CNS Undergraduate Studies

Aims and Scope of the Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate CNS option provides a foundation in math, physics, biology and computer science to prepare students for interdisciplinary graduate studies in neuroscience and career paths that involve computational applications inspired by properties of biological systems, such as artificial intelligence and computer vision. By graduation, students will have acquired knowledge in neurobiology, computation principles across different systems, methods used in modern neuroscience research, as well as the ability to critically evaluate and understand neuroscience literature, and be able to work in a team and communicate effectively.

To accomplish these goals, students are expected to complete a series of math and physics courses to establish solid quantitative skills. Then, they are expected to take two groups of courses, of which one has a biology focus, while the other has a CS focus. Through these courses, students are exposed to different sub-disciplines of neuroscience while also acquiring the quantitative skills needed in graduate research and industry jobs. Students will receive instruction in scientific communications through SEC 10 and SEC 11, SEC 12, SEC 13, or Bi/BE 24.

Undergraduate research is encouraged both during the academic year and through participation in summer research programs.

Students with a grade-point average lower than 1.9 will not be allowed to continue in the option except with special permission from the option representative.