harvard computational neuroscience

Neuroscience is one of the most fascinating fields of research and brain is an organ that fascinates every individual. It’s such a complex organ, we study it through every perspective. From medical point of view, social perspective, biochemical perspective, to genetic and molecular one. It flabbergastes me how this discipline is so vast, with so many scientists taking part in different studies. This area of research is supported by the eminent minds mostly coming from Brain and Cognitive Sciences departments at Harvard University. If you are looking for harvard computational neuroscience, then you are on the right page. It contains harvard neuroscience requirements. Suppose you want neurobiology harvard undergraduate instead. Then this article is what you need.

Harvard and MIT (also the recipient of $20 million from the US Department of Defense) are aggressively recruiting top-tier talent for their joint neuroscience program. If you’re a top computational neuroscientist, you should seriously consider applying to this interdisciplinary program.

Harvard’s CS50x, also known as CS50, is famous for being a huge class that provides an introduction to computer science along with programming skills. This course is composed of lectures and tutorials meant to help students understand what it takes to make software and how programmers develop applications. Harvard’s CS50x are also great courses for non-majors looking to learn more about programming.

harvard neuroscience requirements

harvard computational neuroscience

Overview: Qualified PiN students will have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Computational Neuroscience as part of their PhD training. The goal of the Certificate in Computational Neuroscience is to provide PiN students who have an interest in computational and/or theoretical neuroscience with the opportunity to enhance their skills in the field and to engage intellectually with the computational/theoretical community at Harvard through targeted coursework, journal clubs, and interactions with computational/theoretical faculty members. Leveraging both Harvard’s wealth of cutting-edge experimental research in neuroscience and the strong computational/theoretical community spanning Harvard University, the PiN Certificate in Computational Neuroscience provides the training and resources to enable graduate students to work at the interface of experimental science and theory.

Certificate Requirements: The general strategy of the CiCN training program is to provide students with a solid foundation in computational approaches to solve problems in neuroscience, while maintaining sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of individual students as they embark on their dissertation work. This is achieved through:

  • 1) A clear computational focus in trainees’ dissertation work
  • 2) Formal coursework in computational neuroscience
  • 3) Professional development opportunities that include an annual symposium, a series of workshops (CiCN orientation, rigor and reproducible computing, and science communication), and other programming within the computational community.
  • Computational Focus in Trainees’ Dissertation WorkStudents do not need to join a computational lab to be considered for the CiCN; however, CiCN candidates are expected to incorporate computational and/or theoretical work into their dissertation research. Accordingly, one member of both the student’s Dissertation Advisory Committee (DAC) and thesis examination committee must be a faculty member who specializes in computation or theory. Potential computational/theoretical specialists include (but are not limited to): Jan Drugowitsch, Sam Gershman, Nao Uchida, Haim Sompolinsky, Cengiz Pehlevan, Demba Ba, Gabriel Kreiman, L. Mahadevan, Maurice A. Smith, Bence P. Ölveczky, Aravi Samuel, Florian Engert, Venki Murthy, Mark Andermann, Chris Harvey, Rick Born, Rachel Wilson, Marge Livingstone, John Assad, Leah Somerville, Talia Konkle, Liz Phelps, Ben de Bivort, Bob Datta, and Finale Doshi-Velez. Formal CourseworkTo earn the Certificate, students are required to complete some computational coursework beyond the core PiN curriculum. This includes a foundational course in computational neuroscience (either MCB131: Computational Neuroscience or NEURO1401/PSY1401: Computational Cognitive Neuroscience: Building Models of the Brain) and four quarters’ equivalence (equals two full semester courses) of advanced computational electives. Of note, this computational coursework completely satisfies the electives requirement for PiN students. Additional information about CiCN coursework and a list of potential electives can be found here. Professional DevelopmentAs part of the CiCN, students will present at an annual computational symposium and will participate in a series of three workshops spaced throughout the year: CiCN orientation, rigor and reproducible computing, and scientific communication (offered in conjunction with the annual symposium). CiCN trainees will also meet with the CiCN Directors (Dr. Jan Drugowitsch and Dr. Sam Gershman) for an annual mentoring session to discuss their individual progress and training goals. CiCN trainees are expected to be active participants in the computational community, attending journal clubs, symposia, and other programming events as offered. Activities of particular interest to CiCN students (beyond CiCN-specific programming) are given below.
    • The Harvard Brain Initiative (HBI) hosts topic-specific affinity groups, symposia, and social mixers. In Fall of 2018 HBI hosted the “Bridging Theory & Data in Neuroscience” symposium. Beginning Summer of 2019 HBI will be launching a new affinity group that will continue the theme of bridging computational and experimental neuroscience.
    • PiN’s “Nocturnal Journal Club” is a student-run journal club in Longwood that features data talks by senior PiN students paired with related paper presentations presented by junior PiN students.
    • The Harvard Center for Brain Science (CBS) “Neurolunch” seminar series in Cambridge features talks by graduate students and postdocs.
    • The PiN Computational Methods Club in Longwood provides a place for students and postdocs to discuss and to learn about methods in computational/theoretical neuroscience and machine learning.
    • The weekly MIT/Harvard Computational & Theoretical Neuroscience Journal Club alternates between Harvard and MIT and features discussions of scientific articles presented by graduate students, postdocs, and faculty (https://compneurojc.github.io/).
    • The Computational Neuroscience Journal Club in Longwood features short “chalk talks” and discussions of scientific articles by graduate students, postdoc, and faculty presenters (https://sites.google.com/view/compneurojc/).
    • The Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) hosts external speakers in their Theory of Computation seminar series (https://www.seas.harvard.edu/events?field_calendar_tid=283).
    • The Models, Inference, & Algorithms (MIA) weekly meeting at the Broad Institute emphasizes learning and collaboration by featuring an educational primer, seminar, and discussion at each meeting. Videos of past presentations are also available online (https://www.broadinstitute.org/scientific-community/science/mia/models-inference-algorithms).
    • The Biostatistics-Biomedical Informatics Big Data seminar series at the Harvard School of Public Health features research talks on statistical, computational, and machine learning methods from local and external speakers (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/biostatistics/b3d-seminar/).

