We Need Dreamers

We Need Dreamers

Download the Graduate Student Handbook to read about our guidelines, policies and services.

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News and Events

Welcome to our two new Graduate Coordinators:

Dr. DJ Cook (PhD Graduate Program Coordinator) NSCIPHD@queensuc.ca

Dr. Felicia Iftene (MSc Graduate Program Coordinator) NSCIMSC@queensu.ca

The CNS Graduate Welcome is happening on September 6th – stay tuned for more information

Course Listings and Descriptions

The following is a list of graduate courses offered within the Centre for Neuroscience Studies (CNS) as well as additional courses offered across campus which are available to CNS graduate students. Click on the course names for a more detailed description of each course.

Please note there are many courses offered across campus that may be of relevance to you and your supervisor which would benefit your individual training program.  We highly recommend you search and seek out any courses on campus which may be of interest and benefit.  To take a non-NSCI designated course, please follow these steps:  i) search for appropriate courses ii) consult with your supervisor iii) consult with the Neuroscience Graduate Program Coordinator or Graduate Program Assistant to ensure the course is acceptable iv) contact the course supervisor directly and obtain permission to take this course. 

Each department has a process for course enrollment.  Please contact the department that is offering the course for instruction on how to register.

*denotes a half credit course (one semester)

School of Graduate Studies Programs of Study

CNS Graduate Courses:

Course code Credits Course name
QACS 799 6.00 Introduction to Animal Care
NSCI 800* 3.00 Current Concepts in Neuroscience
NSCI 801* 3.00 Quantitative Neuroscience
NSCI 803* 3.00 Magnetic Resonance Imaging
NSCI 813*/BMED 813* 3.00 Advances in Neuropharmacology
NSCI 815* 3.00 Special Directed Topics
NSCI 822* 3.00 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
NSCI 825 6.00 Medical Neuroscience
NSCI 826* 3.00 Cognitive Neuroscience
NSCI 829* 3.00 Disorders of the Nervous System
NSCI 830* 3.00 Biological Psychiatry
NSCI 844* 3.00 Controversies in Neuroscience
NSCI 850* 3.00 Computational Approaches to Neuroscience
NSCI 855* 3.00 Modelling in Neuroscience
NSCI 899 6.00 Master's Thesis Research
NSCI 999 6.00 Ph.D. Thesis Research

Please note that all graduate level courses are eligible for program credit but must be approved by the MSc Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Felicia Iftene.

Course Timetable

To enroll in a NSCI graduate course you must have permission of the course coordinator.  This can be done via email or more formally by completing the “Academic Change Form” found on the Registrar’s website http://www.queensu.ca/registrar/forms.  Once you have obtained permission please contact Lucy Russo-Smith russol@queensu.ca to be officially enrolled.  Unfortunately graduate students are not able to enroll in courses via SOLUS at this time.

Course selections are not limited to those listed on our website.  For courses not listed you must also obtain permission of the Graduate Coordinators, Dr. Felicia Iftene or Dr. DJ Cook, to ensure that you will receive credit towards your degree.

First year MSc students will automatically be enrolled in NSCI 800 no approvals are required.  If for some reason you are not planning on taking NSCI 800 in your first year of studies please notify the graduate office as soon as possible.

2024-2025 Timetable

Funding Opportunities

The Centre has set a minimum recommended stipend of $21,000 per annum for each full-time MSc student and $24,000 per annum for each PhD students. The CNS does not guarantee additional funding in the form of Teaching Assistantships (TA’s).

All Centre for Neuroscience Studies graduate students (who do not currenlty hold external funding) are required to apply for all awards for which they are eligible.

Financial assistance for individual full-time graduate students will be available from the following sources:

  1. Queen’s University internal fellowships and graduate awards.
  2. External scholarships from government and/or granting agencies (CIHR/NSERC).
  3. Supervisors Research Grants.

TAships

The Centre for Neuroscience does not have Teaching Assistantships (TAships) to allocate.  Students interested in pursuing a TA position are encouraged to directly contact relevant academic departments for available opportunities.

Awards

External Awards

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

The Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) promote excellence in graduate studies at the master's and doctoral levels.  OGS awards are merit-based scholarships available to graduate students in all graduate disciplines in Ontario Universities.  Eligible students apply for OGS through Queen's University. The Centre for Neuroscience Studies OGS deadline is February 1st of each year.

Scholarship Value: $15,000 for one academic year, normally paid out in 3 equal installments.  The award is not renewable.

Federal and Tri-Council Award (CIHR/NSERC)

Check the agency websites for eligibility requirements and instructions about how to apply.  Official deadlines are announced in early fall.

For information on CIHR 

For information on NSERC 

Internal Awards

Internal award deadlines are announced in late spring of each academic year.

