Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience: Neuroscience, Communication and Public Health Policy Emphasis

Modern Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, from the level of individual genes and proteins that control neural activity to mechanisms that govern complex (human) behavior in health and disease. Earning a degree in Neuroscience will prepare students exceptionally well for advanced training in Medical School and Graduate School in Neuroscience or related fields, careers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, biomedical or other industries, or for other science-related careers such as public policy, science communication, journalism, or patent law. Neuroscience students can expect to gain a strong intellectual foundation and deep understanding of mechanisms underlying brain function through a core curriculum, which spans molecular, genetic, and cellular mechanisms of nervous systems. The core curriculum also requires courses in Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, and a programming course. The core curriculum is based on a robust foundation in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Four emphases (themes) provide students with opportunities to gain specialized expertise in multiple aspects of contemporary neuroscience. Students will gain critical skills in research, critical thinking and communication through coursework addressing experimental techniques and approaches relevant to Neuroscience, including design, analysis, strengths, and limitations, as well as statistical and computational methods for data analysis through related coursework. To further strengthen research skills, hands-on research opportunities and experiences are offered at levels ranging from molecular neuroscience, cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience to computational neuroscience and translational neuroscience by taking advantage of the broad and multidisciplinary research expertise of more than 60 neuroscience laboratories campuswide.

Unofficial secondary/high school transcripts may be used for the initial admission evaluation. Official transcripts or official exam results are required at the time of enrollment. If a transcript is not in English, a certified English translation must accompany the transcript. Strong applicants will have a minimum recalculated grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 over the course of their last three years of academic coursework. GPA recalculation takes place during admission review. Prior to enrollment, students must obtain a high school diploma, certificate, or GED.