Students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty comprising the Neuroscience and Physiology (NP) group emphasize an integrative approach to the study of these two important and related sub-disciplines. Neuroscience identifies the neural substrates of behavior, whereas Physiology investigates organismal functions.
Research within Neuroscience and Physiology spans broad organization levels within Biology, from genes and molecules and cells to tissues, circuits and behaving animals. We employ a variety of experimental approaches, including genetic, molecular, cellular, and whole-animal techniques such as microelectrode recordings, microscopy, optical imaging, EEG, mathematical modeling, and behavioral observations. Current research asks fundamental questions in molecular neuroethology, cellular, systems, and human neuroscience, and cellular and transport physiology.
The Neuroscience and Physiology sequence is an option for students enrolled in the Ph.D. degree program within Biological Sciences. We offer a comprehensive curriculum to graduate students interested in Neuroscience and Physiology. Sequences provide an exciting and challenging academic environment, by combining research excellence with a strong commitment to education, and are tightly integrated into laboratory research.
A student applying to a doctoral program must:
More information about specific application requirements for international students can be found on the International Admissions website.
Doctoral applicants to the program are expected to have considerable prior research experience. This could be from a master’s degree, comprehensive undergraduate research experience, or equivalent background in other academic or non-academic research.
The first step in the application process is to ask about working in a lab. We do not admit graduate students unless they have at least one faculty member who is willing to have them in their lab.
Contact a member of our faculty who works in your area of interest. Discuss whether they are taking new students, whether your interests sufficiently overlap with theirs, and what research topics are being pursued in their labs.
Submit your vita in the application system. It should include any information that will help assess your potential as a student in our graduate program. Also include:
Write a one-to-two page statement of your academic and professional goals and submit it in the application system.
Your statement should include:
Spring and summer applicants: Provide three letters of recommendation. Letters should come from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic record and can evaluate your potential for graduate study. Send your letters to:
Director of Graduate Studies
School of Biological Sciences
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 6179--4120
Fall applicants: Submit names and email addresses of references for letters of recommendation within the online application.
GRE scores are not required for your application. However, if you wish to submit them, you may.
Scores do not play a significant part in our decision-making process for admission. GRE scores may help your application if you did not have strong undergraduate grades but have strong GRE scores.
Use institution code 1319 if you want to submit your scores. It will not be held against you if you do not submit GRE scores as part of your application.
Term | Application Deadline |
---|---|
Fall (August) | February 1 |
Spring (January) | Not accepting applications |
Summer | Not accepting applications |
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
Graduate assistants receive
Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs) are available for qualified students.
Teaching Assistantships in the Ph.D. program currently receive $ 2,042 per month for nine months plus tuition waivers. Opportunities for up to three months per year of additional support are available.
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Ben Sadd | Felmley Hall Annex 337 | bmsadd@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2651 | Graduate Coordinator |