Neuroscience, Master of Science
The Master’s degree in Neuroscience is a full-time in-person program consisting of nine months of intensive coursework followed by 12 months of laboratory research in one of the world-class neuroscience laboratories at Johns Hopkins University. Both the coursework and the research opportunities will encompass the gamut of contemporary neuroscience including molecular/cellular approaches, development, circuit function and neurobiology of disease, as well as systems, cognitive and computational neuroscience.
Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for research-oriented jobs in pharma, biotechnology, academia, government, or for application to programs conferring advanced degrees such as M.D., Ph.D., D.V.M., or Pharm.D.
Program Requirements
The MS in Neuroscience is a 21 month-long program. The first 9 months consist of a full load of graduate-level coursework. The following 12 months consist of a research experience in a single Neuroscience Program laboratory.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Year 1: FALL | ||
| ME.440.811 | Neuroscience Cognition I | 4.5 |
| ME.440.801 | Readings in Neuroscience (Journal Club) | 1 |
| or ME.440.810 | Readings In Systems Neuroscience | |
| ME.440.819 | Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Science | 2 |
| ME.440.820 | Circuits and Brain Disorders | 2 |
| ME.440.802 | Current Topics in Neuroscience (Research Seminar) | 1 |
| Academic Year 1: SPRING | ||
| ME.440.812 | Neuroscience Cognition II | 4.5 |
| ME.440.801 | Readings in Neuroscience (Journal Club) | 1 |
| or ME.440.810 | Readings In Systems Neuroscience | |
| AS.200.659 | Quantitative Methods for Brain Sciences | 3 |
| or ME.440.825 | Quantitative Neurogenomics | |
| PH.140.615 | Statistics for Laboratory Scientists I | 4 |
| OR | ||
| Neuroscience Elective (if previous stats course taken and approved by program director) 1 | ||
| Neuroscience Elective 1 | ||
| ME.440.802 | Current Topics in Neuroscience (Research Seminar) | 1 |
| Academic Year 1: SUMMER | ||
| ME.440.800 | Neuroscience Research | 1 - 18 |
| Academic Year 2: FALL | ||
| ME.440.802 | Current Topics in Neuroscience (Research Seminar) | 1 |
| ME.440.800 | Neuroscience Research | 1 - 18 |
| Academic Year 2: SPRING | ||
| ME.440.802 | Current Topics in Neuroscience (Research Seminar) | 1 |
| ME.440.800 | Neuroscience Research | 1 - 18 |
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For a list of Neuroscience Electives please see https://neuroscience.jhu.edu/graduate/curriculum
Learning Outcomes
1. Basic knowledge of neuroscience principles
All graduates should be able to:
- Explain how neurons use passive and active membrane properties to receive, process, and transmit signals to post-synaptic cells.
- Explain how neurons are connected in circuits and refined by experience.
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the cellular and molecular specializations that support nervous system function.
- Demonstrate sufficient understanding of neuroanatomy to describe neural circuits and how they contribute to nervous system function.
- Explain how the nervous system develops.
- Identify and discuss common disorders of the nervous system, their biological basis, & current therapies.
- Grasp the fundamental approaches used by theoretical neuroscience to understand how the brain solves computational problems.
- Demonstrate familiarity with common methodologies used in experimental neuroscience.
- Explain biochemical and cell biological processes important for brain function.
2. Critical thinking
All graduates should be able to:
- Analyze primary literature and identify strengths and shortcomings of the methods employed.
- Construct testable hypotheses and design experiments to challenge these hypotheses.
3. Quantitative analysis
All graduates should be able to:
- Appropriately process and apply analytical techniques and statistical tests to their data.
- Create figures that effectively communicate results.
- Critically evaluate and interpret quantitative data.
- Identify and use computational tools in their research.
4. Effective written/oral communication skills
All graduates should be able to:
- Organize their oral and written scientific communications to effectively transmit: 1. significance of topic, 2. relevant background material to place the topic in context, and 3. knowledge gap to be addressed.
5. Self-motivated learning/scientific inquiry
All graduates should:
- Independently explore and assimilate existing literature in their field of interest.
- Be able to identify and engage expert guidance when needed.
6. Discipline-specific research skills
All graduates should be able to:
- Develop hypothesis driven research questions founded on own their current studies.
- Conduct discipline-specific experimental techniques with appropriate controls and analysis.
- Troubleshoot and solve emergent problems.
7. Citizenship
All graduates should demonstrate:
- A fundamental understanding of research ethics.
- The ability to work collaboratively with others.