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PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience

The mission of the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program is to provide students with a firm foundation in basic principles and methods of Experimental Neuropsychology in preparation for embarking on a career as an experimental neuropsychologist and behavioral neuroscientist in academia or industry.

The Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program is unique in that the focus is on human neurobehavioral disorders in relation to brain structure and function. The Behavioral Neuroscience Program provides a true translational link between cutting-edge research and its emphasis on medical patient care. Our students and alumnae represent strong, talented, and highly productive professionals. The strength and uniqueness of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program is exemplified in the quality and constitution of our course offerings, faculty, and research opportunities.

The Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program is an interdisciplinary program administered through Graduate Medical Sciences, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and consists of faculty members mainly in the Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Anatomy & Neurobiology. Many hold joint research and/or clinical appointments with the VA Boston Healthcare System.

The key features of the program are:

The delineation and analysis of perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, affective, and behavioral disorders observed in neurologic disease, as these disorders contribute to an understanding of normal brain function and its modification by pathology.

The subject matter derives primarily from clinical populations with neurological disorders affecting higher processes, particularly from the study of syndromes involving selective impairment of functional systems such as memory, language, attention, executive functioning, and/or purposeful movement.

Current methods of clinical assessment, neuropsychology, experimental design, and the neurosciences are integrated into a broad program focused on clinical research. There is also limited opportunity for basic science research.

Students in the program are required to participate in a research apprenticeship with a faculty member with course units being offered as Research in Behavioral Neuroscience. This arrangement is intended as preparation for independent research careers. Students also have the opportunity to participate in grand rounds, and to attend didactic seminars and hospital lectures at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the VA Boston Healthcare System.

The doctoral program curriculum consists of core and elective courses and research in neuropsychology within Graduate Medical Sciences. Candidates may also enroll in directed studies or graduate courses offered in other Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine departments, including but not limited to, the Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Psychology, and course offerings of the Graduate Program for Neuroscience. For some students with specialized interests and backgrounds, additional courses available throughout Boston University may be credited toward the PhD degree with special permission.

Learning Outcomes

The goals of the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD program are to provide students with a firm foundation in basic principles and methods of Experimental Neuropsychology to prepare students for embarking on a career as an experimental neuropsychologist and behavioral neuroscientist in academia or industry.

At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between neuroanatomy and neurobehavior and cognition.

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relationship between neuropathology and neurobehavior and cognition.