
Procedure for application and evaluation: 1. Each application should include a statement from the student listing their current source(s) and amount(s) of funding and a letter of support from the student’s supervisor explaining the need for financial assistance and listing the current funding support of the laboratory. A research proposal is not required. 2. The applications for support will be evaluated by the Graduate Committee two times a year (January and June) and funds will be distributed on the basis of need, special circumstances related to progress in the Graduate Program and a fair distribution to different laboratories.
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3. Members of the Graduate Committee submitting applications will not participate in the evaluation procedure. These members will be replaced on an ad-hoc basis. 4. Fee bursaries will be awarded only once per student per year.
] ETHICS REQUIREMENT
The academic integrity and ethics training requirement stipulates that all graduate students who started their programs in September 2004 must complete eight hours of structured academic activity in academic integrity and ethics prior to convocation. The Centre for Neuroscience graduate students must complete this requirement as follows: 1. Complete the G.E.T. (Graduate Ethics Training) WebCT course offered by Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGSR). 2. Participate in the Scientific Integrity Day organized the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and offered in the Fall and the Spring each year. Graduate Ethics Training WebCT course: The course may now be accessed from the FGSR homepage at: http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/degreesuperv/ethics/index.htm By following the links from this site, you will be able to access the G.E.T. course. Follow the links to the course and use your campus computing ID and password to log on. Scientific Integrity Day: The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry offers the Scientific Integrity Day periodically throughout the academic year. Current information can be obtained by visiting their website at: http://www.integritydays.med.ualberta.ca/ Students must complete this requirement in order to convocate. Once the ethics training is completed, proof of completion (i.e. course registration or certificate) must be submitted to the Neuroscience Administrator (Room 5005-A Katz Group-Rexall Centre) so that the appropriate form can be forwarded to FGSR for the student file.
The Degree of MSc
A minimum of 6 course credits and a thesis are required for the MSc degree. Of these 6 credits, at least 3 credits must be from didactic, lecture-based course work. Students with the approval of their supervisory committee may also select courses in other areas that are important to their research programs. Substitution of a neuroscience course by an alternative course requires the 4
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approval of the Graduate Committee. Centre for Neuroscience graduate students may take a graduate level reading course for 3 credits. However the following limitations apply: 1. 2. 3. The course must be taken with a Faculty member other than the student’s supervisor(s). The course can be from any department, but it must be approved by the Centre for Neuroscience Graduate Student Coordinator. Students cannot meet their graduate student quota of 6 (MSc) or 9 (PhD) credits merely based on a combination of lab rotation and reading courses (i.e. some didactic, lecture based course work is expected).
Students are expected to have completed undergraduate neuroscience courses equivalent to PMCOL 371 (Cellular Neuroscience) and PHYSL 372 (Systems Neuroscience). Students who lack such a background in neuroscience will be required to take one or more of these courses soon after admission. Students are expected to obtain first-class standing in undergraduate courses taken as Extra to Degree (i.e. minimum B+ or 3.3). If the student receives a failing grade (C+ or lower) the student will not be allowed to continue in the program. If the student receives a passing grade, but below first-class standing (i.e. B or B-), the graduate committee will meet to decide whether the student be allowed to continue in the program and if new conditions are to be required (e.g. additional courses). An important feature of both the MSc and PhD programs is the requirement that students participate in a lab rotation course, typically during the first year. Students must choose either NEURO 500 (2 terms; 6 credits) or NEURO 501 (1 term – either Fall or Winter; 3 credits). NEURO 500 involves rotations through three laboratories. This course is intended to provide students with a broad appreciation of research in neuroscience. Each rotation involves two months of research experience (6 months in total). One rotation may be in the laboratory of the primary supervisor. NEURO 501 involves rotation through one laboratory outside of the primary supervisor. Further detailed information on NEURO 500 and NEURO 501 is available from the Administrator. In order to continue in the Neuroscience graduate program, students are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative program grade point average of 3.3 (B+) throughout the course of the program. Students with a cumulative grade point average that meets the FGSR minimum requirement but less than 3.3 (B+) will be considered for continuation only under exceptional circumstances. In addition to the required courses, students are expected to attend regularly scheduled weekly seminars offered in the Neuroscience Seminar program. All graduate students are expected to attend 20 seminars per year anywhere on campus and at least 10 of these must be selected from the list of formal Neuroscience seminars. Students must complete the Excel spreadsheet for reporting their seminar attendance to the coordinator of the seminar program by the first week of June each year. Participation in these seminars is a requisite for continuation in the program. No language other than English is required for the MSc degree. Residence requirements are as regulated by FGSR. The time required to complete the MSc will vary with the individual
