B.Sc. in Brain Sciences (single major)
B.Sc. in Brain Sciences (extended track)
Research in the field of Brain Sciences is interdisciplinary in nature. Examples are numerous already from inception of this field. Sigmund Freud was a prominent neurophysiologist in addition to being a father of psychoanalysis; Pavlov won a Nobel Prize in physiology in addition to establishing field of learning psychology; and Charles Darwin established the field of behavioral science in humans and animals in addition to developing a theory of evolution.
Despite the multidisciplinary nature of neuroscience founder’s research, historically the investigators in the field of brain sciences and behavior belonged to different academic departments until the end of the previous century, thus leading to relatively few collaborations among them. In the recent years an overarching consensus has emerged that brain and behavior research requires deep understanding of the knowledge and methodologies that were developed in numerous research fields related to it, and that neurobiologists, psychologists, linguists, and artificial intelligence researchers investigate scientific questions that are tightly related to each other. This has led to establishment of brain sciences as a field, with unique and specific research methodologies, though rooted in interconnected scientific fields. Moreover, a consensus has emerged that research of the nervous system is incomplete without addressing its functions – sensory processing, perception, learning, language processing and higher cognitive processes that are studied by cognitive scientists. Developments in computer sciences also contributed to the progress in understanding of the brain and to development of computational neuroscience.
These developments combined with the notion that understanding of the brain represents one of the biggest challenges of humanity have inspired us to develop this unique interdisciplinary program in Brain Sciences. The program offers broad background in neurobiology, and cognitive and computational neuroscience. The extended BSc in Brain Sciences cultivates interdisciplinary neuroscientists that could approach complex research questions using variety of advanced neuroscience tools. The program emphasizes quantitative research and includes courses in mathematics, physics, programming and advanced laboratory courses with an aim of promoting scientific cross talk between the neuroscience and biological, and cognitive sciences, based on quantitative research.
Program curriculum:
The program integrates introductory and compulsory courses in brain sciences as well as courses in related areas (biology, physics, chemistry, algebra, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuronal networks and more) that are required for all students in the program. Starting from the second year of the program students pick an area of specialization among the following: biology or behavior.
Biology: this specialization offers advanced required courses on the intersection of the brain sciences and life sciences (e.g. endocrinology, developmental biology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering).
Behavior: this specialization offers advanced required courses on the intersection of brain and cognitive sciences (e.g. perception, developmental psychology, social psychology, etc.)
Numerous students participate in the research conducted in the laboratories of the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center already during their second and third years of the program. The program includes hands-on experience in the laboratories and practicum in the brain sciences. Advanced elective courses and seminars complete the program and provide knowledge on recent scientific advances in brain sciences and an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.
Graduate studies options for students graduating with BSc in Brain Sciences (extended track)
Graduating in Brain Sciences (BSc) with specialization in Biology offers a possibility to continue studies toward advanced degrees in Brain Sciences or Biology.
Graduating in Brain Sciences (BSc) with specialization in Behavior offers a possibility to continue studies toward advanced degrees in the fields of Brain Sciences and psychological research.
