major   
  • Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Neuroscience Program

Interdisciplinary by Nature

The Neuroscience major at Washington College reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field of neuroscience by integrating the fields of biology, chemistry and psychology to promote a deeper understanding of the brain and its emergent properties.

Students will explore the brain at the level of molecules and electrical signals and will extend that knowledge to the networks that create behaviors, memories, and consciousness. They will also apply their knowledge through hand-on laboratory activities in most courses for the major.

 

 

Neuroscience Pathways

Because of the field's interdisciplinary nature, a degree in neuroscience can take a graduate in many directions. Two broad career possibilities are in biomedical research and healthcare professions, but there are many other possibilities as well.

Biomedical Research

Many students who choose neuroscience as a major are interested in a research career.

TOLL RESEARCH PROGRAM

 

Healthcare Professions

Our neuroscience major is designed to provide a broad view of the brain and its emergent properties, but students graduating with a major in neuroscience will also take the courses in biology, chemistry, and psychology that are required as pre-requisites for many health professional programs. This includes programs in allopathic and osteopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, occupational therapy, dentistry, physical therapy, genetic counseling, and many others.

PRE-HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAM

 

Many Other Paths!

Whether you are interested in cognitive neuroscience, marketing, patent law, science policy, technology transfer, or many other careers, a degree in neuroscience can help get you there. Visit our career center for help connecting with alumni, identifying internships, and preparing resumes and application materials.

Career Center

 

Suggested Course Schedule for Neuroscience Major

The following is a guide for students planning for a B.S. in Neuroscience. The schedule is flexible, but at least 1-2 of the introductory courses (BIO111, CHE120, PSY111) should be taken during the first semester if possible.

First Year

Fall

BIO 111 & BIO 113 General Biology I w/Lab

PSY 111 General Psychology I

CHE 120 & CHE 122 Chemical Principles of Organic Molecules w/Lab

FYS 101 First-Year Seminar


Spring

BIO 112 & BIO 114 General Biology II w/Lab

PSY 111 General Psychology II

CHE 140 & CHE 142 Reactivity of Organic Molecules w/Lab

Distribution Course

 

Second Year

Fall

BIO 311 or CHE 210 Neurobiology or Biopsychology w/Lab

MAT 109 or PSY 209 Statistics or Statistics & Research Design w/Lab

Biology Elective

Language Course 1


Spring

Psychology Elective

Language Course 2

2 Distribution Courses

 

Third Year

Fall & Spring

Chemistry Elective

Biology Elective

Distribution Course

NEU Neuroscience Junior Seminar

 

Fourth Year

Fall & Spring

Psychology Elective

Chemistry Elective

NEU SCE Senior Capstone Experience