Neuroscience

The neuroscience major provides students with rigorous, laboratory-based exposure to the fascinating multidisciplinary study of the brain. The program is ideal for students planning graduate or professional study in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, psychology, medicine and other related fields.

Neuroscience sits at the intersection of biology, chemistry and psychology. The term "neuroscience" was coined in the 1960s to name an interdisciplinary field that focused on both the normal and abnormal structure and function of the nervous system. Dickinson now offers students a major in neuroscience, in which Dickinson students will engage in an integrated curriculum in this very popular interdisciplinary field. The neuroscience major provides students with rigorous training in neuroscience and allied science disciplines, advanced opportunities for research, and integrated mentoring and advising of students.

The integrative nature of the two introductory neuroscience courses (Psychology 125 and Biology 124), placed both within psychology and biology, and also at the intersection of these two fields, 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 and to integrate skill and knowledge gained in the introductory courses. The elective requirements in the major allow the student to explore the many facets of neuroscience, and the student can then choose to focus on molecular or molar approaches to neuroscience; can choose to emphasize biology, chemistry or psychology within their neurosciences major; and can explore the ways other fields—such as anthropology, philosophy or sociology—intersect with neuroscience. Finally, a research experience allows the major to engage the world by bringing to bear learned knowledge and skills.