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Why Major in Neuroscience at Allegheny College

Study the brain and nervous system, drawing upon biology and psychology and exploring areas such as development, sensation and perception, behavior, cognition, learning and memory, movement, sleep, and stress. You’ll gain research, analytical, and communication abilities valued by employers and graduates schools alike.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Neuroscience with:

Division

  • Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Program Type

  • Major

Number of Credits

54-58 for major

Where Neuroscience Alumni Work Today

Project Manager

University of Pittsburgh

Kathryn Little ‘01

Sr. Director, Opportunity & Inclusion Center

Council for the Advancement and Support of Education

Ben Walker ‘91

Head of Medical Communications

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Paul Miller ‘92

Psychiatrist

Matthew DeJohn, M.D. Private Practice

Matthew DeJohn ’95

Scientist

Biogen

Karl Richter ’84

Professor of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology

University of Pittsburgh

Anthony Grace ’75

Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience

Program Director

Deanne Buffalari ’99

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Tufts Medical Center

Ashley Rogerson ’06

CEO and founder

BEAM Diagnostics

Sarah Snider ’09

President & CEO

Interphase Materials

Noah Snyder ’10

Resident Physician

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Benjamin Zuchelkowski ’15

Your Four-Year Journey

Neuroscience Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Neuroscience majors gain an understanding of how nervous system function is related to sensation, movement, behavior, cognition, and health. Graduates can apply the knowledge and skills learned in laboratory research, medical/health, policy, and educational settings, among others.

Year 2: New Approaches

In 200-level courses, you begin to understand the tools and methods used in neuroscience research. You’ll also start to see connections between sensory processing, behavior, cognition, and health.

Year 3: Delving Deeper

Now it’s time to start taking your first steps to conduct and interpret the results of neuroscience experiments in the Junior Seminar. The seminar is built as an advanced research course where advisors will guide you.

Year 4: The Comp

Neuroscience majors display their oral and written skills with the Senior Comp. The comp is a unique research project where students investigate a topic of their choice and develop a unique thesis.

Featured Courses

 

 

Research and Internships

Allegheny Neuroscience Students Learn By Doing

Neuroscience students take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to:

  • Independent studies
  • Local, regional, and international conferences
  • Research internships
  • Summer research
  • Senior comp

Conferences

Allegheny’s students regularly present their research findings at local, regional, and national professional meetings, and their work is on occasion published in professional journals.

Recent Internships

  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), University of Michigan
  • Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
  • Summer Internship, Susan Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Il
  • Summer Internship, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Research Opportunities

Conduct original research directed by faculty between an independent study or summer research, either off or on-campus.

Recent Senior Comps

The Senior Comp is the culmination of four years of experience, imagination, and study. It is the moment when you demonstrate what you’ve learned by teaching us something new.

  • Therapeutic Methods to Reduce Nerve Pain: A Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • CPMA, metabolite of the novel anesthetic ABP-700, inhibits Kv4.2 current
  • Effects of Adenosine on Neurogenesis using a Crayfish Brain Model
  • The Gut Brain Axis: The Impact Of Diet Manipulations On Anxiety-Like Behaviors
  • Understanding The Effects Of Stress On Impulsivity And Choice Behavior In Female Rats Exposed To Alcohol In Either Adolescence Or Adulthood
  • The Effects of Environmental Enrichment and Oxytocin on Autism Using a Valproic Acid Model

Faculty and Staff

Lauren French

Associate Professor

Ph.D., Cornell University; B.A., Oberlin College

Rodney Clark

Professor

Ph.D., M.A., Western Michigan University; B.A., California State University

Frequently Asked Questions About the Neuroscience Program

What type of degree is an Neuroscience major?

Students who major in Neuroscience at Allegheny College will earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

Are there any clubs and activities available for Neuroscience students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the neuroscience program.

Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Lauren French

Associate Professor of Biology; Chair of Biology

Email(814) 332-3306