Neuroscience strives to unlock the mysteries of the mind, brain, and nervous system function. The field uses multidisciplinary approaches to answer some of the most perplexing and intriguing questions facing humanity: how does the brain develop, enact behavior, and drive our ability to learn, reason, and create? How do abnormalities in brain development or function result in disorders of movement and thought?
The neuroscience program brings together an interdisciplinary group of professors who are passionate about mentoring undergraduates in this fascinating field of study, involving them in research that unveils novel mechanisms of brain function and exploring the neural correlates of emotion, cognition, and psychopathology.
Assumption University offers numerous opportunities to pursue neuroscience, including:
- B.S. in Neuroscience with Cellular Path – for students who wish to develop and refine skills of inquiry with a focus on the brain and mind
- B.S. in Biology with a Concentration in Neuroscience and Behavior – for students whose interests are drawn towards genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain development and function as well as neurological disorders/diseases.
- B.A. in Neuroscience with a Psychology Path – for students who are interested in the neurological mechanisms that underlie human thinking and behavior.
- B.A. in Psychology with a Concentration in Neuroscience of Human Behavior – for students who want to focus on the psychological aspects of brain function.
- Center for Neuroscience, which provides student research internships, a lecture series, networking opportunities, and community outreach.
Learning Goals for the Major in Neuroscience
A Major in Neuroscience utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to empower students to:
- Develop and refine skills of inquiry with a focus on the brain and mind
- Gain a strong understanding of the classic and contemporary findings in neuroscience
- Comprehend and appreciate the dynamic, multidisciplinary nature of this field
- To ask thoughtful questions and strategically select approaches to answer questions
- Develop informed hypotheses and design/execute experiments to test hypotheses
- Critically analyze data and determine if data supports hypotheses.
Students are encouraged to engage in independent research and internships, in addition to successful completion of the required coursework. Neuroscience majors will be prepared to pursue careers in industry, health professions, and graduate studies within the field of neuroscience.
Michele Lemons, Ph.D
An Ideal Place to Learn
Faculty
Experiential Learning
Assumption’s Center for Neuroscience
The Center provides a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of students and faculty with the opportunity to explore current brain-centric research findings in a variety of ways. The Center aims to increase opportunities for student research, enable students to present their research at national conferences, offer neuroscience-focused career-building events on campus, host a neuroscience-centric lecture series featuring nationally recognized neuroscientists, provide opportunities for networking, and engage in community outreach.
Hands-On Research: Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with Assumption faculty on research projects. Students can earn academic credit for research completed during the academic year and may apply for paid summer research fellowships. Assumption also enjoys an internship pipeline with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), just minutes from campus. Lecture Series: Featuring nationally recognized neuroscientists, the lecture series gives students the opportunity to learn more about the field and network with experts. Community Outreach Opportunities: The Center provides students opportunities to give back to the local community, through activities such as visits to local elementary schools and generating awareness of brain-related diseases by participating in community 5k runs/walks. Abroad Opportunities: Students are encouraged to expand their world view by pursuing study abroad opportunities. The Center for Neuroscience looks for ways to connect students interested in neuroscience with related abroad programs, such as the Neuroscience Seminar in Germany.
Career Paths
Abbott Bioresearch Center
Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Biogen Idec
Eli Lilly and Company
Genzyme
Hasbro Children’s Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mosaic Technologies
Pfizer
Waters Corporation
Medical Programs
Physician Assistant Programs
Physical Therapy Programs
Ph.D. Programs
Occupational Therapy Programs
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.
Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost
We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.