Neuroscience (PHNEVRO)

Description of the academic content of the programme

The objective of the Neuroscience PhD Programme is to provide theoretical and methodological training in neuroscience research and to contribute to increased understanding about basic biological principles for neural structure and activity and their importance for movement, sensory and autonomic functions, emotions, behaviour and cognitive processes in animals and human beings. Studies of normal function as well as elucidation of mechanisms for neurological and psychiatric illnesses are relevant. Through own research the students will learn to formulate and solve scientific questions and at the same time they will acquire basic skills and methods in parts of neuroscience. Theoretical studies are also possible in some areas (neuropholosophy).

Entrance requirements for the programme, according to § 5 and 7.3 in the regulations

Application deadline:
There is no specific application deadline for PhD programmes at The faculty of Medicine, NTNU. Applications must be submitted to the department at which the candidate and supervisor are academically affiliated.

Admission requirements:
Master degree or equivalent education in neuroscience, medicine, psychology, biology, physics or other scientific subjects. Elementary knowledge of neuroscience (corresponding to NTNU course NEVR2010) is required.

Requirements for project description

The project description should normally be 5-10 pages long.

Additional requirements:
In addition to the NTNU regulation requirements, proof of approval must be submitted in accordance with other regulations, laws (Personal information law, health register law etc.) and ethical guidelines. Information regarding any possible conflicts of interest must also be provided. The project description must clearly state who is in charge of the academic supervision in relation to both technological and medical applications. If more than one supervisor is required to fulfil this requirement, statements from all co-supervisors must be attached.

Funding requirements

There is no absolute requirement that the candidate should have funding for his/her doctoral education for admission to PhD programmes at The Faculty of Medicine, NTNU. However, the candidate must state in the application what funding is available. Candidates without funding must also demonstrate how they will manage without funding. The application will be assessed individually.

Supervision

The main supervisor must hold an academic position at NTNU, and have a PhD or corresponding competence within the field of research (according to §8 in the regulations).

Compulsory residency

The main intention of compulsory residency is that the candidate shall actively contribute to research at, or associated with, NTNU. The candidate may obtain exemption from the residency clause in the following places:

• In all health authorities in the region
• SINTEF

In the case of exemption, the candidate’s participation in his/her supervisor’s area will be required. An explanation of this in the application will be considered individually for each candidate

Participation in active research areas, national and international

It is a minimum requirement that the candidate participates actively in his/her supervisor’s research area. The candidate must explain this planned participation in the application.

Academic presentation

1. Web-based project description updated every six months for each PhD student
2. Presentations at international meetings
3. Participation in at leas tone popular science event (research days open day etc.)

Reporting

A written report must be submitted each year to the Faculty at which the candidate is admitted. This report should describe the candidate’s progression with regard to the PhD plan.

Educational Part

Description of the educational part:
The intention of the educational part of the PhD is to give insight into theories and methods necessary for accomplishing the dissertation, but should also contribute to the general academic education desirable for the candidate’s later activities. The application must include a plan for the educational part in cooperation with his/her supervisor. It is recommended that the educational part should be finished early during the PhD programme. The educational part of the Neuroscience PhD is set at 30 ECTS, of which a minimum 20 ECTS must come from syllabus courses in the PhD catalogue. 10 ECTS must come from basic courses in neuroscience, i.e. courses in the NEVR group or similar. The remaining points may be obtained from other relevant courses in the PhD catalogue or elsewhere.

Dissertation requirements

The dissertation should be written by the candidate and normally consists of an academic work including 3-5 articles. The number will depend on the extent and quality of the articles, which should be in peer-review international journals, where the candidate is first author of at least 2 articles.