The Bachelor of Science in Systems Neuroscience program provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation in the study of the nervous system. Students will learn how neural systems control everything in humans, from basic sensory and motor functions to complex behaviors such as learning, decision-making and emotion.
Through coursework and laboratory experiences, students will learn how disruptions in these systems influence human health, including how these disruptions contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
“As the global population grows and ages, careers in neuroscience and related fields are in extremely high demand right now and for the foreseeable future,” said Marc Dingman, teaching professor of biobehavioral health and co-director of the Systems Neuroscience degree program. “This major is a great fit for students who are interested in both early professional roles in neuroscience and for those who intend to pursue advanced study to prepare for clinical or research careers.”
The Systems Neuroscience program will prepare students to go directly into the workforce in a variety of careers, including clinical neuroscience and healthcare, neuroscience research and laboratory support, biotechnology development, and pharmaceutical research and development.
The major also provides a scientific foundation for students intending to pursue graduate school or advanced study, including medical school, physician assistant school, and advanced careers in other clinical or research settings.
Core coursework of the systems neuroscience major covers fundamental principles of neuroscience, including cellular and molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, providing rigorous training in the field broadly. A particular focus of the coursework is how neural systems are involved in neurological dysfunction and disorders.
Supporting coursework allows students to focus on specific neural systems they are interested in, allowing them to tailor their degree to help meet their personal and professional goals.
“Mental health is a dynamic and complex topic. We believe that addressing and solving the issues of human health and in this case, mental health, begins with understanding the science behind our health and well-being,” said Tom Gould, Jean Phillips Shibley Professor of Biobehavioral Health, head of the Department of Biobehavioral Health and director of the Systems Neuroscience degree program. “By helping students become scholars with strong scientific knowledge in neuroscience, we can best prepare them to act as future leaders tackling the most pressing issues of human health and well-being.”
The Systems Neuroscience program utilizes existing classes, including those in neuroanatomy and neuroscience research, taught by expert faculty in the Department of Biobehavioral Health.
“The goal of the Systems Neuroscience program is to advance understanding of the interactive dynamics of the brain, how neural systems drive complex human behavior, and the factors that can alter these neural systems to produce mental health challenges,” said Gould. “The Department of Biobehavioral Health is well positioned to launch this program and support that goal, as a hallmark of the department is a focus on the intersections of biological and behavioral science in health, disease and wellness contexts, while encouraging students to explore the real-world applications of foundational scientific knowledge.”
Those interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Science in Systems Neuroscience program can visit the College of Health and Human Development website or the University bulletin for more information. Students who would like to declare the major can contact Marc Dingman to schedule an advising appointment.