This
interdisciplinary field focuses on both the normal and abnormal structure and
function of the nervous system. The
neuroscience major at Dickinson College will provide students with fundamental
training in the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry, and psychology.
In addition, the integrative aspect of the two introductory neuroscience
courses, placed within psychology and biology, demonstrates to the student the
interconnectedness of these two sciences. Upper division courses allow the
student to bring research skills to bear in the laboratory, to integrate skill
and knowledge gained in the introductory courses. The elective requirements
allow the student to explore the many facets of neuroscience, and the student can
choose to focus on molecular or molar approaches to neuroscience; can choose to
emphasize biology, chemistry or psychology in the neuroscience major; or can
explore the ways other fields, such as anthropology, philosophy or sociology,
intersect with neuroscience. Finally, a research experience allows the student
to “engage the world” by bringing to bear her/his knowledge and skills on a
research question of her/his own choosing.
Courses appropriate for prospective majors
The
appropriate sections of this handbook and the College Bulletin should be consulted for information regarding
individual courses, advanced placement, courses that fulfill distribution
requirements, and so on. It is strongly
recommended that any student considering this major should seek advice from one
of the contributing faculty as early as possible. Students with adequate
preparation should begin by taking both the introductory biology and psychology
sequences during the first year, in addition to starting the chemistry
sequence.
A student
who starts the major in the first year will have more options for advanced
study during the senior year. As can be seen below, it is possible for a
student, starting in the sciences, to take the majority of neuroscience courses
during the sophomore and junior year. It is also possible for a student to
start the major in the sophomore year and still complete the major.
Specific details for course planning for this
major are available online.
Starting as a First-year
student: (see additional examples online)
This is the
most likely pathway of a student in the first two years of the Neuroscience
major:
FALL SPRING______________________
Biology 124 Psychology
125
Chemistry
131 Chemistry 132_________________
Chemistry
241 Biology
330
Psychology
325 Chemistry
242 _____
Course descriptions, requirements for the major
refer to the College Bulletin:Neuroscience
Additional
remarks
Opportunities for off-campus study:In
addition to off-campus internships, it is possible for majors to spend a
semester or year abroad. The most likely sites for this would be the Dickinson
Science Program at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, or the
Dickinson Science Program in Brisbane, Australia at the University of
Queensland. Again, very careful
planning well in advance of the junior year, is required.
Careers: The
neuroscience major will provide our students with rigorous training in
neuroscience, advanced opportunities for research, and integrated mentoring and
advising of students as preparation for graduate or professional study in
neuroscience, biology, chemistry, psychology, medicine and other related
fields. Students graduating with a major in neuroscience will be competitive
for entry-level positions in corporate or academic laboratories.
Further information
Inquiries
are welcomed from students or faculty who wish additional information about the
neuroscience program. Please contact Prof. Anthony Pires (pires@dickinson.edu) or any of the
contributing faculty.