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.

That field now sits at the intersection of biology, chemistry and psychology, and  the neuroscience major at Dickinson provides students with rigorous, laboratory-based exposure to the fascinating multidisciplinary study of the brain. Featuring advanced opportunities for research and integrated mentoring, the program is ideal for students planning graduate or professional study in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, psychology, medicine and other related fields.

Upper-division courses allow the student to bring research skills to bear in the laboratory and to integrate skill and knowledge gained in introductory courses. The elective requirements in the major allow students to explore the many facets of neuroscience, and students can then choose to focus on molecular or molar approaches to neuroscience; choose to emphasize biology, chemistry or psychology within their neurosciences major; and explore the ways other fields—such as anthropology, philosophy or sociology—intersect with neuroscience.

Contact Info

Chair

Chuck ZwemerProfessor of Biology (1995)

Department Coordinator

Janice Wiss

Phone

717-245-1329

Fax

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Location

James Hall - Rector Complex Room 1225 Mailing Address

Department Features


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Student-Faculty Research
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Study Abroad
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Current Courses

Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs:

  • Boston Children's Hospital
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
  • Imugen Inc.
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
  • Mount Sinai Medical Center
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Shire Pharmaceuticals
  • Society for Neuroscience
  • Takeda Oncology

Graduate Schools:

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Teachers College, Columbia University
  • University of South Carolina
  • Georgetown University
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Arizona
Where Students Have Interned
  • Boston Children's Hospital
  • Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
  • La Cruz Roja (the Red Cross), Málaga, Spain
  • Mayo Clinic (summer undergraduate research fellowship)
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • World Health Organization
  • Children's National Medical Center

Student Perspectives

“Last year I was involved in a research project … titled “The Decrease in Anxiety in Valerian-Injected C57BL6J Mice and the Non-Significant Effect in 129S1/SVLMJ Mice.” This experiment looked at the effects of an herbal remedy on the brain and was presented at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in March. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to be a part of so much research during college. This experience has helped me understand the methods used in this field of science and has been instrumental to my growth as a neuroscientist.” 

— Olivia Lowden '19 


Neuroscience News

All News Department News
Neuroscience Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2023

Neuroscience Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2023

Neuroscience majors secure jobs in medical research and accepted to graduate school..

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Student Snapshot: Seblewongel Enyew

Student Snapshot: Seblewongel Enyew '24

“Dickinson was a right fit for me because I value having close interactions with my professors,” says Seblewongel Enyew '24, a neuroscience major and recipient of the Forney P. George Scholarship.

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Neuroscience Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2022

Neuroscience Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2022

Graduating seniors secure jobs and are accepted to Columbia University and the University of Maryland.

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Student Snapshot: Stephanie Uroda ’23

Student Snapshot: Stephanie Uroda ’23

“Through my labs, I learn and develop techniques that will benefit me in my future career,” says Stephanie Uroda ’23, a prize-winning student researcher preparing for a career in neuroscience.

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Sports-Medicine Student Assistant Program Helps Keep Athletes on the Field

Sports-Medicine Student Assistant Program Helps Keep Athletes on the Field

The hands-on athletics opportunity offers both a valuable work-study experience and an on-ramp to the medical field.

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Student Snapshot: Jessie Scarlett ’22

Student Snapshot: Jessie Scarlett ’22

Neuroscience major Jessie Scarlett '22 is sharpening skills in clinical research, rock climbing, leadership, improv and more.

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