Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Neuroscience

7.项目总结/摘要 该提案将在加州理工学院创建一个定量神经科学博士前培训项目。领域 神经科学的发展目前正在经历爆炸性的增长，这是由大量的新技术驱动的， 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一种复杂的数学和计算方法， 神经科学培训项目所不能提供的。与此同时，我们看到 了解不同层次的大脑组织，从指定神经元的分子， 连接到人脑中大型回路的动态功能。因此，迫切需要培训 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， 计算-这在传统上是在单独的程序教授。加州理工处在一个理想的位置， 回答这些要求。这是一个几乎完全致力于科学研究的机构， 跻身世界顶尖大学之列加州理工学院以其严格的物理训练而闻名， 数学和工程，但它也有一个杰出的历史，在生物学研究，并在 尤其是神经科学。小规模支持一种气候，在这种气候中， 纪律是毫不费力的。目前的建议利用这些体制优势创造一个新的环境 进行定量神经科学的培训该计划的重点是博士生在1年和2。的 战略始于从广泛的本科专业中高度选择性地招募候选人， 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 研究在三个旋转3个月，每个月后，他们选择一个主要的导师，以监督他们的 博士研究。学员还将完成严格的2年课程，以确保核心能力， 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)人类神经科学和大脑疾病;（四）神经科学的工具和技术;（五）应用 数学和统计学;（六）科学规划和数据分析。学员获得写作经验 通过一个有指导的奖学金申请程序。他们还在论坛上做了许多口头报告 校园内外都有在第二年结束时的候选人资格考试后，学员专注于博士研究， 创作一个或多个主要出版物的目标，并在6年级或更早毕业。每个学员的 通过该计划的轨迹伴随着个性化的建议，调整课程，以确保 广泛的能力，同时也挑战学生在一个特殊的专业领域。总之， 在定量神经科学的拟议计划及时回应了一个新的迫切需求， 在这一迅速发展的学科中的研究生培训类型。

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.