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candidate, but the normal period is at least two years in order to complete the course work (1st year) and benefit from the research training (2nd year). Evaluation and examinations: Thesis Proposal and Comprehensive Evaluation Final Oral Thesis Examination Normally End of First Year End of Program
The Degree of PhD
The course requirements for the PhD degree are as for the MSc degree but with a minimum of 9 course credits and a thesis required. Students, in consultation with their supervisory committees, may also select courses in other areas important to their research programs. Regular attendance at seminars in the Neuroscience Seminar Program is expected of all graduate students. Centre for Neuroscience graduate students may take a graduate level reading course for 3 credits. However the following limitations apply: 1. 2. 3. The course must be taken with a Faculty member other than the student’s supervisor(s). The course can be from any department, but it must be approved by the Centre for Neuroscience Graduate Student Coordinator. Students cannot meet their graduate student quota of 6 (MSc) or 9 (PhD) credits merely based on a combination of lab rotation and reading courses (i.e. some didactic, lecture based course work is expected).
No language other than English is required for the PhD degree. Residence requirements are as regulated by FGSR. The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. However, a minimum of three years is normally required. Course work will normally be completed early in the program. Evaluation and examinations: Thesis Proposal and Comprehensive Evaluation PhD Candidacy Examination Final Oral Thesis Examination Normally End of First Year Normally End of Second Year End of Program
Transfer from MSc to PhD Program
Transfer to the PhD program will be based on both the student's performance in course work and demonstrated ability to conduct PhD level research. A comprehensive evaluation of the student's progress will be carried out (normally at the end of the first year) and, after acceptance of a thesis proposal, the Evaluation Committee may recommend transfer to the PhD program.
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Neuroscience Program Approved Courses
Undergraduate Courses: NEURO 410 – Neurobiology of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Designed to provide senior undergraduate and graduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology of normal aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and basic science aspects of major neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington disease, Prion disease and Motor neuron disease (ALS) will be covered. Video presentations of patients with neurodegenerative disorders will be presented to add clinical and psychological dimensions. Additionally, recent papers reporting new developments in each of the above disorders will be discussed. Invited lectures will be given by national/international experts on aspects of neurodegenerative disorders to amplify topics covered in the course. Prerequisites: PMCOL 371. NEURO 443 – Neuroendocrine Concepts 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). Regulation within the neuroendocrine system. Conceptual consideration of the diffuse neuroendocrine system, hypothalamopituitary interactions, neural integration, signal inactivation, feedback control, differential regulation, neurosteroids and hormones and behavior. Prerequisites: PHYSL 210 or PHYSL 371 or consent of the instructor. NEURO 472 – Autonomic Nervous System 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Lectures presented by members of the Centre for Neuroscience on neurophysiological, anatomical, clinical, pharmacological and cellular aspects of the autonomic nervous system. Topics will include; neural regulation of homeostasis and reproduction, disorders of autonomic function, sympatheticallymaintained pain, effects of spinal cord injury and current research issues. Prerequisites: PHYSL 210 or PHYSL 211 or ZOOL 241 (or equivalent) and PMCOL 371 or PMCOL 342 and/or consent of the course coordinator. CELL 415 – Developmental and Molecular Neurobiology 3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-2s-0). This course explores topics in developmental neurobiology, including cell lineage, nerve growth and guidance, myelination, synapse formation, axonal transport and response to injury. In particular, the course emphasizes theoretical and experimental aspects, the expanding roles of molecular biology in studies in this field and areas of present and future research. Prerequisite: Consent of Department. Note: Offered in odd-numbered years. CMPUT 499 / NEURO 496 – Topics in Computing Science 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3). An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students in biological science programs (Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology and Psychology) to computational neuroscience and students in computer science programs to the broad field of neuroscience. Biological science students will learn the basic methods of computer programming, while computer science students will learn the fundamentals
