So, You Want to Study Neuroscience?

Periodically we hope to highlight ways students can get involved in their area of interest. The information below is not a comprehensive list, but some of our favorite resources. Our first area to explore….. neuroscience.  

Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the nervous system and behavior. It covers a wide span of knowledge including the nervous system, functions of the brain, neuronal function and so much more. Individuals who are interested in this field may be fascinated to learn more about how we think and behave and the relationship between the two. There are lots of overlapping interests such as cognitive science, neurobiology, computational biology, and more.

To be a competitive applicant in the undergraduate admissions process students should consider taking:

o   Four years of math including calculus

o   Four years of English

o   Four years of lab science- bio, chem and physics and one or more of your choice. This could potentially be a CS course, anything bio related, or whatever your school has to offer

o   Four years of history/social science, which could include taking various psychology courses, or philosophy after you have met your US and World History requirement

o   Three-Four years of foreign Language

o   Electives to consider- various programming (Python) quantum computing, or CS related courses, statistics but not in lieu of calculus if possible

No matter what you’re into, we find it important to be informed. Some of our most successful students were curious individuals and if they had questions, they would find the answers by reading.  Reading inspires great questions, ideas and often action.

If you want to learn more about neuroscience, consider:

o   Reading Scientific American Mind

o   Brain facts- This resource has so many amazing opportunities  

o   Check out these specific reading/documentary recommendations from Professor Jon Flynn at Rice University

o   Check out these cool STEM Lyceums Events and recordings by CEE

o   Books, articles etc. for high school students http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/booksh.html

o   Sign-up for this newsletter http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/newslet.html

o   See Learn more about neuroscience from helpful videos and information

o   Talking directly with a neuroscientist https://www.brainfacts.org/For-Educators/Find-a-Neuroscientist

o   If you have Apple news, follow neuroscience on your Apple News App and you will always be in the know

o   Become a member https://www.youthneuro.org/member

If you like competitions, you might enjoy the Brain Bee or the Brain Awareness Video Contest

If you want to volunteer you might consider putting together a campaign or cool opportunities for younger students to explore the brain for Brain Awareness Week BAW March 11-17th. Volunteering at a hospital could be an option as well for students ages 16 and older.

Internships at a University can be a great opportunity, but often difficult to get, but not impossible.  Heads-up you need to be at least 16, and here are some helpful tips about how to approach a professor from Professor Jon Flynn at Rice University recommendations. There is also this incredible internship opportunity with Leadership Initiatives in the field of neuroscience https://lichangesummer.org/advanced-medical-neuroscience-internship/

Other extracurriculars/competitions you might consider:

o   Science Olympiad

o   Biology Olympiad

o   Science Bowl

o   Society for Neuroscience

o   HOSA  

o   Research- talk with your science teachers about pursuing your local science fair, or ISEF, JSHS, STS

o   Join or start a neuroscience club or chapter at your school

If you want to explore neuroscience over the summer either through free courses, or camp here are a few great options to consider:

o   Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience CNI-X

o   Cognitive Psychology and How the Brain Works

o   Explorations in Neuroscience

o   Explorations in Neuroscience: Neurons, Behavior, and Beyond

o   Neuroscience Institute

o   MiRcore

o   BU Rise

o   Science Mentorship Program

o   MIT Open Courseware

o   Coursera

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