Fellowships and Teaching Opportunities
Our graduate program is designed not only to produce outstanding young scientists but also to ensure that our graduates have the experience necessary to succeed in the neuroscience community. Therefore we require all students to gain experience in grant writing and teaching skills. Students are expected to submit applications for a predoctoral NSF and/or NRSA fellowship, as well as for any other appropriate fellowship programs. NSF predoctoral fellowship applications are generally submitted in the 2nd year and NRSA applications are usually submitted in the 3rd-5th years.
Upper level students are required to serve at least one semester as a teaching assistant (TA). Students may have the option of serving as a teaching assistant additional semesters. Teaching Assistantships are available in a number of undergraduate biology, physiology and psychology courses. TA appointments usually require 20 hours per week assisting a faculty instructor and the TA's responsibilities generally include holding office hours to meet with students and assisting in class labs (if applicable). In addition, the TA may have the opportunity to deliver lectures to the students.
Prior to their first TA assignment, every TA appointed through BIO must attend TA Training, which is offered through the Biology Instructional Office.