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of neuroscience. All students will learn how computer simulations can be used to further our understanding of neurons, neuronal networks, processing of sensory information, and control of movements. The lectures are complemented by laboratory exercises that will allow students to develop programming skills and to construct computer simulations of neurophysiological processes. Prerequisites: PMCOL 371 or PHYSL 372 or CMPUT 340 or permission of instructor. PHYSL 372 – Systems Neuroscience 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Introduction to the organization and function of vertebrate nervous systems. Major topics will be neural development, control of movement, integration of sensory information and the neronal mechanisms underlying memory and learning. Prerequisite: PHYSL 210 or 211, or ZOOL 242. PHYSL 444 – Advanced Topics in Neurophysiology 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). A lecture course emphasizing contemporary aspects of development, cellular, systems and cognitive neurophysiology. Topics will include experience-dependent processes in the development of the nervous system, the molecular and cellular mechanisms for learning and memory, and voluntary movement, the representation and transformation of information in the nervous system, and the neuronal events associated with conscious experience. Students will be expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of selected readings from current and classical literature. Suitable for honours students in Physiology, Pharmacology, Psychology and Neuroscience. Prerequisites: PMCOL 371 and PHYSL 372 and permission of course coordinator. PMCOL 371 – Cellular Neuroscience 3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0). Lectures presented by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Science on nerve cell membranes, ion channels, neurotransmitters and their receptors, synaptic mechanisms and plasticity, gene regulation and development, they physiology of small neural networks and disorders involving basic mechanisms. Prerequisite: PHYSL 210, 211, 252 or ZOOL 242. ZOOL 342 – Neurobiology 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Nerve cells, nervous systems and neuromuscular systems from molecular, physiological, behavioural and developmental perspectives. Examples from both invertebrates and vertebrates are given. Prerequisite: ZOOL 242 or PHYSL 210. Graduate Courses NEURO 500 – Research in Neuroscience 6 (fi 12) (two term, 0-0-6). A practical course in the neurosciences where students spend two months in each of at least three research laboratories approved by the Centre’s Graduate Committee. Students are expected to complete a research project, supervised by a member of the Centre, in each of the research areas chosen. Students are evaluated on both their performance in the laboratory and written reports.
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NEURO 501 – Graduate Research Project 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-0-6). Individual study. Restricted to students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Students will spend one term in the laboratory of a faculty member (other than the supervisor) and carry out a laboratory research project. Successful completion of a written report and an oral presentation is required at the conclusion of the project. Prerequisite: consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. Credit may be obtained for only one of either NEURO 500 or NEURO 501. NEURO 572 – Current Topics in Autonomic Neuroscience 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). The neurophysiological, anatomical, clinical, pharmacological and cellular aspects of the autonomic nervous system will be studied. Students will also be expected to deliver a lecture-type presentation and an extensive written report on one aspect of autonomic function such as neural regulation of homeostasis, disorders of autonomic function, sympathetically maintained pain, autonomic consequences of spinal cord injury and current research issues. Note that credit is given for either NEURO 472 or NEURO 572, not for both. Prerequisite: Consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. NEURO 603 – Graduate Colloquium in Neuroscience 3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-2s-0). Graduate students present review seminars or lead discussions based on required readings in the neurosciences. Coordinated by a member of the Centre. Centre for Neuroscience members are invited to attend. Prerequisite: Consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. Graded on a pass/fail basis. BME 530 – Topics in Biomedical Engineering 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Individual sections covering such topics as signal processing and rehabilitation engineering. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. CELL 502 – The Birth and Death of a Cell 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). An advanced course dealing with cell differentiation, intracellular and extracellular signaling processes, the cell cycle and apoptosis. Consists of lecture material and small group learning sessions and will require reading and discussion of current research articles. Lectures are the same as for CELL 402 but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. May not be taken if credit has already been obtained in CELL 402. Prerequisites: Consent of the Department. CELL 515 – Developmental and Molecular Neurobiology 3 (fi 6) (first term, 0-2s-0). This course will explore nine topics in developmental neurobiology, including cell lineage, nerve growth and guidance, myelination, synapse formation, axonal transport and response to injury. In particular, the course will emphasize theoretical and experimental aspects, the expanding roles of molecular biology in studies in this field and areas of present and future research. Lectures are the same as for CELL 415 but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. This course may not be taken if credit has already been
