Thank you for your interest! The Curriculum in Neurobiology at UNC-CH has recently joined with other programs and departments to form the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP). Starting September 7, 2007, instead of applying to individual programs or departments at UNC, you use a "common application" to apply to the BBSP. Students will have the freedom to choose coursework and rotations from any of the participating programs. At the end of the first year, students will select a thesis lab and join the PhD program where they will complete their doctoral studies. You can track directly into the courses of the Neurobiology program, or you can sample courses from other programs. Your PhD will be in Neurobiology or the program or department that you choose during your first year.
Thus, if you are interested in Neurobiology at UNC-CH, please enter the BBSP portal, complete your application, and indicate your interest in Neurobiology. You may enter just one area of interest. If you are interested in more than one area of biomedical science, please enter the BBSP portal, complete your application, and indicate your areas of interest (up to five). Entering the names of specific faculty is optional.
If you have questions about our new application system, please feel free to contact us:
Robert Rosenberg
Director, Curriculum in Neurobiology
Professor, Pharmacology and Cell & Molecular Physiologyrobert_rosenberg@med.unc.edu
(919) 966-6375
Campus Box #7320, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
When do I apply?
BBSP has moved the application deadline to February 15
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program employs a rolling admissions process. The final application deadline is March 15 However, the BBSP Admissions Committees will begin reviewing applications in December and all interview slots are likely to fill by February 15. Additionally, full consideration for Graduate Fellowships from the UNC Graduate School requires that applications be submitted by January 1. Therefore we urge you to submit your materials as soon as possible and definitely before January 15.
What do I need to apply?
The following materials are required for a complete application:
___ 1. Application
___ 2. Non-refundable $73 application fee
___ 3. Two official (carrying seal) copies of transcripts from every university or college you attended
___ 4. GRE scores (UNC institution code is 5816)
___ 5. TOEFL score (ONLY if you are an international applicant who does not have an undergraduate degree from a US university)
___ 6. Three letters of recommendation
___ 7. Personal statement. This is a 1-3-page essay describing your past research experience, your future goals, any unique factors and
experiences that may contribute to diversity in our training
program, and any special reasons for applying to our program at UNC.
If you have research experience, please include the hypotheses
tested, methods, results, and conclusions. In addition, you may want
to list any specific research and training interests and the
laboratories that you are most interested in for dissertation
research.
Do I need to take the GRE?
Yes. You must take the general test. The subject test is not required. We recommend taking the GREs in the Fall just prior to submitting your application. In any event, the GRE score must be less than 5 years old. Remember that it takes 4-6 weeks for the official scores to be reported, so try to take them before you submit your completed materials.
What happens after I send my application in?
Applications are received by the Graduate School and processed through BBSP. This can take several weeks, especially during the peak submission periods in December and January, which is why we encourage you to submit your application materials early.
A BBSP Admissions Committee, composed of faculty with expertise in your area(s) of interest, will evaluate your application and make recommendations for an interview. We are strongly in favor of on-site interviews by applicants before making admissions decisions, because in our experience this helps us determine the fit between the research interests of the faculty and the student. We usually begin to issue invitations to visit the campus and interview from late December through January.
The Interview Process
Interview weekends occur from the end of January through the beginning of March. While we consider applications on a rolling basis, we have a limited number of available interview slots and so it is to your advantage to submit your application early.
Interviews are relaxed – casual/nice dress is sufficient. We will discuss your interest in neuroscience or other areas, your previous research experience, our research areas, our graduate training programs, UNC, Chapel Hill, the weather, etc. We strive to accommodate students’ requests to meet with specific faculty individually. There are also ample opportunities to talk informally with current students and faculty.
The Admissions Committee meets shortly after the interview weekend to determine which applicants to recommend for offers of admission. The Graduate School sends an official offer letter, and the students then have until April 15th to make and inform us of their decision.
Can I find out about the progress of my application?
Yes. Simply log-in to the online admissions application using your own user name and password.
Does the Neurobiology Curriculum provide support for stipends and tuition?
Yes. Stipend support (currently $24,000 per year) and full tuition is provided to all students working towards the PhD in Neurobiology. Support for entering students is provided by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health, funds from the School of Medicine, and competitive fellowships awarded by the Graduate School.
Does UNC provide health insurance coverage for graduate students?
Yes. The Curriculum in Neurobiology provides health insurance for all graduate students. Supplemental coverage for dependents is available for a nominal sum.
Note to International Applicants
Some of our funding for graduate training comes from the National Institutes of Health, and the NIH requires that trainees be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Consequently the number of positions available for international students is limited, and competition for these positions is high. International applicants should carefully read the information for international applications and requirements as stated by the Graduate School at UNC, in order to ensure that their applications are complete.
