Coursework and Curriculum

Coursework and Curriculum

The major components of the program are the core curriculum, a number of elective courses, and research.

During the first year students take Proseminar, which is taught by the entire faculty. This seminar explores the diverse areas of psychological and brain sciences represented in the department. First-year students also begin to take a series of Core Courses and conduct supervised research in their chosen advisor's lab. The program does not have first-year rotations, although co-supervision and collaboration is encouraged. The IND graduate program, in which a number of PBS faculty participate, does offer rotations.

Second-year students receive training in statistics, enroll in focused seminars, carry out independent research and complete a Specialist Examination in their area before proceeding to their dissertation research in subsequent years of the program. Students serve as teaching assistants for four terms during their time in the program.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences maintains close ties and affiliations with a number of other departments and programs, including the Dartmouth Medical School and the Neuroscience Center at Dartmouth. Coursework and research is often conducted in conjunction with these other programs.