UAB NEUROSCIENCE STUDENT GUIDE 2016-2017 Table of Contents THIS GUIDE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Some Basic Resources .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Program Website ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Canvas ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Facebook ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Note to Freshmen ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 The Digest ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
PROGRAM FUNDAMENTALS ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Our Mission........................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Program Objectives .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Contact Us ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Mailing Address............................................................................................................................................................... 6 Telephone and Fax ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Program Leadership Contact Information ....................................................................................................................... 6
ACADEMICS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Program Course List ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Academic Advising ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Incoming & Transfer Students ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Current Students ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Alternative Credit............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Dual Enrollment Credit .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Changing Your Major/Minor ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Transient Status .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 On-Campus Resources for Students .............................................................................................................................. 9 Senior Graduation Checklist ........................................................................................................................................... 9 Program Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Research .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
How to Get Started in the Lab....................................................................................................................................... 11 Identifying a Faculty Mentor .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Registering for Credit .................................................................................................................................................... 11 Additional Information ................................................................................................................................................... 12 Issues in the Lab ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 Thesis ............................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Academic Success .......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center ................................................................................................................ 12 Scholarship and Fellowships - Resources and Opportunities................................................................................... 13
ADVISING FOR PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................14 Pre-Graduate Advising ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Pre-Medical Advising ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 Pre-Health is Not a Major .............................................................................................................................................. 14 What do Pre-Health Advisors Do? ................................................................................................................................ 14 Health Programs are Selective .................................................................................................................................... 15
GETTING INVOLVED .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Student Groups ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 Undergraduate Neuroscience Society .......................................................................................................................... 16 Music Notes for the Soul ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Equal Access Birmingham ............................................................................................................................................ 17 Unite for Reproductive Justice and Gender Equity at UAB .......................................................................................... 17 Volunteering .................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Track Your Involvement ................................................................................................................................................ 18 How to Get Started ....................................................................................................................................................... 18 Publishing ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Inquiro ........................................................................................................................................................................... 18
MISCELLANEOUS Careers in Neuroscience ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Online Resources for Posters and Printing ................................................................................................................. 19 Email Etiquette ................................................................................................................................................................ 19
THIS GUIDE Welcome to the UAB Undergraduate Neuroscience Program! Neuroscience seeks to understand how the nervous system functions at many levels spanning from molecules, genes, and cells to cognitive, behavioral, and clinical neuroscience. Our program aims to provide each of our students with the academic foundation and personalized professional guidance needed to achieve their goals in medicine, health care and biomedical, behavioral and public health research. This guide is one of many resources to aid undergraduate Neuroscience majors to successfully navigate their college careers. Here we have included information on the major requirements, navigating the research and thesis writing process, academic and career advising, and resources for getting involved around campus. We strongly encourage our students to explore both our website and our UNP Canvas page for bonus materials. In addition to more formal methods of communication, we also reach our students using social media. Like us on Facebook to receive updates about research positions, pre-med opportunities, and scientific discoveries in Neuroscience!
Some Basic Resources Program Website http://www.uab.edu/cas/neuroscience/
Facebook (UAB Undergraduate Neuroscience Program):
https://www.facebook.com/UAB-Undergraduate-Neuroscience-Program-946589565362277/
Canvas The UNP has a Canvas course that is used to provide resources and distribute materials to our students. We encourage you to check for announcements and explore the Modules for information relevant to your education, involvement, and career! Note to Freshmen The Blazer Welcome is a four-week programming series to help students get connected to campus and all it has to offer. Download the mobile app for your official guide to Blazer Welcome with schedules, maps and resources to make your first four weeks at UAB successful.
The Digest The program sends out a weekly digest directly to students’ inboxes. The Digest includes a variety of information, including official program announcements, important deadlines, lab openings, scholarship and presentation opportunities, and other information relevant to all Neuroscience majors. PLEASE READ THE DIGEST! Back issues of the digest will be available in Canvas.
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PROGRAM FUNDAMENTALS Our Mission The mission of the UAB Undergraduate Neuroscience Program is to prepare UAB undergraduates for careers in research and health-related sciences in highly competitive programs, enhance the likelihood for success in these programs, and enable UAB graduates to become accomplished scientists, clinicians and health-care professionals who will be ideally equipped for future study of the nervous system and treatment and discovery of cures for neurodevelopmental, neurological, psychological disorders and injury. The Undergraduate Neuroscience Program and Training Faculty accomplish these missions by four complementary mechanisms: •
First, we provide students with a solid academic and intellectual foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology and neuroscience.
