Neuroscience

With its focus on the relationships among brain function, cognitive processing and behavior, neuroscience is a truly interdisciplinary field, one that is ideal for studying in a liberal arts environment that promotes connections among disciplines.

As a neuroscience major at Union, you will begin your studies with a variety of core courses in several departments, including biology, computer science, philosophy and psychology. Then you will select one of three tracks for specialization:

• Bioscience: Focuses on the biological basis of neural development, function and plasticity
• Cognitive: Addresses how neural networks and brain mechanisms give rise to specific mental processes and behavior; or
• Computational: Emphasizes issues related to developing computational models of neuronal and mental processes.

Our students work closely with faculty in the Center for Neuroscience, which includes five research laboratories. The center supports research and training in the areas of neuroplasticity; human cognitive abilities and behavioral dispositions; sex differences in spatial cognition; cognitive genetics; neural control of behavior; and basic molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric neurological disorders.

The neuroscience program emphasizes collaboration, academic inquiry and experimentation. Students enjoy opportunities for summer research fellowships and participation in symposia, and most present at Union’s Steinmetz Symposium research day each spring. Other are co-authors on papers that are published in scientific journals.