Neuroscience Training at University of Connecticut Health Center

描述（由申请人提供）：推进我们对正常脑功能，心理健康，神经系统疾病和适应不良行为（如药物滥用）的了解的关键是我们能够整合来自人类心理物理学和分子神经生物学等学科的信息。要做到这一点，年轻的研究人员考虑在神经科学的研究生涯必须培训利用多学科的方法。这是与康涅狄格大学健康中心神经科学培训计划相关的33名教师的持续目标。招聘对研究和教学职业感兴趣的学生，特别是少数民族申请人，是一个高度优先事项。寻求资金支持两年的论文前培训两名学生致力于从事神经科学的研究生涯。从第一年的实验室轮换开始，我们的学生不断参与实验室研究。核心课程包括细胞和分子神经科学，神经解剖学，系统神经科学和发育神经生物学。选择他们的导师和咨询委员会后，学员专注于启动他们的研究和定义他们的论文项目，这是提出并在一般Exam.Neuroscience杂志俱乐部辩护，研究研讨会，与演讲者的午餐会和年度神经科学务虚会提供广度的培训经验。作为发展赠款写作技能的一部分，鼓励学员提交个人NRSA申请。从第一年的正式培训开始，在整个培训期间都强调科学研究中负责任的行为。课程教师在神经元和神经胶质细胞的起源和分化，感觉系统的发展，神经递质功能和可塑性，受体，离子通道和信号转导过程以及听觉系统，边缘系统，嗅觉和味觉的发展，功能和修复以及听觉心理物理学方面都有共同的兴趣。我们计划的优势是涉及多名教师的贡献的合作项目。培训计划的主要目标是确保每个学员在至少一个领域获得实践研究能力，以及对解开神经系统复杂功能所需的协作方法的强烈尊重和赞赏。我们计划的多学科性质有利于研究方法，思想和培训机会的导师和学员的交叉施肥。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A key to advancing our knowledge of normal brain function, mental health, neurological disease and maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse will be our ability to integrate information from disciplines as diverse as human psychophysics and molecular neurobiology. To do so, young investigators contemplating research careers in Neuroscience must be trained to utilize a multidisciplinary approach. This is the continuing goal of the 33 faculty associated with the University of Connecticut Health Center Training Program in Neuroscience. Recruitment of students interested in careers in research and teaching, especially of minority applicants, is a high priority. Funding is sought to support two years of pre-dissertation training for two students committed to embarking on a research career in Neuroscience. Beginning with their first year Laboratory Rotations, our students continuously participate in laboratory research. Core courses cover cell and molecular neuroscience, neuroanatomy, systems neuroscience and developmental neurobiology. Following selection of their mentor and advisory committee, trainees focus on initiating their research and defining their dissertation project, which is presented and defended at the General Exam. Neuroscience journal clubs, research seminars, luncheons with speakers and a yearly Neuroscience retreat provide breadth to the training experience. As part of developing grant writing skills, trainees are encouraged to submit individual NRSA applications. Responsible conduct in scientific research is stressed throughout the training period, beginning with formal training in the first year. Program Faculty share interests in the genesis and differentiation of neurons and glia, the development of sensory systems, neurotransmitter function and plasticity, receptors, ion channels and signal transduction processes as well as the development, function and repair of the auditory system, limbic system, olfaction and taste, and auditory psychophysics. A strength of our program is the collaborative projects involving contributions from multiple faculty members. It is the primary goal of the training program to ensure that every trainee acquires hands-on research proficiency in at least one area, as well as a keen respect and appreciation for the collaborative approaches needed to unravel the complex functions of the nervous system. The multidisciplinary nature of our program favors cross-fertilization of research methodologies, ideas and training opportunities for both preceptors and trainees.