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Second, we enable students to conduct innovative hands-on laboratory research under the direction of faculty mentors to learn state-of-the-art experimental approaches and methods in Neuroscience research.
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Third, we mentor students in the development of skills in scientific methodology, experimental analysis, and effective oral and written communication. We expect our students to evolve to colleagues in our laboratories, which should result in publications in scientific journals and presentations at local, national, or international professional meetings.
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Fourth, we provide students with one-on-one academic and career counseling to identify professional programs most suited to their strengths and interests, and strategies to be competitive applicants to these programs.
Students earning the B.S. in Neuroscience at UAB will be well suited for admission into the nation's most prestigious graduate programs, medical schools and health-related professional programs.
Program Objectives Provide a solid academic foundation with core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and psychology. This core curriculum will be coupled with an advanced curriculum in Neuroscience that will emphasize understanding of the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms and processes underlying nervous system functioning, cognitive processes and behavior. Provide the opportunity for Neuroscience majors to conduct hands-on independent laboratory research under the direction of high-caliber faculty mentors to learn state-of-the-art experimental approaches and methods. The goal is to have students develop a fundamental understanding of scientific method and specific techniques used by neuroscientists, in an atmosphere in which the relevance of neuroscience research to the human condition is kept at the forefront. The laboratory environment and research mentors will also provide exposure to professional character, leadership, entrepreneurial thinking, continued development, community service, and 4
ethics. Students will complete a senior research thesis as part of the Major and will have the opportunity to publish their research results in collaboration with their faculty mentors. Provide students with the tools and opportunities to develop skills in scientific methodology and experimental analysis, and learn how to effectively communicate their results orally and in writing. Students will begin to learn how to critically evaluate and interpret scientific literature through innovative courses. Learning effective written and oral communication skills will be achieved through the core BS curriculum and the senior research thesis and presentation. Students will also have the opportunity to present their research to wider audiences at platforms including the Neurobiology Retreat, Undergraduate Research Day, and regional scientific meetings. Provide an educational and research experience that ensures the successful pursuit of future career goals in academia, medicine, the health sciences and research. The major will be flexible enough for students to select courses that will prepare them for a variety of career options, including research, medicine, public health, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related professions. Workshops and career days are provided for students in the junior year. Provide a program for UAB undergraduates to become active participants in the UAB Neuroscience community, with important benefits to the participating departments and schools. The result will be an increase in the number and quality of matriculating students in Neuroscience at the undergraduate, graduate, public health, optometry and medical schools, with a positive impact on the training environment. Undergraduate participation will enhance the attractiveness and quality of neuroscience training at UAB and contribute to the establishment of UAB as a pre-eminent university for training in the Neurosciences, a rapidly expanding, emerging academic discipline.
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Contact Us Location The Undergraduate Neuroscience Program is housed in the departments of Neurobiology and Psychology. Physical offices for Psychology are located in Suite 415 of Campbell Hall, and Neurobiology is located in Shelby Biomedical Research Building room 1007. Directions to Campbell Hall and Shelby Biomedical Research Building are available through the UAB campus map. Mailing Address
Telephone and Fax Numbers
UAB Undergraduate Neuroscience Program 1300 University Blvd Campbell Hall, Suite 415 Birmingham AL 35294-1170
(p) (205) 934-6433 or (205) 934-3850 (f) (205) 975-6110
Program Leadership Contact Information Dr. Scott Wilson UNP Director and Associate Professor Department of Neurobiology Office: Shelby 914 Email: livvy01@uab.edu Phone: 205.975.5573
Dr. Cristin Gavin UNP Co-Director and Assistant Professor Department of Neurobiology Office: Shelby 1007/Campbell Hall 237 Email: cfgavin@uab.edu Phone: 205.934.6433, 561.909.8779
Dr. Rajesh Kana UNP Co-Director and Associate Professor Department of Psychology Office: CIRC 235G Email: rkana@uab.edu Phone: 205.934.3171
Dr. David Knight UNP Co-Director and Associate Professor Department of Psychology Office: CIRC 235H Email: knightdc@uab.edu Phone: 205.996.6344
Dr. Anne Theibert UNP Co-Director and Professor Department of Neurobiology Office: Campbell Hall 237 Email: theibert@uab.edu
WILSON
GAVIN
KANA
KNIGHT 6
THEIBERT
ACADEMICS Course List Course list for the Undergraduate Neuroscience Major is as follows**:
**Upper level course content subject to change. Check the UAB Class Schedule prior to registration. 7
Academic Advising Even good students should know that advice is essential to your academic success! The advisor for Neuroscience is Whitney Woodard (wmwoodard@uab.edu) Incoming and Transfer Students
WOODARD
If you are a new student, it is strongly suggested that you meet with Ms. Woodard before signing up for classes. The hardest part of your first year should be your classes, not deciding what they should be. Make an appointment to talk or meet with your academic advisor before you attend New Student Orientation. To make an appointment, contact the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office at (205) 934-6135 to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Woodard for help with registering and course selection. Current Students You can rely on your academic advisor for information, assistance, and encouragement throughout your time at UAB. Please don’t hesitate to contact your advisors at any time with questions about internships or professional development during your course of study – we are here to help you succeed! In general, advisors will: • • • • •
help you identify your goals and develop educational plans to reach them; help you understand degree requirements, course selection, and schedule planning; refer you to resources across campus that can boost your academic performance; help you understand academic policies and procedures; and provide information about potential areas of study.
