Academic Resources

Course Requirements

• Neurosciences Ph.D. and M.S. Degree Requirements 
• See Program Handbook for additional information
• Pre-Approved Advanced Topic and Statistics Courses
• Form to Request Pre-Approval for Advanced Topic or Statistics Course

Need Help Finding/Selecting Courses? 

Be sure to check if the courses on the lists below are on the Pre-Approved Course list; if they aren't, you must request approval. 

• Recommended Courses by Track
• Recommended Courses in Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience
• Search in ExploreCourses
• Pre-filled search of ExploreCourses by keywords: Neuroscience, Brain, Neural, Neurobiology

See Program Handbook for additional information

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

• 2023-24 Neurosciences Program NSF GRFP Handout 
• NSF GRFP Website
• Stanford Grantwriting Academy : Includes information about SBSA Peer-to-Peer Mentoring, Proposal Library, Templates, NSF GRFP Faculty Mentors, and Review Criteria    

NIH NRSA F31

• Stanford Grantwriting Academy
• Stanford Research Management Group (RMG)
  • NIH F Award Resources
  • Proposal Preparation and Submission
    • For projected tuition costs and the Description of Institutional Environment and Commitment to Training document, contact Kalai Diamond.
    • List Kalai Diamond as the Department Contact on your PDRF.

Rotation Guidelines - See Program Handbook

Need Help with Your Rotation Mentor Selection?

• All Program Faculty
• Faculty Accepting Students in 2023-24
• Rotation Mentor Profiles 2023-24
• Faculty Research Areas
• Student List with Thesis and Rotation Advisors

Students are required to have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) Meeting with their advisor every year. IDP meetings are tracked by the Office of Graduate Education. 

• First year students must have an IDP meeting within 30 days of joining a thesis lab
• Subsequent IDP meetings are held annually and must be completed by August 1.

See the Program Handbook and Office of Graduate Education website for additional information. 

Exam Requirements and Guidelines - See Program Handbook

Forms

• Qualifying Exam Committee Approval Form - Due by December 15
• Qualifying Exam Certification Form - Take this form with you to your exam. At the conclusion of the exam, have it signed by all members and return it to the program office. 

Sample Documents:

• Program-Managed Repository
• Neuro Student Network folder

After passing the qualifying exam, students are required to meet with their thesis committee at least once per year. Meetings are tracked by the Neurosciences program and the Office of Graduate Education. 

• 3rd and 4th year students meet with their committee once per year
• Starting in the 5th year, students meet with their committee twice per year
• All students must have a Green Light Meeting to be cleared to give their thesis defense. The Green Light Meeting should be held 6-12 months prior to the anticipated defense.
• Download required forms for your meetings here. 

See the Program Handbook for additional information on deadlines, meeting structure, and reporting requirements. 

See the Program Handbook for details about the Oral Examination. 

See the Program Handbook for instructions regarding the written dissertation.

See the Program Handbook for information about graduating and commencement.

Student Services Center 

We’re here to help you and your family navigate your academic journey. Think of us as your go-to partner and lean on us to answer questions. The Student Services Center can help with issues related to enrollment, grades, billing, and more.

Graduate Life Office 

The Graduate Life Office (GLO) serves the entire graduate student population at Stanford and their families. GLO deans are a source of comprehensive, impartial guidance and information related to all aspects of your life as a graduate student. The Graduate Life Office is proud to be part of Student Affairs, which advances student development and learning; fosters community engagement; promotes diversity, inclusion and respect; and empowers students to thrive.

Bechtel International Center 

Supporting international students, scholars, and their families at Stanford. 

The Office of Accessible Education 

The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) offers comprehensive resources for students with disabilities, providing a wide array of accommodations, support services, auxiliary aids and programs to remove barriers to full participation in the life of the University.

School of Medicine Office of the Ombudsperson 

Students within the School of Medicine with complaints or disputes that cannot be resolved within the Home Program should consider contacting the Office of the Ombudsperson for impartial and independent advice. Conversations with the Ombuds are confidential. Ombudsperson Office Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE)

The VPGE provides a wealth of online resources and a multitude of in-person programs and workshops on a wide range of topics within the Graduate Professional Development Framework.

• Problem Solving & Crisis Intervention Resources
• Advising and Mentoring Resources
• Graduate Academic Policies & Procedures (GAP)

Core Research Facilities 

Students have access to a number of shared research facilities housing specialized scientific instruments and services. These include scientific Service Centers, which are open to all researchers in the University at predetermined fees, and a number of Cores, which house equipment shared among a group of labs.

Lane Library 

Lane Library provides research and information facilities to students and staff of Stanford Medicine.

Stanford Libraries 

The Stanford University Libraries include Green Library (the main campus library), Lathrop Library (technology services & study spaces), specialized branch and department libraries, and auxiliary libraries housing less-used or overflow materials. The collections of all these libraries are indexed in Search Works. You can print posters, check out equipment (camcorders, projectors, laptops, etc.) and get tech help at the Meyer Library Tech Desk.

Hume Center for Writing and Speaking 

The Hume Center for Writing and Speaking provided tutoring, workshops, and writing boot camps that help graduate students write papers and articles, fellowship applications, dissertation chapter, research statements, and job material. The Oral Communication Program provides opportunities for students to improve their presentation and communication skills through courses, workshops, and feedback.