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obtained in CELL 415. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department. Note: Offered in oddnumbered years. INT D 554 – Research in Cognitive Science 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). A multidisciplinary survey of theoretical issues and research practices in Cognitive science to be taught by various members of such Departments as Psychology, Computing Science, Linguistics and Philosophy. Prerequisites: Consent of course coordinator and consent of student’s home department [Psychology]. INT D 654 – Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). An intensive investigation of selected issues in Cognitive Science, such as mind/body relations, symbolic vs connectionist approaches, intentionality and computational vs empirical research strategies. Prerequisites: INT D 554, consent of course instructor and consent of student’s home department. [Psychology]. PHYSL 527 – Experimental Approaches in Neuroscience 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Lecture course designed to provide an appreciation and understanding of the vast array of experimental approaches utilized in neurobiological research. Topics will include electrophysiological, neuropharmacological and anatomical approaches used to understand how the nervous system functions at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. For advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Prerequisite: PHYSL 372 or PMCOL 371. Offered in alternate years. PMCOL 512 – Pharmacology of the Synapse 3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-0). Current concepts of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and trophic factors are discussed in the context of the normal, diseased and developing nervous systems. Students should have some biological background either in physiology, pharmacology, zoology or the neurosciences. Prerequisite: Consent of Department. PSYCI 511 – Biological Aspects of Psychiatry 3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0). Lectures and seminars on: classification, description and measurement of psychiatric disorders; sleep disorders; biochemical theories of psychiatric disorders and discussions of how the actions of the drugs used to treat these disorders relate to these theories; practical aspects of drug treatment; biological markers; brain imaging; women’s health issues; herbal products and psychiatry. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department. PSYCO 576 – Cognitive Neuroscience 3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0). A graduate seminar in cognitive neuroscience. Topics include the neural bases of memory, language, emotion, and spatial orientation. Emphasis is given to interdisciplinary work that connects cognitive science to neuroscience. Although cognitive neuroscience is primarily concerned with humans, work with infra-human subjects that is directly relevant will also be discussed.
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NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH DAY
One day each year will be designated as Neuroscience Research Day in which students and members of the Centre for Neuroscience will get together to find out about the diverse research interests in the Centre. This will be a relatively informal session in which students will give a short (10-15 minute) presentation describing their work. There will also be the opportunity to present posters, to complement though not replace the oral sessions. Research Day will normally take place in November, following the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience since many students will have already prepared presentations for this meeting.
GRADUATE COMMITTEE
Composition: Graduate Program Coordinator (3 year term), three other members of the Centre (3 year terms) and the Director of the Centre for Neuroscience (ex officio). A graduate student representative (1 year term) will be present as well. The student representative will not participate in meetings where progress of fellow students is discussed or in meetings to evaluate funding applications. The Coordinator acts as the convenor and Chair of the Committee. The coordinator and three other members of the Committee are appointed by the Director of the Centre for Neuroscience. Duties: 1. Process admissions to the program. 2. Distribute Centre funds for graduate student support. 3. Monitor the progress of all students in the program. This will involve continual assessment based on reports from supervisory committees. 4. Make recommendations to FGSR regarding the composition of supervisory and examination committees. 5. Administer Thesis Proposal Evaluations, Candidacy Examinations and Final Oral Examinations. 6. Decide on requested transfers to the PhD program from the MSc program. 7. Deal with any grievances related to the program.
GRADUATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Duties: 1. Executive officer of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience. 2. Represents the Graduate Program at the Graduate Faculty Council.
