Neuroscience

Some of the most challenging questions facing scientists in the 21st century will be answered by Neuroscientists. 

Neuroscience Summer Fellows

Was Einstein’s brain anatomically or biochemically different from your brain? How does experience rewire the brain? Will the information obtained from the Human Genome Project accelerate a student’s progress in neuropharmacology of addiction and mental illness? What is the likelihood that intelligence-enhancing drugs will be developed in the near future? Are there significant differences between female and male brains? Does stem-cell research hold the promise to repair injured brains? Do the brains of gifted students exhibit elevated metabolic activity? Can imaging techniques such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) contribute to our understanding of how consciousness arises in the brain?

Interdisciplinary Learning

At Ursinus, the neuroscience major is designed to be truly interdisciplinary and to engage in contemporary approaches to those difficult questions. The neuroscience curriculum is intended to encourage students to think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and approach questions utilizing knowledge gained from biology, biochemistry, computer science, philosophy, physics, and psychology. Ursinus graduate Dr. Gerald Edelman ’50 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972 for discovering the chemical structure of antibody molecules. He later studied the origin and nature of consciousness and its relationship to brain function.

Career Preparation

Neuroscience majors graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree that prepares them for careers in academic, medical, biomedical, clinical, government, and pharmaceutical settings. Neuroscience majors often pursue graduate degrees in behavioral sciences, biology, biochemistry, cognitive science, experimental psychology, neuroanatomy, neurobiology, neuropharmacology, neuroscience, occupational therapy, physical therapy, toxicology, or medicine.

 

Meet Alumnus Alyse Brewer

Neuroscience and English Double Major

 

Meet Alumnus Remi Janicot

Beurobiologist and student athlete

Thomas Hall 333

Co-Coordinators:

Dr. Carlita Favero

IDC 304
cfavero@ursinus.edu

Dr. Ellen Dawley

IDC 301
edawley@ursinus.edu