We understand that students often interface with more than one academic advisor. All UNP students are advised to meet with either Mrs. Woodard or Dr. Gavin at least once during the course of the school year to ensure that you are on track to complete the required coursework by your desired graduation date. Dr. Gavin participates in co-advising sessions in the spring semester with both the University Honors Program and the Science and Technology Honors program. Alternative Credit AP Credit Course Equivalency: http://catalog.uab.edu/undergraduate/progresstowardadegree/apcredit/ IB Credit Course Equivalency: http://catalog.uab.edu/undergraduate/progresstowardadegree/ib/ **Reminder: If you take a course at UAB that you already have AP/IB credit for, you will not receive duplicate credit for the course. Dual Enrollment Credit Students are responsible for sending transcripts from the school where the course is taken to UAB. Do not rely on your high school to do this for you. 8
Declaring/Changing your Major/Minor • • •
You can declare and change your major/minor from your BlazerNet homepage. Only two major changes are allowed per semester Major changes submitted prior to the last day of add/drop are effective for the current term. Changes submitted after the last day to add/drop are effective for the upcoming term.
Transient Status If you wish to take a course at another college/university over the summer, fill out the transient form located on BlazerNet. You will submit this to the school at which you wish to register. At the end of the term, send your transcripts back to UAB. On Campus Resources for Students • • •
Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center: Tutoring, Academic Success Workshops, Supplemental Instruction, Academic Coaching Math Lab: Receive assistance in addition to the instruction taught in the classroom Writing Center: Receive assistance in a friendly and professional one-on-one setting
Senior Graduation Checklist • • •
Check with your advisor two semesters prior to your anticipated graduation date to ensure you are on track for a timely graduation Apply for your degree one semester before your anticipated date of graduation: http://www.uab.edu/commencement/spring/university-ceremonies/to-do Purchase your cap, gown, and tassel at the Barnes & Noble UAB Bookstore
**Reminder: It takes up to 6 weeks for your diploma to be mailed. Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your Application for Degree. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for your degree to be posted on BlazerNet
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Program Requirements To complete a major in Neuroscience, you must complete 67-68 hours of coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, and neuroscience and complete UAB Core Curriculum Requirements. Our full check sheet and 4 year plan is available on the UNP Canvas site (Modules, General Resources or Files) or in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog. All program requirements and courses are outlined in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog. Neuroscience majors must maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the program. If placed on academic probation, Neuroscience majors will be allowed two semesters to raise their GPA. If a student fails to improve their GPA to above the program minimum within the designated timeframe, then they will be released from the program.
