The Neuroscience Major is a multidisciplinary program, integrating foundational coursework from four departments: Biology, Chemistry, Health Science, and Psychology. The core curriculum of the program is a combination of foundation courses and students in this program will receive a solid theoretical foundation, as well as gain high-level technical skills and extensive research experience. The Neuroscience curriculum was developed by an advisory committee of the faculty for undergraduate Neuroscience. Students who complete the program should be able to demonstrate the following core competencies:
- An awareness of critical natural science and behavioral principles.
- An awareness of experimental methodology, design, and data analysis.
- An awareness of historical trends and theoretical perspectives that inform the field.
- An advanced awareness of a particular area or areas of study within neuroscience.
- Critical thinking and independent thought.
- The ability to communicate effectively.
- The ability to discern and articulate a rationale for ethical conduct in research.
- Awareness of how neuroscience is informed by perspectives from a wide range of disciplines beyond the sciences.
- An appreciation of the value of diversity and the ability to work with colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
The overarching goal of the Neuroscience major is to provide students with the requisite academic background, technical skills, and hands-on research experience that will allow them to successfully compete for admission to high-quality graduate or professional (medical, physical therapy, dentistry, etc.) schools and/or to allow them to successfully compete for neuroscience-related jobs in both the private and public sectors.
