What is Neuroscience?
Neuroscience is the study of brain and nervous system and includes the study of sub-disciplines such as: development, sensation and perception, behavior, cognition, learning and memory, movement, sleep, stress, aging and neurological and psychiatric disorders. The discipline of neuroscience also includes the study of molecules, cells and genes responsible for nervous system functioning.
What you do with a major in Neuroscience?
Approximately 33% of the students who graduate with a major in Neuroscience from Allegheny College continue their neuroscience education in graduate school, 28% enter medical, veterinary, or physical therapy school, 14% find employment as research technicians at major research universities, 7% work as counselors or teachers, and 4% work in medical or pharmaceutical sales.
Mission
The faculty in the Neuroscience Program are committed to helping students acquire: 1) a knowledge of basic facts, concepts, and theories in neuroscience, 2) the ability to critically interpret this knowledge and to relate it to other subject areas in the Liberal Arts, 3) the ability to add to the body of knowledge through independent research, and 4) the ability to communicate their understanding to others both within and outside of the field of neuroscience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing a major in Neuroscience are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a broad understanding of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry in relation to sensory processing, behavior, cognition, and health.
- demonstrate a depth of knowledge in both cell and molecular neurobiology and behavioral and cognitive neuroscience.
- understand the tools and methods used in neuroscience research and critically analyze the primary literature in specific sub-disciplines within neuroscience.
- design, conduct, and interpret results of neuroscience experiments and to effectively communicate these results in both oral and written form