Neuroscience
Practical, hands-on research experience is an important component for understanding the discipline of neuroscience. At Carthage, neuroscience students begin their own research early and conduct research often, working closely with faculty to hone their skills and prepare for careers or graduate school.
The Neuroscience Program at Carthage encompasses the following:
- The molecular and cellular basis of neuronal function
- Nervous system structure
- Neural correlates of behavior
- Mechanisms of nervous system disorders
The program provides both a breadth of understanding in basic scientific principles and depth of knowledge in the emerging area of nervous system research.
Conduct research early and often
Carthage neuroscience majors take the course Research Methods in Neuroscience during their sophomore year. In this introductory course, students work on an actual scientific project, collecting data that will be presented nationally. By learning core skills in brain research, experimental methods, and analysis early in their college career, students can pursue research on a deeper level as juniors and seniors.
Students have access to research equipment in the biology, chemistry, and psychological science departments, as well as the rodent colony in the Neuroscience Laboratory. All students are required to complete an independent research project under the supervision of a neuroscience faculty member.
Course You’ll Take as a Neuroscience major
A sampling of required courses and available electives in neuroscience:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Neuroscience Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy and Physiology
Where Carthage neuroscience graduates go
Alumni have gone on to careers in medicine, dentistry, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, veterinary science, audiology, software development, and academic and industrial research.
Employers
- Womack Army Medical Center
- Abbvie
- Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Graduate programs
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Mayo Clinic
- Marquette University
- University of Bonn (Germany)
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Scholarships for neuroscience students
Carthage awards two full-tuition per year Math/Science Scholarships each year to incoming students. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate ability in mathematics and natural sciences, including neuroscience, and are renewable for four years.