Research Overview Research is a cornerstone of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program. In addition, UAB has world-class research laboratories committed to high quality research and sharing the excitement of scientific exploration with trainees. The research experience perfectly complements the intellectual content of neuroscience coursework while exposing students to the professional environments in which they strive to work. Indeed, working closely with a research mentor in a laboratory and preparing a senior honors thesis bring the additional benefits of acquiring knowledge and skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and oral presentation. The experience also allows students to interact closely with graduate students, fellows, and professors, enhancing their professional preparation for graduate, medical, or professional schools. Neuroscience majors are encouraged to be continuously engaged in research under the direction of a faculty mentor beginning no later than the first semester of their junior year. However, qualified students may identify a mentor and begin conducting research as early as their freshman year with the permission of their Neuroscience faculty advisor. Students are given the option to complete either a laboratory-based or literaturebased research experience (6 credit hours total).Course credit will be provided via NBL 398 or PY 398. Students who elect to complete a laboratory-based research experience are expected to conduct independent research in the labs of primary faculty for no less than 3 semesters (NBL/PY 398, 6 credit hours total). You will join a lab of your choosing sometime after your freshman year and work one-on-one with researchers to develop and execute an independent research project. Upon conclusion of the research experience, you will write and submit a Research Thesis for approval by your mentor and UNP leadership. Students pursuing a literature-based research experience explore experimental design and modern neuroscience techniques using a combination approach in both laboratory and classroom settings. You will begin the literature-based research experience by completing a semester long laboratory course (NBL 390) that utilizes contemporary techniques in neuroscience to illustrate concepts of experimental design and hypothesis testing. The class content and methodology varies by semester and is specific to the research question you are testing. After completion of the laboratory course, you will embark on an in-depth exploration of current scientific literature (NBL 399). This course aims to develop skills such as critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and scientific writing and presentation. Under the direct supervision of primary faculty, you will formulate and explore a research topic using primary research articles to articulate your point of view. After 10
writing and submitting the research thesis, you will present your work to an audience of your peers and program faculty as a capstone experience in Neuroscience. How to get started in the lab Freshman and transfer students are required to attend the Fall Workshop Series sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research (dates, times, and locations listed on the program calendar on the UNP website and UNP Canvas page). These seminars will provide a foundation of knowledge to prepare you to enter a mentorguided research experience. In addition, neuroscience faculty advisors will meet with advisees during the fall semester to go over the appropriate steps for joining a lab. Don’t know who your faculty advisor is? Check the Canvas site for a full list of student-advisor pairings (Modules, General Resources). Identifying a faculty mentor Students should begin with the faculty directory on the UNP website (http://www.uab.edu/cas/neuroscience/people/faculty-directory). There, they will find information about the work of faculty who are interested in mentoring undergraduate students. Another resource for finding open research positions is to use ScholarBridge (http://www.scholarbridge.com/), an online platform to help identify researchers in your institution that are actively seeking students. Visit the website for the Office of Undergraduate Research for more information about ScholarBridge. In addition, students are encouraged to check for postings in the weekly UNP Digest, and contact their UNP faculty advisor for a list of mentors currently accepting students. Once students have determined a list of mentors with whom they are interested in working, they should then set up a meeting with their faculty advisor to get final approval of their research plan and instructions about contacting mentors. Registering for credit Once a student has secured a research position, they should then register for NBL or PY 398 credit for each semester that they conduct research. We recommend registering for 1 credit hour for every 2-4 hours per week you plan to spend in the lab. For example, a student that is spending 10 hours a week in lab should register for 3 research credit hours. For students conducting research in the School of Medicine (Neurobiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, Anesthesia, etc): • complete a NBL 398 Research Form (available on Canvas, Modules, Research Forms) and return it to Dr. Gavin prior to registering for the course (instructor override is required) • register for NBL 398 credit hours • complete a NBL 398 Activity Log (available on Canvas) over the course of the semester • return completed and signed activity log to Dr. Gavin by the last day of classes Order of events for students conducting research in the College of Arts & Sciences (Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, etc): • complete a PY 398 Research Form (available on Canvas, Modules, Research Forms) and return it to Dr. Eric Gampher prior to registering for the course (instructor override is required) • register for PY 398 credit hours • complete a PY 398 Activity Log (available on Canvas) over the course of the semester • return completed and signed activity log to Dr. Gampher by the last day of classes 11
Dr. Gampher’s email address is redfox@uab.edu; Office: Campbell Hall 415 Additional information Additional information about undergraduate research can be found of the UNP Canvas site, as well as all forms required for registering for course credit (Modules, Forms for Independent Student Research). Issues in the lab Any student with questions, comments, or concerns about any aspect of their research experience should contact program leadership. We are here to serve as a resource and a guide during your undergraduate experience and are more than happy to assist you!
Thesis Neuroscience majors are required to write a thesis in order to graduate. Students have the option of completing a research-based thesis or a literature-based thesis to fulfill this requirement. Full guidelines for composing a research based thesis can be found on the UNP Canvas site (Modules, Thesis). Examples of both a research- and literature-based thesis are also available for student review. Rising seniors will receive direct information about the completion and submission for their thesis at the beginning of the school year. Students are encouraged to complete and submit their thesis (research or literature based) by the end of the fall semester their senior year. The final thesis is due to Dr. Gavin and Dr. Wilson by the last day of class the semester you graduate, no exceptions. If a student fails to complete the thesis requirement prior to the deadline they will be given an incomplete and their graduation will be delayed until the following semester. PLEASE NOTE: Research mentors must approve the final thesis copy before it is submitted to the program. It is recommended that students submit the thesis to their mentors no less than one month prior to the final due date by the program. For UNP students that are also members of the Science and Technology Honors Program: the UNP accepts your SciTech thesis document as the UNP thesis if research generated was Neuroscience related. It is strongly recommended that a UNP faculty member be a member of your thesis committee when possible. For any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the thesis requirement, please contact Dr. Gavin.
