Course objectives

The PhD in Neurosciences to prepare researchers with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary vision of various aspects of neuroscience and behavioral sciences, providing a high degree of specialization in research within these fields.

Multidisciplinary training will also be provided to ensure a unified approach to the practical problems that neuroscientists will encounter. Specific training will involve the student being associated with a research group where they will begin to acquire the essential technical skills necessary to pursue specific research in their chosen field. The multidisciplinary training is tailored to each individual, utilizing various integrated teaching methods to acquire knowledge of the specific research problems and techniques in the branches covered by the doctoral program (such as molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and behavioral biology).

The objectives of the course consist of general educational objectives, common to all students regardless of their research group, and specific technical-scientific objectives related to the doctoral project defined for each student:
▪ General objectives: These are pursued through the provision of multidisciplinary training by members of the faculty and other highly qualified staff, covering the general topics addressed in neuroscience. The aim is to provide students with an integrated overview of approaches and research methodologies starting from the biological foundations of behavior, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neuroimaging techniques. Special attention is given to basic training in methodology, statistics, and programming, equipping students with the necessary foundational skills to acquire autonomy and critical thinking in experiment planning and execution, as well as data analysis, using examples from the various disciplinary areas covered in the course.
▪ Specific objectives: These involve the planning and implementation of original experimental research projects in the different areas represented by the curricula offered in the Doctorate program. Students will have the opportunity to apply and integrate theoretical and methodological knowledge with practical laboratory work, supported by state-of-the-art research facilities and supervised by experienced personnel. The aim is to produce original results intended for publication in peer-reviewed international scientific journals.
Overall, the Doctorate program aims to educate researchers with a solid theoretical and practical background in the field of neuroscience, capable of independently and critically conducting research activities within their specialized research area.

The program consists of two curricula:

1. Neurosciences: this curriculum covers a broad spectrum of neuroscientific topics with a strong interdisciplinary approach, ranging from basic molecular and cellular neuroscience to cognitive and social neuroscience, psychology, and clinical neuroscience.
2. Behavioral Sciences: focused on studying the genetic, epigenetic, hormonal, and neurochemical bases of animal and human behavior, with particular emphasis on social and reproductive behaviors, as well as parental care.

The student will be inserted in a network of relationships and exchanges between the participating groups and national and international research and higher education structures (periods abroad are encouraged), and with public and private bodies.