11  Ph.D. Neuroscience & Behavior

11.1 Program Description

11.1.1 Degree Overview

The Ph.D. in Neuroscience & Behavior prepares students to become independent researchers and leaders in academic, clinical, and industry settings. Students develop advanced expertise in neuroscience and behavior while conducting original dissertation research.

Students work closely with their advisor and Doctoral Guidance Committee to develop a program of study that includes required coursework, competencies, and a dissertation research plan. Following successful completion of the qualifying examination, students advance to doctoral candidacy and establish a Dissertation Committee to oversee completion of the dissertation.

The Ph.D. is awarded upon completion of required coursework, advancement to candidacy, successful dissertation research and defense, and approval of the dissertation by the committee and Graduate School.

Students typically complete 30–35 credits of coursework and research.

11.2 Learning Outcomes

  • Core Knowledge: Demonstrate broad knowledge in biomedical sciences and advanced expertise in neuroscience and behavior within a chosen specialization.
  • Critical Thinking: Develop and apply critical thinking skills to generate original and impactful scientific discoveries.
  • Research: Achieve independence in hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of research findings.
  • Communication: Communicate research effectively through scientific writing, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, ethical conduct, and interpersonal skills required for collaborative scientific careers.
  • Grant Writing and Innovation: Independently develop research proposals and serve as a project leader driving innovation in academic or industry settings.

11.3 Program Requirements and Timeline

11.4 Credit Requirements

Ph.D. students typically complete 30–35 credits of coursework and dissertation research.

11.4.1 Required Courses and Components

Responsible Conduct of Research - Completion of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training (non-credit requirement)

Scientific Communication - BIOL 950 – Scientific Communication

Statistics - Two semesters of advanced statistics
- At least one must be at the 800–900 level

Research Techniques (1 course) Select one of the following: - NSB 903
- MCBS 901 – Introduction to Research in the Life Sciences
- Other approved research techniques course

Graduate Seminar - Minimum of two semesters
- NSB 997 – Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Seminar
(or approved equivalent)

Teaching Preparation - Required for all teaching assistants:
- GRAD 950 – Issues in College Teaching

Electives - Selected with advisor and committee to support specialization and career goals

Doctoral Dissertation Research - NSB 999 – Neuroscience and Behavior Doctoral Dissertation

All students are expected to present research publicly (including at the UNH Graduate Research Conference).

11.5 Doctoral Guidance and Dissertation Committees

Students have two sequential committees.

11.5.1 Doctoral Guidance Committee

Established as early as possible and no later than the end of the first year.

Composition: - Advisor (chair)
- At least three additional faculty
- Representation from at least two relevant departments (e.g., Biological Sciences, MCBS, Psychology, Communication Sciences & Disorders)

Committee members, other than the advisor, should not be directly involved in the proposed research. Students submit the Guidance Committee Nomination Form to the Graduate School.

Responsibilities: - Approve program of study
- Guide development of research proposal
- Evaluate proposal feasibility and originality
- Oversee the qualifying examination

11.5.2 Dissertation Committee

Established upon advancement to candidacy.

Composition: - At least five members
- No more than three from any one NSB department
- At least two members external to the primary department or institution

Students are encouraged to include external members beyond UNH to broaden professional networks. The Dissertation Committee supervises dissertation research, administers the final defense, and determines degree completion.

11.6 Qualifying Examination and Advancement to Candidacy

11.6.1 Timeline

The qualifying examination and advancement to candidacy typically occur in Year 3 and no later than Year 4.

11.6.2 Purpose

The qualifying exam evaluates: - Depth and breadth of knowledge in neuroscience and behavior
- Ability to develop and defend a rigorous research proposal
- Scientific writing and communication skills

11.6.3 Written Component

The written qualifying exam is a research proposal, typically modeled after an NIH NRSA F31 fellowship or similar format.

Typical components include: - Specific aims
- Background and significance
- Innovation
- Research approach and methods
- Timeline and milestones

The proposal must be submitted to the Guidance Committee at least three weeks before the oral exam. Majority approval is required to proceed.

Students are encouraged, though not required, to submit proposals for external fellowships (e.g., NIH).

11.6.4 Oral Component

The oral exam follows successful completion of the written proposal and typically includes: - Presentation of research proposal
- Questions on proposal and broader field knowledge

Possible outcomes: - Pass
- Conditional Pass
- No Pass

Students receiving a Conditional Pass must address identified weaknesses. Students receiving a No Pass may retake the exam within six months. Failure to pass after a second attempt may result in recommendation to transition to the M.S. program.

11.6.5 Advancement to Candidacy

Upon passing the qualifying examination, students are formally advanced to Ph.D. candidacy and the Dissertation Committee is appointed.

UNH requires advancement to candidacy within five years of enrollment.

11.7 Enrollment, Registration, and Credit Policies

Graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment in fall and spring through coursework, research registration, or continuing enrollment.

Full-time status: - 9+ credits, or
- Doctoral Research (NSB 999), or
- Holding an assistantship (minimum 6 credits or NSB 999)

Students registered for continuing enrollment (GRAD 800) are not eligible for assistantships.

Students should consult their advisor regarding appropriate course load in light of research, teaching, and professional obligations.

11.7.1 Course and Credit Policies

Graduate Courses - 800- and 900-level courses count toward degree requirements
- Must be taken for a letter grade if graded option is available

700-Level Courses - Up to 12 credits may count toward graduate degree (by petition)
- Must be outside the student’s program
- Must include additional graduate-level requirements

Undergraduate Courses (<700 level) - May be taken if necessary for background preparation
- Do not count toward graduate degree credits

Audited Courses - Allowed with advisor and instructor approval
- Count toward enrollment requirements but not degree credits

Transfer Credit - Up to 8 credits may be transferred (grade of B or higher; not counted toward another degree)
- Transfer request form: https://gradschool.unh.edu/academics/forms-policies

11.7.2 Tuition, Fees, and Financial Support

Students on assistantships (TA or RA) typically receive tuition support and pay reduced mandatory fees. Mandatory fees remain the responsibility of the student.

Doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy may petition to waive certain fees if eligible.

  • Tuition and fee information (UNH Business Services): https://www.unh.edu/business-services/tuitgrad
  • Graduate School financial support information: https://catalog.unh.edu/graduate/general-information/fees-financial-support/

Students enrolled in more than 16 credits pay additional tuition for credits beyond 16.

11.8 Annual Progress Review

Each spring, students participate in an annual progress review with a representative of the Graduate Program Committee.

Goals of the review: - Encourage reflection on progress and goals
- Support timely degree completion
- Provide mentorship and feedback
- Maintain clear documentation of progress

Preparation includes: - Student progress report submitted to advisor and committee
- Advisor evaluation and summary of committee meeting
- Teaching feedback (if applicable)

All materials are submitted to the designated departmental staff member, who schedules review meetings (typically mid-April through mid-May). Failure to complete required materials may result in a registration hold.

11.9 Completing the Degree

Students are responsible for understanding all program and Graduate School requirements, including:

  • Coursework and competency requirements
  • Committee formation and required paperwork
  • Dissertation formatting and submission requirements
  • Qualifying exam and defense procedures
  • All relevant deadlines

A public seminar and dissertation defense are required. The dissertation must be provided to the committee at least two weeks before the defense.

Final dissertation submission must meet Graduate School deadlines and formatting requirements.

11.10 Graduation

The Graduate School provides detailed procedures and deadlines for graduation, including intent-to-graduate forms, dissertation submission, and Commencement:
http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/graduation.php