Academic Success College is hard. UNP students have access to tutoring and academic support services across campus to help them review important material, develop better time management, and establish the good study habits. In addition to the source listed below, the Undergraduate Neuroscience Society offers subject specific tutoring for UNS members. See the “Get Involved” section of the handbook for more information on how to join. Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center The Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center provides free course-specific tutoring services to UAB undergraduate students. Tutoring is offered in both one-on-one and group sessions. Our tutoring sessions are tailored to address undergraduate students’ questions and needs as we aim to foster independent learning. 12
The Tutors are undergraduate and graduate students who have excelled in the course in which they tutor, and they have been trained to facilitate discussions on course content, study skills, and strong academic habits. To schedule an appointment, visit their webpage and click “Log in to MyTutor”. Website: https://www.uab.edu/students/academics/student-success/tutoring Tutoring is offered for the following courses Biology BY 101 – Topics in Contemporary Biology BY 115 – Human Anatomy BY 116 – Introductory Human Physiology BY 123 – Introductory Biology 1 BY 124 – Introductory Biology 2 BY 210 – Genetics BY 261 – Introduction to Microbiology BY 330 – Cell Biology
Mathematics MA 098 – Basic Algebra MA 102 – Intermediate Algebra MA 105 – Pre-Calculus Algebra MA 106 – Pre- Calculus Trigonometry MA 107 – Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry MA 110 – Finite Mathematics MA 125 – Calculus 1 MA 126 – Calculus 2 MA 180 – Introduction to Statistics
Chemistry CH 100 – Chemical Problem Solving CH 105 – Introductory Chemistry 1 CH 107 – Introductory Chemistry 2 CH 115 – General Chemistry 1 CH 117 – General Chemistry 2 CH 235 – Organic Chemistry 1 CH 237 – Organic Chemistry 2 CH 460 – Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Physics PH 201 – College Physics 1 PH 202 – College Physics 2 PH 221 – General Physics 1 PH 222 – General Physics 2 Psychology PY 101 – Introduction to Psychology PY 212 – Developmental Psychology PY 216 – Elementary Statistical Methods
Civil Engineering CE 210 – Statics Engineering EGR 150 – Computer Methods in Engineering EGR 265 – Math Tools for Engineering Problem Solving
Sociology SOC 100 – Introduction to Sociology
Scholarship and Fellowships - Resources and Opportunities The UNP website has ample opportunities for scholarships, travel awards, presentation opportunities, and summer research positions. Visit the Current Students tab to see all that we have to offer. We hope to transfer much of this information to Canvas during the school year, so keep your eyes out for a new module! We also regularly post international, national, and regional opportunities in the UNP Digest. Scholarships and Fellowships Office The UAB Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships assists students in preparing competitive applications for prestigious awards. Our director, assistant director, and student intern are 13
available to help you search for the nationally-competitive scholarships, ponder and revise your application essays (as many times as needed!), and make a stellar impression on selection committees. To stay up-todate on scholarship opportunities, follow @uabfellowships on social media. Email fellowships@uab.edu to schedule an appointment.
ADVISING FOR PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS Pre-Graduate Advising Requirements for graduate school in Neuroscience differ significantly. In general, the comprehensive pre-health curriculum of the UAB Neuroscience major adequately prepares students for entry into doctoral biomedical science training programs. We recommend that rising juniors interested in applying to graduate school set an appointment to speak with their faculty advisor. Additional information to assist students with their graduate applications can be found on the UNP Canvas (Modules, Graduate School Information).
Pre-Medical Advising With a world-renowned medical center on campus, UAB attracts many students interested in health care careers. If medicine, dentistry, or optometry is what you want to do, we have a pre-health support program to help you meet your goal. This program is designed to help you become a competitive applicant for health professional programs. Pre-Health is Not a Major While many of our students express an interest in Pre-Health, it is important for you to understand that it is not an actual major. Instead, your advisor will help you to become a good candidate for one of UAB's many health-related graduate programs. What Do Pre-Health Advisors Do? While your academic advisor guides you through your degree coursework and helps you register for classes, your pre-health advisor guides you through all of the requirements outside of the classroom that will make you a well-rounded applicant to the professional program of your choice. Your pre-health advisor can: • •
help make sure that you complete all of the pre-requisite courses for medical, dental, or optometry school (or another professional program) while you are meeting your degree requirements help you find community service opportunities, leadership roles, and research positions on campus by referring you to a wide variety of resources
All of these activities are important in the development of extracurricular skills that the admissions boards of professional school are seeking.
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Health Programs are Selective It is important to understand that admission to these programs is very competitive, and requires high academic performance and mastery of extracurricular skills. Neuroscience majors are well prepared due to the rigorous nature of our curriculum, but as a student, you must work hard to maintain a high GPA and secure a competitive score on the national exam for your field.
This means you must: -
set and meet high academic goals from the moment you begin your college career learn to prioritize and manage your time to include studying, volunteering, researching, and participating in campus organizations
It is important for you to understand that not everyone who applies to a professional program will be admitted — students often must reapply (sometimes more than once), and some are not successful. It is wise for you to have an alternate plan for your education and career if you do not get accepted into the program of your choice. For more information, visit https://www.uab.edu/cas/advising/pre-health-advising and visit the UNP Canvas page (Modules, Pre-Medical Information).
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GETTING INVOLVED Student Groups At UAB, our students define success. Student Involvement & Leadership recognizes that our students at UAB come from all different backgrounds and have interests and passions that are as unique and exciting as our students are. We support hundreds of student organizations and activities for every possible interest. Through our engagement with students, we have the opportunity to watch as they progress academically, discover their values, develop their identity and realize their full potential. This is achieved through advising students and student organizations; creating innovative leadership opportunities and promoting involvement in the campus community. Extracurricular involvement is a chance for students to showcase their talents, leadership skills, and efficacy. In addition, student groups and activities are a great way to expand your social network and make valuable interpersonal connections. There are many clubs on campus that cater to all interests from intramural sports (like the Ultimate Frisbee team) to video gaming (with GG UAB). Many of these clubs are completely student run and organized. Being a part of the many clubs on campus is one of the ways to get involved at UAB. The Neuroscience Program encourages its students to dedicate yourself to a student activity and try to leave your own mark through leadership and dedication. Visit the UAB Bsync page for a full list of student opportunities! Below are more details about student groups and organizations with a significant presence of Neuroscience majors. Undergraduate Neuroscience Society The Undergraduate Neuroscience Society is a student organization dedicated to serving and representing the members of UAB’s Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, as well as promoting interest in the neurosciences within the larger UAB community. The UNS works to accomplish these goals through a number of activities and events: an invited lecture by a distinguished neuroscientist each semester; unique service opportunities related to medical care, mental health, and science teaching; and workshops taught by faculty and graduate students on subjects of interest to neuroscience students, such as succeeding in undergraduate research or applying to graduate and medical schools. Additionally, each year we help to organize the UAB Neuroscience Day and the Alabama Brain Bee. The Alabama Brain Bee is a free event for high school students to test their neuroscience knowledge in competition with one another, and is held annually in conjunction with the UAB Neuroscience Day, an effort to promote neuroscience education and awareness. The faculty advisor of the UNS is Dr. Kristina Visscher, and its current student presidents are Courtney Walker and Richard Trieu. Membership in the UNS is open to any current members of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, though all members of the UAB community are invited to attend lectures and workshops. To keep up with UNS events, please request to join our group on Facebook or on BSync. For specific questions, please contact the organization by e-mail at unp@uab.edu.
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Music Notes for the Soul: The objects and purposes of MuNoS are to serve and represent the student musicians of UAB’s Music Notes for the Soul; to foster happiness and relaxation for the patients and their families at Children’s of Alabama; to promote community outreach within and without the student body of UAB; and to promote interest in classical and contemporary music. Music Notes for the Soul offers the unique opportunity for student musicians from all kinds of backgrounds to come together and spread the universal language and soothing powers of music. To join, please contact musicnotesforthesoul@gmail.com to set up an audition! Equal Access Birmingham: Equal Access Birmingham (EAB), is a free health clinic, run by UAB medical students, and are always looking for undergraduate volunteers. EAB has a dual mission of serving the uninsured and underinsured of Birmingham and providing meaningful service learning opportunities for students. They are housed in Church of the Reconciler (112 14th St N), and are open twice a week. There is a chronic care clinic Sundays 1-5pm, and an acute care clinic Wednesdays, 5-7pm. As an undergraduate, you can volunteer as a check in/check out assistant or as a dispensary assistant, working alongside medical students. For check in/check out, you will greet patients as they arrive and help them fill out intake forms. As the dispensary assistant, you will help fill prescriptions and give patients their medications. If you are chosen as a volunteer, you will be able to volunteer about once a month for the 20162017 school year. This is a great opportunity to serve the underserved in Birmingham, work closely with medical students, and gain some clinical experience. If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out an application (available on Canvas, Announcements) and submit it to equalaccess@uab.edu by Friday, September 2nd at 5:00pm. We will choose a cohort of 15-20 student volunteers and let you know about our decision by Tuesday, September 6th. Please contact the undergraduate volunteer coordinator Tina Tian at tinatian@uab.edu if you have additional questions. Unite for Reproductive Justice and Gender Equity at UAB President and Founder, Mugdha Mokashi Campus Outreach Coordinator, Tina Tian Unite for Reproductive Justice and Gender Equity (URGE) at UAB is a chapter of a national organization that advocates for reproductive rights and access. Their mission is to defend and expand every person’s access to the social, political, and economic resources necessary to make healthy and informed decisions about their body, sex, gender, and sexuality. They work to ensure a pro-choice future by educating others, activating supporters, and pressuring decision-makers to support sexual and reproductive justice. They are committed to the mobilization of youth, development of sustainable coalitions, and promotion of progressive values. For more information, contact urgeuab@gmail.com.