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SUPERVISORY COMMITTEES
Committees will be formed in accordance with FGSR regulations. Supervisory committees for all students (both MSc and PhD) should be appointed before the end of the student's first year in the program. Composition: The committee will consist of the supervisor and at least two other full-time academic members (at least one of which is a Centre member). All supervisors must be members of the Centre for Neuroscience with active research programs. New investigators, members who hold an MD degree (with no thesis), or members who have not graduated a student will normally be required to appoint a co-supervisor for their graduate students. The co-supervisor must first be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. Supervisors, in consultation with the student, will suggest names of potential committee members to the Graduate Student Coordinator. Following approval by the Graduate Committee, names will be forwarded to FGSR for approval. Duties: Meet with the graduate student at least once a year to determine the student's progress and to advise on academic and research matters. 2. Take part in examinations required by the FGSR (ie. Candidacy Examinations, Final Oral Examinations). 3. The Supervisor has specific responsibilities: (a) Ensures that the student meets all the administrative requirements of the Centre for Neuroscience and FGSR. Note that, in accordance with FGSR regulations, it is the supervisor's responsibility and not the student's to arrange supervisory committee meetings and examinations. (b) Provides the research support necessary for completion of the thesis research. (c) Makes every possible effort to secure financial support for the student. (d) Provides the Graduate Committee with a written report on the student's performance as requested. l.
THESIS PROPOSAL AND EVALUATION
At the end of the first year of graduate studies for either the MSc or PhD degrees, and normally no later than 15 months after first registration, a student will submit a thesis proposal, which will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee, and the student will be required to justify his or her proposal orally to that committee in response to questions. Exceptions to this time frame may be granted by the Graduate Committee of the Centre for Neuroscience.
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Evaluation Committee Composition: • • The Graduate Program Coordinator, or designate, who acts as Chair The student’s supervisory committee
Committee membership must be ratified in advance by the Graduate coordinator. Purpose and Format of the Evaluation: The purpose of the evaluation is to determine the student’s ability to formulate a hypothesis based on existing evidence, and to design an experimental test of that hypothesis. The student must demonstrate a knowledge of the literature relevant to the problem to be addressed, and must show an appreciation of good experimental design and the technical difficulties and pitfalls inherent in the chosen methodology. The Evaluation Committee will review the student’s performance in formal course work and the student’s competence as revealed by the thesis proposal itself and the student’s ability to discuss the content of the proposal. Following this review, a determination will be made on the student’s future status within the program and recommend any further courses that may be deemed necessary to attain an acceptable level of knowledge. The format of the evaluation will normally be: 1. At least one week prior to the date of the evaluation, the student will provide each member of the Evaluation Committee with a copy of the thesis proposal. This should include a brief introduction to the research topic, a summary of the student’s work done to date and an outline of the research plan, including methodology and anticipated time lines for completion. 2. At the evaluation: (a) In the presence of the student, the Chair will summarize the student’s performance in course work to date. (b) The student will give a short (about 20 minutes) presentation summarizing the thesis proposal. (c) The student will discuss the proposal in response to questions from each committee member in turn. Questions may include more general areas of relevant neuroscience so that committee may be satisfied that the student has an appreciation of the subject adequate to pursue the proposed research. (d) Discussion among the committee members concerning the outcome of the evaluation is carried out in the absence of the student.
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Possible Outcomes: For Students Registered in the MSc Program: (a) Proceed unconditionally - Excellent performance with no areas of weakness. Allows for continuation in the MSc Program, or, if appropriate, transfer to the PhD Program. (b) Proceed conditionally - Adequate performance with some areas of minor weakness identified. Committee recommends remedial action. Allows for continuation in the MSc Program, or, if appropriate, transfer to the PhD Program. (c) Repeat Evaluation - Only given if the committee feels that there are extenuating circumstances or if the performance is much poorer in one or more areas than anticipated from the student’s record. (d) Withdraw - The student is asked to withdraw from the program. The student may choose to remain in the program for the remainder of the academic year. Students who fail will not be considered for readmission to the program. For Students Registered in the PhD Program: (a) Proceed unconditionally - Excellent performance with no areas of weakness. Allows for continuation in the PhD Program. (b) Proceed conditionally - Adequate performance with some areas of minor weakness identified. Committee recommends remedial action. Allows for continuation in the PhD Program. (c) Repeat Evaluation - Only given if the committee feels that there are extenuating circumstances or if the performance is much poorer in one or more areas than anticipated from the student’s record. (d) Transfer to the MSc Program - In addition to any conditions set by the Evaluation Committee, the student is asked to transfer to and complete an MSc program. (e) Withdraw - The student is asked to withdraw from the program. The student may choose to remain in the program for the remainder of the academic year.
