Neuroscience

The major in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an appreciation of diverse approaches to understanding the function of nervous systems, as well as the ability to conduct investigations within a particular subfield of interest.  The Neuroscience website has more detailed information about the neuroscience major. Students majoring in Neuroscience complete:

• A common core program,
• A sequence of four electives determined in consultation with an adviser in Neuroscience, and
• A one- or two-semester thesis on a topic related to the four-course sequence.

The major provides good preparation for graduate work in biology, neuroscience, and a variety of other programs including medical school or other graduate health professions programs.  Admission to particular advanced degree programs may require additional course work.

Major Requirements

Claremont McKenna College

Pitzer College

Scripps College

Keck Science Common Learning Outcomes

Students completing a major in the Keck Science Department should demonstrate the ability to:

1. Use foundational principles to analyze problems in nature.
2. Develop hypotheses and test them using quantitative techniques.
3. Articulate applications of science in the modern world.
4. Effectively communicate scientific concepts both verbally and in writing.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Neuroscience major of the Keck Science Department aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to prepare them to effectively engage and evaluate issues and innovations in neuroscience. In particular, the program prepares students for graduate programs in Neuroscience and contributes towards the preparation for professional programs such biotechnology and medicine.

A Neuroscience Major should be able to:

1. Understand the structure and function of the nervous system at various levels of organization.
2. Understand a number of research techniques in neuroscience and gain training in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of various methods.
3. Design experiments, analyze data and think critically.
4. Critically evaluate published scientific literature.