Honourable Hugh F. Gibson Memorial Award

This is awarded to either a PhD or MSc student on the basis  of outstanding academic and/or research achievement in the area of Neuroscience with a focus on Alzheimer’s Research in the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen’s University

Gordon Wallace Swan Memorial Fellowship

This is awarded on the basis of academic excellence to funding-eligible Master’s PhD students enrolled in the CNS.  Preference will be given to students who are conducting research in the neurodegenerative disorders that include PSP and Parkinson’s Disease.

Latham Family Award (CNS)

This is awarded on the basis of academic excellence and/or research  achievement to funding-eligible Master’s or Ph.D. level students enrolled in Neuroscience Studies.  Preference will be given to students who are conducting research in Bullying, Behavioural or Addiction Research.

Latham Family Award (SGS)

Established in October 2011 by Ruth Hill and her children and awarded on the basis of academic excellence and/or research achievement to funding-eligible Master's or Ph.D. level students enrolled in Neuroscience Studies in the School of Graduate Studies.  Preference will be given to students who are conducting research in Bullying, Behavioural or Addiction Research.  

The Ernest and Mayme Webber Endowment in Alzheimer’s Research

The Ernest and Mayme Webber Endowment in Alzheimer's Research was established to be used at the discretion of the Director of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies to support Alzheimer's and related research at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies

The Boag Family Endowment in Neuroscience

Established in July 2014 by Dr. Lorna Boag to support the Centre for Neuroscience Studies as a result of her interest in the developing field of molecular and cellular neurobiology, and its basic relationship to psychiatry.  The Fund will be used at the discretion of the Director of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies to support cellular and molecular research at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies.

The Queen’s Gang Award

Established in February 2004 by the Estate of Doris Noftall.  Awarded on the basis of outstanding academic and/or research achievement to a full-time graduate student registered in either a Masters or Doctoral degree program at the Centre for Neuroscience, in the area of Neuroscience with a focus on Stroke Research at Queen's University. Selection shall be made by the Education and Training Committee of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies.

The Graduate Award in Neuroscience

Established in (SCSSA month year) by an anonymous donor. Awarded annually on the basis of 
academic excellence and/or research achievement to funding-eligible Master's or Ph.D. level 
students enrolled in Neuroscience Studies in the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral 
Affairs who are conducting research in the area of neurodevelopmental disorders. Preference 
will be given to students pursuing research related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). 
Selection will be made by the Graduate Committee of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies.

Important Forms and Due Dates

FormDescriptionDue Date
Annual Student ReportThis is a form that is to be filled out by the student and supervisor and handed into the CNS Graduate Office each year prior to June 1st.June 1st

GRF Learning Plan

GRF Goals

The Learning Plan is designed to help the trainee to plan, and reflect upon, the activities that will be undertaken during the academic year, and to consider how these activities will contribute to the degree and program requirements as well as professional goals. This document should be completed together with the supervisor in the students’ first term of studies.  Upper year students should review and update this document to be submitted with the Annual Report each year, which is due by June 1st. 
MSc/PhD Thesis Form Part IPart One of this form is to be filled out by first year MSc/PhD students at their thesis proposal meeting and handed in to the CNS Graduate Office prior to April 1 of their first year.April 1st
MSc/PhD Thesis Form Part IIPart Two of this form is to be completed in the last year of the MSc/PhD program prior to the oral defense of the written thesis and handed into the CNS Graduate Office.April 1st
PhD Oral ThesisThis form is to be used only by students who are submitting their written thesis to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) prior to their defense.  For doctoral students, the completed and signed form must reach the SGS no later than 25 working days before the tentative examination date.  For PhD defenses only the Chair is selected by the SGS. 
MSc Oral Thesis Defense FormThis form is to be used only by students who are submitting their written thesis to the School of Graduate Studies prior to their defense. For terms of reference as to who qualifies as a chair for this committee please refer to the CNS Student Handbook. 
Mini Masters GuideThis is an explanation of the Mini Masters process and expectations (also found in the Student Handbook). 
Mini Masters Defense FormThis form is to be filled out by the committee following a students defense of their Mini-Masters and handed to into the CNS Graduate office to be forwarded to the School of Graduate Studies. 
Mini Masters Committee FormThis form is to be filled out once the date, time, location and make up of the committee for a student's mini masters defense has been set. To be handed in to the CNS Graduate Office. 
Comprehensive Exam (PhD Only)

Students are normally expected to write the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination by the end of the second year of Ph.D. studies.  Notice of intent should be indicated on the student annual report as well as in writing to the Graduate office a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the intended start date.  (Guideline document)

Once the committee has been finalized and the date for the oral exam set the student should fill out the Comprehensive Qualifying Exam form and have it signed by the Graduate Coordinator.

