Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neuroscience

定量神经科学博士前培训

• 批准号: 10237128
• 负责人: MARKUS MEISTER
• 金额: $ 29.4万
• 依托单位: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2019
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2019-07-01 至 2024-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10237128
• 关键词: Neurosciences; Training; pre-doctoral

7. Project Summary/Abstract This proposal will create a program for Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neurosciences at Caltech. The field of neuroscience is currently experiencing explosive growth, driven by a plethora of new technologies for observing and manipulating the brain. To apply these methods fruitfully and interpret the resulting flood of data, modern neuroscientists need a sophistication in mathematical and computational approaches that traditional neuroscience training programs cannot provide. At the same time we are seeing a convergence of understanding at different levels of brain organization, ranging from the molecules that specify neural connections to the dynamic function of large circuits in the human brain. Thus, there is an urgent need to train young neuroscientists with an integrated perspective that spans many levels – from molecules to behavior to computation – which have traditionally been taught in separate programs. Caltech is in an ideal position to answer these demands. It is an institution almost entirely dedicated to scientific research, routinely ranked among the top few universities in the world. Caltech is well known for its rigorous training in physics, mathematics, and engineering, but it also has a distinguished history in biological research, and in the neurosciences in particular. The small size supports a climate in which scientific collaboration across disciplines is effortless. The present proposal exploits these institutional strengths to create a new environment for training in quantitative neuroscience. The program is focused on PhD students in years 1 and 2. The strategy begins with highly selective recruiting of candidates from a broad range of undergraduate majors, ranging from biochemistry to psychology to computer science. First-year students get introduced to faculty research during three rotations of 3 months each, after which they choose a primary mentor to supervise their PhD research. Trainees also complete a rigorous 2-year course curriculum that ensures core competency in the following six areas: (i) molecular and cellular neuroscience; (ii) systems and computational neuroscience; (iii) human neuroscience and brain disorders; (iv) tools and technology for neuroscience; (v) applied mathematics and statistics; (vi) scientific programming and data analysis. Trainees get writing experience through a mentored process of fellowship applications. They also give numerous oral presentations in forums on and off campus. After a candidacy examination at the end of year 2, trainees focus on PhD research, with the aim of authoring one or more major publications, and graduating by year 6 or earlier. Each trainee's trajectory through the program is accompanied by individualized advising, adjusting coursework to ensure broad competency while also challenging the student in a domain of special expertise. In summary, the proposed program in quantitative neurosciences responds in a timely manner to an urgent demand for a new type of graduate training in this rapidly evolving discipline.

7. 项目总结/摘要 该提案将为加州理工学院的定量神经科学博士前培训创建一个计划。领域 在大量新技术的推动下，神经科学领域目前正在经历爆炸性增长 观察和操纵大脑。为了有效地应用这些方法并解释由此产生的大量数据， 现代神经科学家需要传统的数学和计算方法的复杂性 神经科学培训计划无法提供。与此同时，我们看到了融合 了解大脑组织的不同层次，从指定神经的分子 与人脑大电路动态功能的联系。因此，迫切需要进行培训 年轻的神经科学家具有跨越多个层面的综合视角——从分子到行为到 计算——传统上是在单独的课程中教授的。加州理工学院处于理想的位置 回答这些要求。这是一个几乎完全致力于科学研究的机构，通常排名 跻身世界前几名大学之列。加州理工学院以其严格的物理学训练而闻名， 数学和工程学，但它在生物研究和 特别是神经科学。较小的规模支持了跨领域科学合作的氛围 纪律是毫不费力的。本提案利用这些制度优势创造一个新的环境 用于定量神经科学培训。该项目主要针对第一年和第二年的博士生。 战略始于从广泛的本科专业中严格挑选候选人， 从生物化学到心理学再到计算机科学。一年级学生被介绍给教师 进行三次轮换研究，每次轮换三个月，之后他们选择一位主要导师来监督他们的研究 博士研究。学员还完成严格的 2 年课程，确保具备以下方面的核心能力： 以下六个领域：（i）分子和细胞神经科学； (ii) 系统和计算神经科学； (iii) 人类神经科学和脑部疾病； (iv) 神经科学工具和技术； (五) 应用 数学和统计学； (vi) 科学规划和数据分析。学员获得写作经验 通过奖学金申请的指导流程。他们还在论坛上进行了大量口头演讲 校园内外。经过第二年末的候选考试后，学员将专注于博士研究， 撰写一篇或多篇主要出版物并在六年级或更早毕业的目标。每个练习生的 通过该计划的轨迹伴随着个性化的建议，调整课程作业以确保 广泛的能力，同时也在特殊专业领域挑战学生。综上所述， 拟议的定量神经科学计划及时响应了对新方法的迫切需求 这个快速发展的学科的研究生培训类型。