TEACHING ACTIVITIES AND SEMINARS

Frontal didactic activity

The programs of the courses organized by the Doctoral School and the Doctorate in Neuroscience are available on the e-learning platform of the University, in the section dedicated to the Doctoral School in the context of post-graduate courses.
• The Doctoral School organizes cross-cutting courses, offered to doctoral students of all doctoral courses, on topics of general interest and with the aim of encouraging sharing and collaboration between doctoral students from various thematic areas.
• The specific formal didactic activity of the PhD in Neuroscience takes place through lessons organized by themes. The courses are intended to provide all doctoral students with both basic knowledge in the field of neuroscience and advanced knowledge relating to specific technologies and topics of interest in the various curricula. Workshops on specific topics are also organized.
Participation in transversal courses organized by the Doctoral School and in the teaching activity organized by the Doctoral Course allows for the acquisition of training credits. In order to obtain the PhD title, each PhD student must acquire a minimum of 8 training credits during the three years, of which at least 2 deriving from participation in transversal courses and at least 4 from specific courses. In the event of proven inability to participate in the activities proposed by the Doctorate, credits relating to formal teaching activities can also be acquired by participating in seminars, schools and specialist courses outside the Doctorate, as long as previously agreed and authorized by the tutor and coordinator.

Seminar activity

The Doctorate in Neuroscience also organizes seminars and workshops for doctoral students on topics of interest to the Doctorate. Furthermore, the faculty proposes to doctoral students to participate in seminars, courses and schools, even if not organized directly by the doctorate, on topics considered of interest to doctoral students.

NON-FORMAL TEACHING ACTIVITY

Major part of the teaching activity comes from day-to-day contact with the supervisor who gives advice to the student on the best approach to be used to expand his/her knowledge and expertise.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The PhD student carries out research activities during the three years of the Doctoral Course, within the limited and in-depth context of a specific sector. The commitment required of the PhD student at the place where the research activities are carried out is full-time attendance, with supervision by the Tutor. The research program is presented at the beginning of the first year of the course by the PhD student, subject to the favorable opinion of the tutor, for approval by the Faculty Board. Progress reports are presented annually on the research project.
In carrying out the research project, the PhD student is supported by a tutor inside the teaching staff and possibly by an external supervisor. This second figure becomes mandatory for doctoral students starting from cycle 38. The presence of these reference figures is an integral part of the doctoral student’s training.
PhD students can carry out research experiences in working contexts at public or private, Italian or foreign bodies, with which the Departments to which the teachers of the College belong have scientific collaborations.

FINAL EXAM

The final exam consists in the discussion of the results obtained in carrying out the research project developed during the Doctorate, which illustrates its originality and scientific relevance. To access the final exam, at least one article in an indexed peer-reviewed journal must be published during the PhD period, not necessarily in the first name.
The PhD thesis is represented by a dissertation written in English that accounts for the research activity carried out by the PhD student in the three years of attendance. The thesis is published, possibly after an embargo period if requested by the doctoral student, online on BOA (Bicocca Open Archive) and represents in all respects a scientific publication. Furthermore, the thesis is deposited in digital format at the central national libraries of Rome and Florence.
Before the public discussion, the thesis is submitted to the judgment of two external reviewers who have the right to ask for a supplement of six months to complete the research activity or can accept the thesis as presented, possibly requesting minor revisions that do not require further experimental activity .
The Commission of selection for the final exam is appointed by the Rector on the proposal of the Teaching Body. The assessors cannot join the Commission.
The appointment of the assessors and the selection board are governed by the Regulations of the PhD Courses of the University of Milan – Bicocca, to which reference should be made for further details.