 

 

Completing your Degree

Objective

The defense is a public presentation and discussion of the findings of the research program are conducted before a committee of selected faculty. This event marks the first time that the candidate truly expounds on and defends the meaning and significance of his or her research and knowledge of the discipline to peers and colleagues alike. Normally, it is open to attendance by all members of the Queen's community.

The master's thesis should demonstrate that the candidate is capable of original and independent work; that of a doctoral student must be original and be of such value as to merit publication.

MSc Degree Completion

The master’s thesis should demonstrate that the candidate is capable of original and independent work.

Prior to proceeding with scheduling a defense the student must have a committee meeting (4 months prior is recommended) and part II of the MSc Thesis form (http://neuroscience.queensu.ca/graduate/current-students/forms) must be completed and returned to the CNS Graduate Office.

An Oral Thesis Examination Form (Master’s) must be completed before a thesis examination can be scheduled to proceed. This form must contain all the confirmed details of the defense and be accompanied by a copy of the thesis. This form must reach the CNS graduate office no later than: 10 working days before the tentative examination date (weekends and statutory holidays do not count towards these time requirements). The candidate must submit one copy of the thesis, to each member of the Thesis Examining Committee including the Chairperson and must follow the same deadlines as outlined above.

The Master’s Thesis Examining Committee will be composed of the Chairperson, Director of the Centre (or delegate), Supervisor, and two additional faculty members. One of these examiners must be at arms length from the student and the supervisor, and must hold a primary appointment in a department different from that of the student's supervisor.  This committee is prepared by the supervisor and must be approved by the Neuroscience Graduate Coordinator.

*Composition of Thesis Examining Committee - MSc Program

  1. Chairperson - Selection made by Supervisor
  2. Head/Delegate - Selection made by Supervisor (in consultation with Grad Program)
  3. Supervisor(s)
  4. Examiner 1 
  5. Examiner 2 (Should be at arm's length from both student and supervisor)

*Must be approved by the CNS Graduate Coordinator

PhD Degree Completion

Prior to proceeding with scheduling a defense the student must have a committee meeting (4 months prior is recommended) and part II of the PhD Thesis form (http://neuroscience.queensu.ca/graduate/current-students/forms) must be completed and returned to the CNS Graduate Office.  An Oral Thesis Examination Form (Ph.D) must be completed and confirmed before a thesis can be submitted for defense. For doctoral students, the completed and signed form must reach the School of Graduate Studies no later than 25 working days before the tentative examination date. Doctoral students: A PDF copy of the thesis must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies (thesis@queensu.ca) to be reviewed for formatting. The student will be notified of any required corrections.

*Composition of Thesis Examining Committee - PhD Program

  1. Chairperson - Selection made by Thesis Coordinator (currently due to covid Head's Delegate can serve in this role).
  2. Head/Delegate - Selection made by Supervisor (in consultation with Grad Program)
  3. Supervisor(s)
  4. Examiner 1 is the Queen's internal selection made by supervisor
  5. Examiner 2 is the Queen's internal/external made by supervisor
  6. External Examiner selected from outside Queen's University by supervisor

*The CNS Grad Program must verify the eligibility of the members of the Examining Committee.

Thesis Submission and Access

Queen's University requires students to submit their theses and dissertations (ETDs) electronically. QSpace is a joint endeavour of the School of Graduate Studies and the Library to make available Queen's University graduate theses in electronic form.

Depositing their theses and dissertations in QSpace, offers Queen's graduate students timely, broad exposure of their research to other researchers, students and prospective students. QSpace also offers an opportunity to preserve supplementary material that may currently become lost in paper format, such as data sets, images, performances, etc.

Students can use the available MS Word template to write their theses, and submit their final, accepted thesis electronically (in PDF format ) for archiving and distribution via the Queen's digital repository, QSpace.

 

Tools for Research @ Queen’s (TRAQ)

TRAQ Logon Information

Training Support

Many training resources are available to the research community including manuals, videos, webinars, and in-person sessions. University Research Services invites you to download role based training manuals from our website, watch our instructional videos on YouTube (QueensTRAQ), or follow us on Twitter (@QueensuTRAQ) for the latest updates and training courses available.

They have a dedicated Helpdesk to support the research community at Queen’s. Users can reach us by calling (613) 533-6000 ext. 78426, emailing traq@queensu.ca, using our web form to submit an issue through our Online Support Centre, or in person at University Research Services located on the 3rd floor of Fleming Hall, Jemmett Wing.

Research Access to KGH or HDH

STEPS TO ACCESSING FACILITIES

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Learn more about Queen's Policy and its Complaint and Reporting Procedures, and discover what to do if you wish to make a complaint or report being a witness to, or becoming aware of, discrimination, harassment, or reprisal.

Queen's Human Rights Advisory Services provides an Anonymous Submission Form if you have experienced or witnessed a harassment, discrimination or bias/hate incident.