BA/BSc in Neuroscience
North Central College
Key Information
Campus location
Naperville, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 42,866 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* tuition fee
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Why pursue a neuroscience degree at North Central College?
How do humans experience consciousness? How does the brain work? What are the underlying causes of neurological and psychiatric disorders? These are among the many mysteries being unraveled by neuroscientists.
Neuroscience—an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system—advances the understanding of human thought, emotion, and behavior. Neuroscientists use tools ranging from computers to special dyes to examine molecules, nerve cells, networks, and brain systems to gain a better understanding of how the nervous system affects human health and behavior.
As a neuroscience major at North Central College, you'll study cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, psychology, and other areas. You'll learn the ins and outs of brain function and the nervous system function, build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience that sets you up for success in your career. We offer the extraordinary opportunity to major in neuroscience and we will help you gain an edge in this emerging field.
You can also:
- Explore a career in neuroscience or prepare for another health-related field in our pre-health sciences.
- Pursue research interests anywhere in the world to add to your neuroscience major requirements by applying for a Richter Grant.
- Conduct research during North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program and present your findings to students in neuroscience degree programs at local, regional, and national conferences.
- Join the Neuroscience Club in which you will gain hands-on experience outside the classroom for those interested in the sciences and neuroscience.
- Join Nu Rho Psi, the international honor society in neuroscience.
Curriculum
Neuroscience, Behavioral Track, BA
Major Requirements
Core Courses
- NEUR 100 - Introduction to Neuroscience
- NEUR 200 - Behavioral Neuroscience
- PSYC 250 - Statistics
- PSYC 255 - Research Design and Experimentation
- PSYC 293 - Careers in Psychology and Neuroscience
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
Capstone
Four credits from one of the following:
- NEUR 490 - Seminar
- NEUR 495 - Neuroscience in the Community
- NEUR 497 - Internship
- NEUR 498 - Senior Thesis
Note:
*PSYC 490 with a neuroscience topic may substitute for NEUR 490.
Behavioral Track Courses
- NEUR 300 - Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience
- NEUR 301 - Neuroethics in Behavioral Neuroscience
- BIOL 145 - Allied Health Microbiology
Electives
Two of the following:
- NEUR 280 - Drugs and Behavior
- NEUR 310 - Advanced Molecular Neuroscience
- PSYC 340 - Learning
- PSYC 345 - Cognitive Psychology
- PSYC 490 - Seminar
- BIOL 410 - Animal Behavior
- CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
- PHIL 250 - Philosophy of Mind
Additional Requirements for the BA Degree
Foreign Language
- Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.
One of the following:
Choose a course that was not taken as part of the major's required or elective coursework.
- INFS 110 - Introduction to Data Analysis, Modeling, and Presentation
- PHIL 250 - Philosophy of Mind
Additional Writing-intensive course
Study Abroad or May term course
Career Opportunities
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Research Opportunities
- Society for Neuroscience (SFN)
- Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA)
- Chicago Area Society for Neuroscience
- SLEEP Annual Meeting
Graduate School and Career Options
- Neuroscientist
- Clinical neuroscientist
- Medical school
- Pharmacy school
- Dental school
- Physician’s assistant
- Occupational therapist
- Veterinary school
- Med lab science school
- Nursing school
- Research technician