NeuroTrailblazers Training Modules

## 📚 Full Module Index

01. Scientific Curiosity & Motivation

Orientation to scientific thinking, growth mindset, and curiosity-driven inquiry.

02. Research Foundations & the Hidden Curriculum

Unwritten norms in science, research roles, and building confidence.

03. Python and Jupyter for Neuroscience

Intro to coding in Python, Jupyter notebooks, and tools for analysis.

04. Neuroanatomy for Connectomics

Understanding neural structure at micro- and macro-scale.

05. Electron Microscopy and Image Basics

EM imaging principles, file formats, and interpretation.

06. Segmentation 101

Understanding segmentation, labels, and sources of error.

07. Proofreading and Quality Control

Identifying merge/split errors and assessing segmentation quality.

08. Hypothesis Testing in Connectomics

Defining and testing hypotheses using statistical tools.

09. Neuron Morphology & Skeletonization

Exploring cell shape, skeletons, and biofeatures.

10. Network Science & Graph Representation

Introduction to graphs, adjacency, and connectome structure.

11. Synapses and Circuit Logic

Mapping synaptic connectivity and interpreting motifs.

12. Big Data in Connectomics

Storage, querying, and scale-aware design.

13. Machine Learning in Neuroscience

Intro to ML concepts and supervised/unsupervised learning.

14. Computer Vision for EM

From filters to deep learning for image understanding.

15. LLMs for Patch Analysis

Using large language models for continuity, errors, and proofing.

16. Scientific Visualization for Connectomics

Create effective 2D and 3D visuals to communicate connectome data.

17. Scientific Writing for Connectomics

Write clear papers, abstracts, and figure captions for neuroscience audiences.

18. Data Cleaning and Preprocessing

Handling noise, filtering data, and reproducibility.

19. Visualization for Insight

Creating visualizations to explore and explain findings.

20. Statistical Models and Inference

Modeling techniques to interpret neural data.

21. Reproducibility and FAIR Principles

Ensuring research is findable, accessible, and reproducible.

22. Scientific Writing & Presentation

Communicating ideas clearly with audience awareness.

23. Posters, Abstracts, and Conferences

Sharing work with peers and professionals.

24. Career Pathways & Graduate School Prep

Applying skills and navigating research careers.

25. Portfolio, Feedback, and Final Project

Curating evidence of learning and capstone feedback.

This curriculum includes 25 structured modules aligned with the MERIT model (Mentoring Exceptional Researchers to Innovate and Thrive) and the COMPASS framework (Charting Opportunity, Mastery, Purpose, Agency, Skills, and Self). Each module is tagged by its place in the research pipeline and grounded in CCR (Center for Curriculum Redesign) learning dimensions: Knowledge, Skills, Character, Meta-Learning, and Motivation. ## 🧠 MERIT × CCR Curriculum Matrix
Need help deciding where to start? Visit our **[Start Here](/start-here/)** guide or check out **[Module 01](/modules/module01/)**. For an overview of the MERIT and COMPASS frameworks, see our [Models](/models/) page.