Research Opportunities

Neurological and behavioural disorders comprise a significant proportion of the global burden of disease. Our NBD programme comprises of research groups that investigate molecular, developmental, systems, neurodegenerative and cognitive neuroscience.

Our world-class research teams will provide excellent opportunities to train PhD or MD students to become independent scientists in various areas of neuroscience.

For the elective courses, students are able to choose any other graduate modules offered at NUS by searching through respective faculty/ department’s website. Some of the elective course that students can take including the following modules which are hosted by NGS (NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering), subjects to availability.

Learn more about the PhD Programme.

Learn more about our MD/PhD Track.

 

PhD & MD/PhD Program

Curriculum Requirement Credit
Semester 1
Core Course "Molecules to Medicines" 4
Laboratory Rotation 1 2
Laboratory Rotation 2 2
Laboratory Rotation 3 2
Semester 2 onwards
Compulsory course:
MDG5245 - Neuronal Signaling and Mechanisms of Effective Learning  4
GMS6900 - Student Research Seminars (6 semesters) 3
Elective Courses Listed (To discuss with Advisor): 4
Thesis & Research 40
Total 61

Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme: Thesis Mentors

Name

Research Topic

Lab

Email

Contact
Cao, Mian

Assistant Professor

 Investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms of dysfunctional synaptic membrane trafficking in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and reveals the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases.  Duke-NUS mian.cao@duke-nus.edu.sg   +65 6516 1096

Claridge-Chang, Adam
Associate Professor

Models of cognitive and emotional dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster

Duke-NUS

claridge-chang.adam@duke-nus.edu.sg

+65 6601 6963
Crowston, Jonathan 
Professor		 My research is focused around protecting the optic nerve from degeneration in conditions such as glaucoma.  In particular we are interested in how retinal ganglion cells can repair themselves after injury and why the capacity for repair diminishes with advancing age. The ultimate goal is to develop novel therapeutic targets that render the optic nerve resistant to eye pressure elevation.

 Academia jonathancrowston@duke-nus.edu.sg
 +65 6601 4127
De Paola, Vincenzo
Visiting Professor		 We study human neural circuit wiring and dysfunction in neuropsychiatric conditions. We focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the synaptic life cycle (i.e. synapse formation and elimination) and axon degeneration/regeneration. Our ultimate goal is to find new ways to harness brain plasticity for neurological repair. Duke-NUS Vincenzo.DePaola@duke-nus.edu.sg +65 6516 6382 

Gooley, Joshua J
Associate Professor

Chronobiology, human circadian rhythms, sleep deprivation

Duke-NUS

joshua.gooley@duke-nus.edu.sg

+65 6516 7430

Je, Hyunsoo Shawn
Associate Professor

Developing circuit-based mouse models of neuropsychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, autism, and depression. Understanding cell and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity

Duke-NUS

shawn.je@duke-nus.edu.sg

+65 6601 1260

Lee, Tih-Shih
Associate Professor

Brain-computer interface, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Duke-NUS

tihshih.lee@duke-nus.edu.sg

+65 6516 7461
Nishiyama, Jun

Assistant Professor

 Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. 
 Duke-NUS jun.nishiyama@duke-nus.edu.sg +65 6516 1906
Sun, Alfred
Assistant Professor

1) Developing and utilizing novel human neural cells based models as better proxy for disease phenotypes ex vivo. Current focuses: neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders 

2) Design-based making of synthetic neural cells. 

 Duke-NUS alfred.sun@duke-nus.edu.sg +65 6601 6841

Tan, Eng King
Professor

Genetic epidemiology, pathophysiologic studies of diseased genes and experimental therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases

Duke-NUS

gnrtek@sgh.com.sg

+65 6326 5003

Wang, Hongyan
Professor

Neural stem cell self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, neuronal degeneration

Duke-NUS

hongyan.wang@duke-nus.edu.sg

+65 6516 7740

Zhang, Su-Chun
Professor

Neural degeneration and regeneration

Duke-NUS

su-chun.zhang@duke-nus.edu.sg

+65 6516 4386

Research Appointments

We also often have opportunities for Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Assistants and Associates.

Please click here to go to our "Careers" page for Research Appointments and Vacancies under Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme.