Majors and Minors (<<Back to Majors and Minors list)

Neuroscience
Major only

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system on many different levels, and is generally separated into three main subgroups: cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. Cellular and molecular neuroscience focuses on the mechanisms by which information flows within and between cells in the nervous system, cognitive neuroscience focuses on how cognitive functions such as language and memory are implemented by the brain, and systems neuroscience seeks to relate brain structure and functioning to behaviors and related physiological processes.

Highlights of the Hopkins Program
Hopkins is home to faculty and researchers who study the nervous system at many levels. Their presence allows for innovative courses that offer a broad overview of the neuroscience field, as well as more advanced training and research opportunities in one of three areas of concentra­tion. The interdepartmental nature of the neurosci­ence major exposes students to faculty from the schools of Arts & Sciences and Engineering, the School of Medicine, and the Krieger Mind/Brain Institute. The major consists of two degree programs: a four-year B.A. based primarily on course work, and a five-year B.A./M.S. involving additional course work and a yearlong intensive laboratory experience. Both programs are designed to provide rigorous preparation for advanced study in either a Ph.D. program or medicine.

Departmental Homepage
Direct access to the department’s undergraduate information and their own description of their programs.
http://undergradneurosci.jhu.edu/

Scheduling

Sample First Semester Schedule

• Calculus I, 110.106
• Introductory Chemistry I, 030.101
• Introductory Chemistry Lab I, 030.105
• Elective H or S course, possibly Intro to Physiological Psychology, 200.141
• Total 12-16 credits

Major Checklist
A checklist which can be used for exploring the requirements of a potential major and monitoring your own degree progress.

Major: http://www.jhu.edu/~advising/images/checklists_pdf/NeuroscienceMajor.doc

Career Exploration

Skill Set
The “real world” skills you’ll develop with a major in Neuroscience:

• Operating scientific equipment
• Applying biological theories
• Designing experiments and recording results
• Applying scientific concepts to problems
• Reasoning logically to evaluate the effects of phenomena
• Attention to detail
• Reporting results and conclusions orally and in writing

Career Center
What have alumni done with their major in Neuroscience?
http://www.jhu.edu/careers/students/explore/majors/neurosci.html

Looking for information about majors, careers, and finding jobs and internships? Visit the Career Center’s website:
http://www.jhu.edu/careers/

Last modified: December 9, 2008