Neuroscience

Banner of neurons connected in the brain

Understanding the brain and how it gives rise to the mind is among the last great frontiers of science. Neuroscience is the study of brain and nervous system function, and is one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas of modern research. The neuroscience major at the University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Science degree in this interdisciplinary field, combining elements of biology, psychology, cognitive science and philosophy to study how the nervous system works.

The University of Cincinnati is the only school in the region, and one of the few in Ohio, that offers a comprehensive major in neuroscience. We combine the strengths of a dedicated faculty teaching the undergraduate curriculum and access to the cutting edge resources of a top research university. Through personal advising and a broad-ranging curriculum, we provide students with the foundation to work in a wide variety of areas, including medicine, psychology, research and teaching. Even fields such as law and economics increasingly value a background in neuroscience.

Building on a common scientific core of courses, our majors choose a concentration in one of three tracks: neurobiology; neuropsychology; or brain, mind and behavior. Active participation in research is a key part of our program, and you will have the chance to work with one or more of the over 80 neuroscience labs on campus. Faculty interacting with neuroscience students come from departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the University Medical Center, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the Genome Research Institute.

For more information, please contact Ilya Vilinsky, the director of the Undergraduate Neuroscience program, at ilya.vilinsky@uc.edu, or drop by the Undergraduate Resource Center in room 605 Rieveschl Hall.

Notable Quotable

"Unlike any other organ in the human body, our brain is the essence of what makes us human, our memories, our thoughts, our personalities—one hundred billion nerve cells working together in perfect harmony."— Keith Black, co-author of "Brain Surgeon" (Grand Central Life & Style, 2009)