Volunteering Volunteering is a great way for students to give back to their community while building their resume. There are many opportunities near UAB as well as in the greater Birmingham area for students to work on their altruism. The Undergraduate Neuroscience Society organizes many volunteering opportunities throughout the year for its members. Similarly, UAB hosts on campus events such as Into the Streets that each semester. Many pre17
med neuroscience students volunteer at Children’s Hospital and through Spirit of Luke for more clinically related work. There is abundance of work to be done and for students to help with through the volunteer opportunities in Birmingham. If nothing else, some students even start their own non-profit and volunteer organizations throughout their time at UAB. Track your involvement! Keep all your leadership and involvement in one location by creating a Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT). The CCT is an OFFICIAL document from UAB that verifies a student’s out of classroom involvement and experiences. The document is an official record of a student’s most prominent co-curricular activities and accomplishments throughout their college career. More information: https://help.orgsync.com/hc/enus/articles/203702506-Co-Curricular-Transcript-Walkthrough How to get started Many of the clubs at UAB advertise their events on social media, email, and bulletins around campus. BSync is the online portal for UAB's students to connect with other students, join student organizations, create a cocurricular transcript, and find volunteer service opportunities. Visit their website to see all of the options available to you! Visit https://orgsync.com/cas/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham If there is a club you want to be a part of, take the initiative and email them to see what events are coming up and how to get on the email list. Finally, SHOW up to events (and eat the free food)! Getting involved means holding yourself accountable for the commitment you make.
Publishing Inquiro Founded and staffed by undergraduates at UAB, Inquiro is an annual research journal produced with the mission of highlighting the contributions of undergraduates to UAB’s many outstanding research programs, like the UNP, and supporting the development of these student researchers by providing an outlet for them to publish their work. Many types of articles are accepted for publication, including but not limited to research manuscripts, scientific theses, short reports derived from scientific posters, or personal narratives regarding a research project. All submissions will be subject to double-blind review by expert UAB faculty and by the editors. Authors retain full rights to their work, and are free to submit to other journals, with the exception of other undergraduate research journals, after publishing in Inquiro. In order to submit an article for potential publication in Volume 10 of Inquiro, authors should complete the submission form linked on the Inquiro website and send completed manuscripts to our email account no later than October 17, 2016. Authors are strongly encouraged to review our manuscript guidelines linked on our website before starting the submission process. For further information and access to previous volumes of Inquiro, please see our website www.uab.edu/inquiro or email us at inquiro@uab.edu.
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MISCELLANEOUS UAB Student Services One Stop The Office of One Stop Student Services provides a centralized location for a variety of student needs. If you are ever unsure of where you need to go, One Stop should be your first stop! From Financial Aid to Housing to Study Abroad, their office can point you in the right direction. Visit their website to see all the areas of information covered by their office: http://www.uab.edu/students/one-stop/ UAB Student Health and Wellness SHWC offers a variety of services to enrolled students ranging from Individual and couples counseling, crisis counseling, wellness programs, group opportunities, to educational resources. Full website here: https://www.uab.edu/studenthealth/ Confidential counseling and Psychiatric services are available to all currently enrolled UAB students at no cost. Call their offices at 205-934-5816 to schedule an appointment. An intake coordinator will take some general information from you and schedule your appointment with one of their counselors. You may also come by our office during office hours to schedule an appointment. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m.; we are closed from noon-1:00 p.m. More information here: https://www.uab.edu/studenthealth/counseling
Online Resources for Posters and Printing Also available in our online Canvas modules are resources for making, printing, and presenting posters (Modules, Presenting Your Research). The members of your research labs are a valuable resource when preparing to present your research, so be sure to ask to see examples of posters previously presented from the lab. Remember – you are presenting your mentor’s work. It is absolutely imperative that any presentation of your research (print or talk) be approved by your mentor PRIOR to the presentation. We suggest sending your final poster to your mentor no less than one week before printing.
