Created in 2004, with master's and doctoral courses, the Postgraduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology (PPGNBC) originated from the spin-off of the Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences at UFPA. It therefore has a consolidated trajectory in the training of masters and doctors, especially in the Amazon region. Linked to the Institute of Biological Sciences at UFPA, the Program achieved a grade of 5 in the most recent CAPES Quadrennial Evaluation.

The PPGNBC aims to train highly qualified human resources for the development of teaching, research, and outreach activities in public and private institutions. Many of its graduates remain working in the region, contributing in a committed way to the scientific, technological, and social development of the Legal Amazon.

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CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

The program's curriculum structure establishes that, for course completion, master's students must complete a minimum of 20 academic credits, while doctoral students must complete 50 credits. These credits can be obtained through required and elective courses, participation in the Annual Course in Neuroscience and Cell Biology, and through Scientific Activities. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in English throughout the course and complete a teaching internship.

The program is organized into two areas of concentration: Neuroscience and Cell Biology. In the Cell Biology area, the course "Conceptual Bases in Cell Biology," with a workload of 60 hours, is mandatory. Similarly, students in the Neuroscience area must take "Conceptual Bases in Neuroscience," also with 60 hours. Both are taught collectively by faculty members of the program. The core of mandatory courses also includes "Scientific Methodology" and "Biometrics," each with a workload of 30 hours. There are 10 credits of mandatory courses.

Each semester, elective courses are offered covering specific topics in the areas of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, such as Neuropharmacology, Neurotoxicology, Neuropharmacology of Chemical Dependency, Neuroproteomics, General Cytogenetics, Biology of Aging, Immunotherapy and Immunomodulation, Biology of Adult and Embryonic Stem Cells, Molecular Biology of Cancer, and Molecular Genetics. The offerings also include methods and techniques employed in these areas, including Electron Microscopy, Stereology and Three-Dimensional Microscopic Reconstruction of the Nervous System, and Cell Culture. In addition, courses of a transversal nature and broader training are available, such as Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Neuroscience, Time Series Analysis, Didactic Training, and Bioethics. This diversity contributes to a comprehensive scientific education and allows students to organize their academic paths according to the themes and methods related to their research projects. Generally, within a 24-month period, courses are offered that allow students to fulfill the required course credits. Students must have at least 4 elective credits during the course.

All students are required to complete an activity called the Annual Course in Neuroscience and Cell Biology. This activity has had several formats. Currently, students are encouraged to develop activities in society (organizing scientific events, courses or lectures in schools or health centers, health initiatives) or technical production (videos, educational materials).

Master's students must have at least 6 credits of scientific activities, while doctoral students must have at least 24 credits of the same activity. To see the table of available activities and their respective credits, click here .