Applications: Students will typically apply for admission to the Certificate program at the end of the second (G2) year, after joining a dissertation lab and passing their Preliminary Qualifying Exam (PQE). However, it may be possible for students to gain admittance to the Certificate program at a later stage of graduate school, pending changes in the direction of their research. Students are expected to possess basic mathematical and programming competence to be considered for the Certificate, though there are no specific prerequisites. To apply for the program, students will be asked to briefly describe their prior preparation (including coursework and research experiences) and to describe how the additional training in computational/theoretical neuroscience will be applied to their dissertation research.

How to Apply

Apply to the Neuroscience Program through online application for The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Learn more about the application process at the DMS Admissions page. Please complete your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid uploading problems.

General questions can be directed to dms@hms.harvard.edu. Program-specific admissions questions should be directed to susan_jackson@hms.harvard.edu

Application Requirements

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE General Test) scores are no longer required.
  • Specific subject tests are not required.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Transcripts from all of your academic institutions.
  • The iBT TOEFL or IELTS Academic is required for applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a bachelor’s degree from an English-language institution.
Selecting the Neuroscience Program on the GSAS Application

After starting a GSAS application, click on the Continue button until you see the following with a page list on the left-hand side. Click on “Degree Program Selection” in order to choose Neuroscience as your program.

Once on the Degree Programs Selection page, select “Division of Medical Sciences” as your program from the drop down menu.

Then select “Neuroscience” as your subject from the drop down list.

From this point you should complete the rest of the GSAS application. Make sure to have scanned documents ready to upload when prompted. For additional help with the GSAS Application, click here.

Application

The application for Fall 2021 matriculation is now open. Please click here to apply.

The application deadline is December 1, 2020 at 5:00pm Eastern time. 


In order to apply to one of the six programs within the Division of Medical Sciences:

  1. Select “Division of Medical Sciences” from the program selection drop down menu
  2. Select from the subject drop down the Ph.D. subject for which you are applying:
    • Bioinformatics & Integrative Genomics (BIG)
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)
    • Immunology
    • Neuroscience
    • Speech & Hearing Bioscience Technology
    • Virology

DMS Admissions Office

DMS Student Affairs Office

Harvard Medical School

TMEC 435
260 Longwood Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Tel: (617) 432-0162

E-mail: dms@hms.harvard.edu

What is considered a completed Application

Items uploaded to the online application:

  • Completed online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV
  • GRE Scores optional
  • TOEFL Scores (if applicable) – student copy
  • Transcripts
  • Certificates & other pertinent information (if applicable)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • $105 application Fee

neurobiology harvard undergraduate

Best Countries To Study Abroad

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Studying abroad is a great way to develop additional social, academic and language skills, whilst adding an unparalleled depth to your university experience. Study overseas can enhance your university years, and will also ultimately give you a competitive advantage when it comes to finding employment, as recruiters seek out those who have proactively pursued different ways to broaden their experience. If you are considering completing all or some of your university studies overseas, check out this summary of the best countries to study abroad.

France

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Romantic Paris consistently tops lists of the best cities for students. Although the vibrant night life, thriving cultural scene, and the prospect of long walks along the left bank of the Seine are surely partly the reason, the almost non-existent tuition fees also help. Whilst much undergraduate teaching is carried out in French, graduate education is often available in English. Or take the opportunity to brush up your French and attend a course given in the ‘language of love’.

United States

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The choice of Universities in the US is quite mind-boggling. From internationally renowned ivy league institutions to hubs of innovation and cutting edge thought, whatever you study here you will have opportunities to add to your life experience. Over 750000 international students attend university in the US every year, and despite the high costs of fees, students love living in both Boston and San Fransisco enough for both cities to rank among top student cities. But if you sign up to study and decide that you would like a change of scenery, switching between universities in the US is not unusual.

Germany

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As one of the economic powerhouses of Europe, Germany has more going for it than just Oktoberfest. It is also one of the best known European destinations for free (or almost free) university tuition fees, which might explain why outside of anglophone nations (the UK, US and Australia) it is the country with the highest number of international students. Head to Munich to attend an internationally rated university without breaking the bank, or Berlin to join the thriving tech hub and immerse yourself in the German take on hipster culture.

Canada

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Toronto ranked recently as the most desirable city for students, among an impressive three Canadian cities in total to make the top 15. With cities this attractive it is no wonder that 6.5% of students in post secondary education in Canada come from abroad. With a vibrant culture, stunning natural environment and massive regional variations, Canada offers lots to explore for visiting students, in addition to several internationally ranked universities.

Taiwan

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Taipei was recently ranked as the most affordable city for students around the globe. Tuition fees are low, and the high quality of education can make this a great choice. Learn more about the local history and politics, as well as experiencing life in a new culture, where old and new come together in a vibrant symphony.

Argentina

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Argentinian students enjoy free university tuition, and although international students must pay a nominal enrolment fee, the costs are still low outside of the private institutions. The University of Belgrano gets a special mention, as a modern and well equipped facility just outside of downtown Buenos Aires, with great global connections. Take the time in Argentina to perfect your Spanish and maybe even learn to tango.

Australia

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Australia is one of the world’s most popular places for international students – and with sandy beaches, year round sunshine and a relaxed outdoors lifestyle, it is no surprise. Australian universities welcome international students and are well prepared to support newcomers. Considering its relatively small population, Australia has an unusually high number of institutions making the top hundred for university academic rankings, making it the perfect destination for sun, sand and academic success.

South Korea

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Who didn’t love Gangnam style? Get to the heart of K-Pop by studying in Seoul. And if you’re not a catchy-pop-tune kind of person, then you will be delighted to hear that the capital – as well as being a seriously fast paced fun place – is home to 14 internationally rated universities. Get outside your comfort zone and learn about an amazing culture whilst improving both your academic record and your CV.

United Kingdom

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The UK has a wide variety of high quality universities, and although fees vary across institutions and can be fairly high, it is worth seeking out scholarship opportunities. Students often work to support their studies, and flexible opportunities to fit around university schedules are not unusual. With a melting pot of cultures, a mix of location from cutting edge urban to sleepy rural idyll, students in the UK never need to be bored.

Denmark

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If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland then you may be eligible for free university tuition in Denmark. And if you are intending to pursue a PhD, there are even opportunities to study whilst earning a salary as this higher level study comes fully funded. The costs of living are undeniably high, but Denmark provides a fascinating base to explore Europe and experience nordic culture at its best.

Wherever you go, studying overseas is about more than the academic qualifications you may gain.  Showing the curiosity, organisational skills and ambition to arrange a period of study overseas is a great selling point. Whether you are heading off for your entire university program, for a semester or two, or even to study during the summer holidays, you are gathering armfuls of skills and experiences that will stand you head and shoulders above competitors when it comes to looking for graduate jobs. Take the opportunity to combine study and travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture to broaden your horizons. You won’t regret it.

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