The neuroscience program at Brigham Young University provides excellent interdisciplinary training in the classroom as well as experience in laboratory research settings and internships for both graduate and undergraduate students. Established in 1999, the BYU Neuroscience Center offers an undergraduate degree (B.S.) in neuroscience as well as Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Currently, there are approximately 600 undergraduate and 16 graduate students. The undergraduate neuroscience program is one of the largest in the United States.
Neuroscience is the field of study that encompasses the development, structure, and function of the central nervous system and its connection to influencing/regulating behavior. The study of neuroscience examines neuroanatomy, physiology of the nervous system, biochemistry, genetics, neuropharmacology, neuroimaging, systems and behavioral neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, social neuroscience, cognition, bioengineering, computational neuroscience, and neural dysfunction and disease. The interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience requires the tools and training in biology, genetics, physiology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, psychology, statistics, calculus, and research design and analysis.
Faculty in the Neuroscience Center come from academic departments across the university, including Psychology, Physiology and Developmental Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Audiology and Speech and Language Pathology, and Marriage, Family and Human Development. Current Neuroscience Center faculty can be found here:
Program Outcomes:
Professional Preparation
Program graduates will have the necessary knowledge and skills in molecular and cellular biology, neuroanatomy, behavioral neuroscience, physiology, and supporting disciplines required to pursue advanced degrees in areas relating to neuroscience or professional schools.
Research Critique and Application
Program graduates will evaluate, critique, and apply research findings in neuroscience. Students gain these skills by participating in one or more of the following:
- Participating in professional preparatory opportunities including professional meeting presentations
- Publishing peer-reviewed journals or abstracts
- Submitting student grant proposals
- Completing internships