UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched two new majors in neuroscience, degrees that will prepare students to tackle cross-disciplinary questions and problems related to the brain; the nervous system and its interactions with the body and environment; behavior; and health. The programs launched this fall, and students can begin enrolling immediately.
Both the Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology program, offered by the Department of Biology, and the Bachelor of Science in Systems Neuroscience program, offered by the Department of Biobehavioral Health, will provide comprehensive frameworks of training to fill an increasing student interest and need for wide-ranging skillsets in the growing field of neuroscience research and healthcare, according to Tracy Langkilde, Verne M. Willaman Dean of the Eberly College of Science, and Craig J. Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean of the College of Health and Human Development, deans of the respective colleges offering these new programs of study.
They added that as a relatively young — but expanding — field of research, neuroscience has several high-demand career paths that the two colleges are expanding their programs to tap into.
The Pan American Health Organization reports that neurological disorders account for 47.4 deaths per 100,000 in the U.S., the highest rate of any country in the world. In addition, jobs for medical scientists — including neuroscientists — are projected to grow by 9% between 2024 and 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a significantly greater growth projection than the average for all occupations.
Neurobiology: Deep understanding of structure, function and cognition
The Neurobiology program provides a focus on the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, and how they play a role in the physiological and cognitive processes in animals.
Neurobiology includes study of the nervous system from molecular, cellular, functional, evolutionary, computational and medical perspectives. Hands-on experience, from designing and conducting lab experiments to using different techniques and instruments to recording and analyzing data, plays an important role in gaining neurobiology knowledge. Students may study many aspects of the nervous system, including its role in development, learning and memory, sleep, aging, addiction, autism and stress. The degree prepares students for careers in research and health.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science Degree in Neurobiology program.
Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the connection between function and behavior
The Systems Neuroscience program provides an interdisciplinary foundation in the study of the nervous system. Students will explore how the brain and nervous system function at multiple levels, from molecules and cells to behavior, cognition and disease.
Core coursework covers fundamental principles of neuroscience, including cellular and molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and how these principles apply to neural systems that govern processes ranging from sensation and movement to behavior and complex cognition.
A special focus will be placed on understanding how neural systems are involved in neurological dysfunction and disorders. The Systems Neuroscience program is designed to promote scholarly and professional growth, which can open opportunities for students to participate in neuroscience research conducted by faculty at Penn State.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science Degree in Systems Neuroscience program.
Two degrees to fill societal needs
The United States, in particular, is experiencing an increased need for trained neuroscience professional due to population aging, increasing rates of brain-related diseases, and advances in research and technology, according to Nikki Crowley, director of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute–University Park, associate professor of biology, and Huck Chair in Neural Engineering.
“These two majors collectively fill both an industry need as well as increased student interest and address two key areas of growth in the multi-disciplinary field,” said Crowley. “The addition of these majors also allows us to further offer competitive training in line with our Big Ten and regional Pennsylvania peers.
Crowley added that in the institute alone, over 350 undergraduate students are working in neuroscience-focused research laboratories across campus. Most of these students are juniors and seniors, from a multitude of majors like biology, biobehavioral health, premedicine, biomedical engineering, psychology and forensic sciences.
The majors are now open to immediate enrollment for future and current students. Current Penn State students interested in pursuing either of these majors should contact their academic advisers to learn more about their options.
Read more about the two new majors, graduate programs and the Neuroscience Institute at neuro.psu.edu.