Neurobiology, BS

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (nerves in body) nervous system. The neurobiology major at UW–Madison will provide a rigorous education in neuroscience principles that will prepare students for health-related careers (physician, physician assistant, veterinarian, dentist, neuroimaging technician, speech-language pathologist, neuropsychologist, drug rehabilitation counselor, physical therapists), academic careers (college and university faculty, research scientists, lab technician, K-12 teachers), and careers in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, venture capital and scientific consulting firms, medical and scientific journals, intellectual property law, neuroscience-related nonprofit organizations and foundations, and government agencies. UW–Madison is one of the leading universities in the world with more than 90 faculty engaged in neuroscience research and undergraduates will have access to this research faculty in formal classroom environments and through undergraduate research opportunities. Please see the Neurobiology Major website for more information.

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About the Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to give students a solid foundation in basic biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics before going on to study neuroscience at the molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive levels. Students with interests in non-neuroscience majors are welcome and encouraged to enroll in neuroscience courses. For example, students may be attracted to the diversity and flexibility of courses offered within the biology major in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and still take several neuroscience courses that satisfy requirements in the biology major. Students can also perform independent research in neuroscience laboratories on campus. Students in other majors, such as biochemistry, psychology, genetics, animal sciences, communication sciences and disorders, engineering, and computer science, can enroll in neuroscience courses that uniquely complement courses within their major. The Neurobiology Major Program Committee is committed to increasing opportunities for all students with interests in neuroscience and helping students accomplish their academic goals at UW–Madison. This new major is tailored to attract students from a diverse array of backgrounds. Please see the Neurobiology Major website for more information.