Biology/Neuroscience PhD

As a Doctor of Biology, you have the option to further specialize your studies in neuroscience with the Doctorate in Biology with a Specialization in Neuroscience in the College of Science and Technology. You can gain admittance into this specialization after you've been accepted into the Biology PhD program. The interdisciplinary program is well-suited for those looking to enter the pharmaceutical and medical fields. This degree is also a great steppingstone for a career in academia as an instructor and/or researcher.

Neurobiology is the displine that studies the fuctionality of the nervous system. More than ever, neurobiology has influenced the trajectory of the academic, biotechnologic and medical spheres toward a more accurate comprehension of and treatment for many of today's most debilitating and fatal diseases, rooted in the nervous system. You will use the field of neurobiology as a lens through which to understand and research behavior and cognition, cellular and molecular function, and various neurological diseases.

In this degree program, you'll gain both experiential and theoretical knowledge. Utilizing a combination of anatomical, biochemical and neurophysiological techniques, past students have studied the

aspects of retinal development;
behavior of neurons and supportive cells in vitro;
consquences of fetal alcohol exposure on brain development;
interaction between the nervous system and immune system;
processing of visual information in the retina and brain; and
recovery from spinal cord injury.

In this rigorous program, you must successfully complete the requirements of both the Biology Department and Neuroscience program.

Learn more about core faculty members who work in neurobiology and other disciplines within the Department of Biology.

Classes & Curriculum

In addition to the Biology program requirements, to receive a Specialization in Neuroscience, enrolled doctoral students must fulfill the following requirements.

Dissertation Committee: Students must have one member of the Neuroscience program on their dissertation committee.
Journal Club: Students need to attend and participate in Readings in Neuroscience, which is the Journal Club for the Neuroscience Seminar Series of the College of Liberal Arts Neuroscience program. Students must participate for four semesters by enrolling in one credit each semester.

Additionally, students take two courses in each of the following Neuroscience Specialization areas, including

Behavioral/Cognitive/Systems Neuroscience and
Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience.

Careers

Biology/Neuroscience PhD graduates are prepared for careers as teachers and researchers in academic and research institutions, particularly in the fields of cellular and molecular biology.

Our Advisors

Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities. There are two graduate advisors for the Department of Biology.

Richard Waring is a professor in the Department of Biology and the graduate chair.
Phone: 215-204-8877
Email: richard.waring@temple.edu

Sandhya Verma is a professor in the Department of Biology and the graduate administrator.
Phone: 215-204-8854
Email: sandhya.verma@temple.edu

Program Contact

Student Clubs & Organizations

If you can find the time to participate while meeting the demands of your degree program, student clubs offer valuable opportunities to meet fellow graduate students, researchers and professionals from science- and technology-related industries.

Clubs and organizations for students pursuing a Biology degree include

the Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM, which works to increase opportunities for students and help them complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM.
the Biology Graduate Student Society, an organization that develops professional and leadership skills in doctoral students as well as encourages them to participate in public outreach.
Leadership, Education and Development in Science, an organization that empowers Philadelphia middle school students to form an interest in STEM through science experiments and mentors.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

If the demands of your degree program allow it, consider spending a summer or semester overseas building international connections with researchers from other countries. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in China, Germany, Italy, South Korea or Taiwan. Learn more about your study abroad options.

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