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Neuroscience Advising Courses
Introduction
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 Academic 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 here.
Starting as a First-Year, this is the most likely pathway of a student in the first two years of the Neuroscience major:
| | Fall | Spring |
First-Year | BIOL 124
CHEM 131 | PSYC 125
CHEM 132 |
Sophomore | PSYC 325
CHEM 241 | BIOL 330
CHEM 242 |
For course descriptions and requirements for the major, refer to the Academic 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 Professor Anthony Rauhut or any of the contributing faculty.