Careers in Neuroscience Visit the UNP program page in Canvas. Under Modules you will find an entire section devoted to Careers in Neuroscience. The module is packed with online resources for exploring careers in Neuroscience. We encourage you to discuss your long term career goals with your mentors, instructors, and academic and faculty advisors!
Email Etiquette As you know, email has become a significant part of interpersonal communication in professional and educational settings. Therefore, it is important to learn efficient ways of communicating and writing e-mail that successfully conveys your message to your intended audience. Students are expected to check their @uab.edu email address DAILY and respond to faculty and staff in a timely manner (24-48 hours during the academic school year, within a week during the summer). Please be considerate when someone is waiting on your reply! 19
Students should also set up an email signature to identify you to recipients. The standard UAB format for email signatures can be easily modified for students and is listed below: Name | Title Office/Department Name UAB | The University of Alabama at Birmingham BLDG Abbreviation Suite # | Mailing or Physical Address | Birmingham, AL ZIP P: 205.555.5555 | yourblazerid@uab.edu uab.edu Knowledge that will change your world In addition, here are a few email writing tips that can help you: Subject Line: ALWAYS Include a Meaningful Subject line (Provide clear, specific subject lines that help the sender identify what he or she must do). For example, Application for Research Assistant Position in your Lab, Letter of Reference for Mary Smith Greeting/Salutation: ALWAYS address the reader in a professional manner. You should make it as personal as possible (E.g., “Dear Dr. Jones” or “Dear Ms. Linda” but NOT "Dear Dr. Rhonda Jones) Body of E-mail: Present the main point of your email in the opening sentence. • •
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Be clear about whether you need something from the recipient. Is this e-mail just to give someone information, or do you need a reply? Limit the message to one subject. If you need to raise multiple issues, clearly state this in the first line or in the Subject line. Example (in the body of the e-mail): "Please see below for two questions about our proposal." You may also wish to number a series of questions or issues to make it easier for the recipient to read and respond. This is especially helpful in advising related emails. Keep it short. People may be reading e-mails on mobile devices and may not scroll past the first screen.
Closing: Include a friendly closing. You can use "Sincerely" for formal communications. For regular business communications, consider closings, such as the following: Regards, Best regards, Best wishes, Thanks, and Have a great weekend etc. KEEP IN MIND: • • •
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Read and edit your e-mails before sending them. ALWAYS check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typos. Be Concise and polite. Reflect on the tone of your message. When you are communicating via e-mail, your words are not supported by gestures, voice inflections, or other cues, so it may be easier for someone to misread your tone. Do NOT use all Capital or all small letters unless referring to a known acronym to the reader. 20
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Send messages TO the individuals you want to take action; Copy those who just need to know what is going on. Use "reply all" carefully and remove those from the list who don't need to see the reply. When naming attachments, be sure the name is professional and meaningful (e.g., Jones_ThesisProposal_Draft1). Re-save a file with a different name, if necessary, for the purposes of e-mailing it. When emailing an assignment to an instructor, make sure your last name is in the document of the file. Instructors often receive 50+ emails with the attachment “Homework Assignment”. Avoid religious comments in both signatures and in the body of the e-mail. For urgent matters, respond within 24 hours or apologize for the delay. If you are out of the office or inaccessible, create an "out of office" message. Reserve "urgent" (urgent e-mails are marked by an "!"in Microsoft Outlook) for truly urgent or timesensitive matters.
Below are sample emails from two students on the same topic. After reading these two emails, think about why student #2’s email is more effective and more appropriate than that of student #1. E-mail from Student #1: Hey Doc, I need some help on my term-paper. Can i meet with you tomorrow? Thx E-mail from Student #2: Dear Dr. Smith, I am a student in your PY253 course that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester. I have a question about the discussion section of the paper that is due next Friday. Specifically, my question is about the evidence that we need to provide from scientific papers for our argument. Can I come by your office tomorrow at 2:00 pm to talk to you about my question? Please let me know if that fits your schedule. If not, I could also come by on Thursday after 1:00 pm. Thank you, Kaitlyn Jones| Undergraduate Neuroscience Student College of Arts and Sciences UAB | The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL ZIP P: 205.555.2017 | jonesk@uab.edu
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