Biomedical Sciences (MS) – Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Track in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program is a nonthesis plan of study for students who want to further their knowledge in the neuroscience field and who may pursue doctoral training or professional education focused on medicine and neuroscience. Students interested in research and thesis work should apply to the Master of Science in Biotechnology Program.

Track Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related area.

Applicants who hold a BS degree in unrelated fields are expected to have the equivalent of 16 semester hours in biological sciences including a course in general microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology or cell biology, plus one year of organic chemistry, one year of physics, basic university mathematics and statistics, and laboratory skills equivalent to the minimum required of our own undergraduates. Minor deficiencies may be remedied after acceptance by enrollment at the first opportunity in an appropriate course.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete all of the following
  • Complete the following:
    • ZOO6737 - Clinically Oriented Human Anatomy (4)
    • PCB6595 - Regulation of Gene Expression (3)
    • PCB6595 - Regulation of Gene Expression (3)
    • PCB5837 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3)
  • Complete at least 1 of the following:
    • BSC6407C - Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology (3)
    • BSC5418 - Tissue Engineering (3)
  • Complete 1 of the following
    • Earn at least 2 credits from the following types of courses: MCB 6938 - Seminar 1 Credit Hour (to be repeated)
    • Earn at least 2 credits from the following types of courses: MCB 6938 - Seminar 1 Credit Hour AND MCB 6314 - Industrial Perspectives Seminar 1 Credit Hours

Elective Courses

• Complete all of the following
  • Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
    • SPA6417 - Management of Acquired Cognitive/Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan (3)
    • PCB5275 - Signal Transduction Mechanics (3)
    • ZOO5748C - Clinical Neuroanatomy (5)
    • ZOO5749C - Clinical Neuroscience (5)
    • CAP6616 - Neuroevolution and Generative and Developmental Systems (3)
    • PCB5838 - Cellular and Molecular Basis of Brain Functions (3)
    • BSC5418 - Tissue Engineering (3)
    • PCB5709C - Laboratory Virtual Simulations in Physiology (3)
    • MCB5225 - Molecular Biology of Disease (3)
    • PCB5834C - Advanced Human Physiology (4)
    • EXP5254 - Human Factors and Aging (3)
    • IDS6916 - Simulation Research Methods and Practicum (3)
    • EXP5208 - Sensation and Perception (3)
    • PSB5005 - Physiological Psychology (3)
    • EXP6116 - Visual Performance (3)
    • EXP6506 - Human Cognition and Learning (3)
    • PSB6348 - The Neuroanatomical Basis of Psychological Function (3)
    • PSB6348 - The Neuroanatomical Basis of Psychological Function (3)
    • PSB6328 - Psychophysiology (3)
    • PSB6352 - Neuroimaging Design and Analysis Methods (3)
  • Other elective courses must be approved by the Program Coordinator.

Capstone

• Complete all of the following
  • Complete the following:
    • MCB6026 - Molecular Biology and Microbiology Capstone (3)
  • An in-depth current literature research report on a relevant subject will be required for each student. The student will select a faculty adviser to chair a faculty committee of two members for the evaluation of the report. An oral presentation on the written capstone report will be used as a final examination.
  Capstone Process
  • Students are encouraged to contact faculty as early as possible to identify a faculty whose research focus complements the student's interest. The student and the mentor should select one additional faculty members to serve on the capstone evaluation committee. Students must submit a signed Capstone Committee and Capstone Topic form to the Program Coordinator for approval as soon as the registration for the course is complete. These forms must be submitted to the Program Office. When the student is ready to defend the Capstone project, the student must register for the capstone course (MCB 6026) for three credit hours. It is important that the student register for the capstone course with the intention of completing the project at the end of the semester.
  Capstone Report
  • Evaluation of the capstone project requires a written report (in the format of a mini-review manuscript) and a presentation (project defense) in front of the capstone committee. Students may ask for advice and guidance from the project mentor/chair. The average capstone report ranges from 10 to 15 single-spaced pages in a manuscript format with proper citations. The student's Committee Chair will be responsible for checking the report for plagiarism using iThenticate before the report is shared with the committee. The committee must receive the report at least one week before the time of presentation.
  Capstone Defense
  • Note: The defense (presentation) must be held no later than one week before the final exam week. The capstone defense and comprehensive exam evaluation is designed to assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the project and other relevant subjects in the field. Questions asked by the capstone committee to evaluate the student as competent in the field will satisfy the requirement of the comprehensive exam. The oral presentation will take place in the form of a 30-40 minute seminar and will be followed by questions and discussion. The student will be evaluated on performance in all three sections (written report, oral presentation, and ability to answer questions). Should the student fail, a second opportunity will be provided within two weeks of the first attempt. A second failure will result in an Unsatisfactory (U) grade in the course and dismissal from the program.

Comprehensive Examination

• Students must pass an oral comprehensive exam to qualify for the Master of Science. The oral comprehensive exam tests the student's understanding of the basic concepts in the field and relevant applications. The comprehensive exam will be conducted during the capstone defense and will be administered by the capstone committee. Should the student fail this exam, a second opportunity will be provided within two weeks of the first attempt. A second failure will result in dismissal from the program.

Teaching Requirement

• Students without significant prior teaching experience, such as, but not limited to, a minimum of a year in secondary schools or colleges, are required to serve as Classroom Laboratory Teaching Assistants for a minimum of one semester (one semester in at least one lab section).

Research Shadowing (Optional)

• Students are encouraged to discuss with their capstone mentor the possibility of joining the lab for research shadowing of other graduate students. Acquired lab skills should assist students with the capstone project and with future endeavors.

Independent Learning

• In the final semester of study students will complete a capstone course that requires an in-depth current literature research report on a relevant subject, which will serve as the independent learning experience. The student will select a faculty adviser to chair a faculty committee of two members for evaluation of the report.

Grand Total Credits: 33

Application Requirements

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Nonthesis students are not considered for departmental graduate assistantships or tuition assistance.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.