<aside> 💡 The CNBC Graduate Training Program consists of 3 required areas: Core Courses, Brain Bags, and Ethics Education.
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In a Nutshell
Core Courses Students are required to complete core courses in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, Systems Neuroscience, and Computational Neuroscience. The minimum passing grade for a core course is “B”. Students are expected to complete all of the core courses by the end of their third year. Students are encouraged to take advantage of elective courses when they are offered.
For an overview of the courses that satisfy these requirements, visit
<aside> 💡 For MSTP students the med school coursework is considered to fulfill the Neurophysiology and Systems course requirements of the CNBC
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Brain Bags Students are required to give a Brain Bag presentation at some point during their time at the CNBC. Ideally this presentation is given during the 2nd or 3rd year. In order to remain in good standing with the CNBC and be eligible for funding students must plan to present their research by the end of their PhD and also attend 11 Brain Bags over their studies.
Ethics Education Ethics education has become an essential component of scientific training programs. Many of our students are involved in experimental work with animals or human subjects, and need to learn about the regulations governing these activities and the moral obligations of scientists toward their subjects. In addition, all scientists must deal with professional issues such as authorship disputes, questions of scientific integrity, and ownership of intellectual property.
Students are expected to meet their ethics training obligation early in their graduate career, normally in the first or second year. Although there is no formal obligation for recurrent training, the CNBC encourages both students and faculty to continue to participate in Ethics Roundtable activities in order to hear new perspectives and keep abreast of recent developments.
CNBC Requirements Checklist
Please use the below PDF to assist you in tracking your CNBC certificate requirements.