PhD CANDIDACY EXAMINATION
Examination Committee Composition – As regulated by FGSR except: that the Chair is a member of the Centre who is not the Supervisor. If appropriate, the Chair may also act as an examiner. the student’s supervisory committee at least two other full-time faculty members. At least one member of the Examining Committee shall be an individual whose primary appointment is in a department other than the home department of the supervisor.
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Form of the Examination: The examination will begin with a review of the student's progress including course work, awards, publications and presentations. The candidate will then provide a 15-20 minute oral presentation outlining their thesis. Emphasis should be given to describing the overall goals and hypotheses being tested. Key data can be presented to emphasize progress of the thesis work and the presentation should conclude with an outline of future plans for completion of the thesis. It should be noted that during the candidacy examination only minor attention should be given to the thesis work. The purpose of the examination is for the student to demonstrate that he or she has (a) "an adequate knowledge of the discipline and of the subject matter relevant to the thesis" and (b) "the ability to pursue and complete original research at an advanced level." Outcome of Examination: The possible outcomes are as regulated by FGSR and are detailed in the FGSR Calendar.
THESIS PREPARATION
MSc At least three weeks in advance of the final oral examination, all members of the Supervisory Committee must signify in writing that the thesis is of sufficient quality to proceed to the final oral examination. The form to be used is available in the Centre for Neuroscience office. It is the responsibility of the student to collect all signatures. PhD At least three weeks in advance of the final oral examination, all members of the Supervisory Committee must signify in writing that the thesis is of sufficient quality to proceed to the final oral examination. The form to be used is available in the Centre for Neuroscience office. It is the responsibility of the student to collect all signatures.
FINAL ORAL EXAMINATION
MSc Examination: As regulated by FGSR except that the Chair of the Examining Committee may not be the Supervisor or a member of the Supervisory Committee. The in camera examination will be preceded by a 30 minute seminar and question period that will be attended by the Examining Committee and other interested individuals. MSc Examination Committee Composition – As regulated by FGSR as follows: The final examining committee shall consist of at least three faculty members who are normally full-time. One member shall be from a department other than the home department of the supervisor.
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PhD Examination: As regulated by FGSR except that the Chair of the Examining Committee may not be the Supervisor or a member of the Supervisory Committee. The in camera examination will be preceded by a formal Neuroscience seminar and question period that will be attended by the Examining Committee. PhD Examination Committee Composition – As regulated by FGSR except: There must be a minimum of 5 faculty members Chair – Graduate Coordinator (or designate) – must be a member of the Centre for Neuroscience (but can not be the Supervisor or a member of the Supervisory Committee) Supervisory Committee At least one member of the committee shall be an individual whose primary appointment is in a department other than the home department of the supervisor External Examiner from outside the University of Alberta (arranged by the supervisor).
SUBMISSION OF FINAL THESIS (MSc / PhD)
Neuroscience students will be allowed to submit their thesis to FGSR electronically if they so choose. The Centre for Neuroscience requires ALL graduating students to submit one bound copy of their thesis to the Centre whether or not they are submitting to FGSR electronically. Please note that the color of the book binding is Dark Green for Neuroscience. This copy will be added to the permanent library in the Centre for Neuroscience. Here are the options for students when submitting their thesis to FGSR after the corrections to a defended thesis have been made: One PDF version if submitted electronically OR Two copies if submitted by paper (hard-copy). One unbound copy sent by FGSR to Library and Archives Canada for inclusion in the national repository and one copy to be bound and supplied to UofA Libraries for cataloguing and placement in its Special Collections. Neuroscience students will be required to submit a hard-copy of the thesis to the Centre for Neuroscience office (see above) Students may choose to have additional copies printed for supervisors or personal use but this is not required. There are additional supporting documents that must be sent to FGSR as well. Students are responsible for checking the FGSR website for complete and up-to-date information: http://www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca/degreesuperv/thesis/prepare.htm
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