Neuroscience Major

Stonehill's Neuroscience program provides an integrated and in-depth foundation for understanding the complex functions of the nervous system and, in particular, the brain. Students can pursue a bachelor of science degree or bachelor of arts degree based on their career goals.

Program Type Undergraduate Major
Degrees Offered B.S., B.A.
Mode of Study On Campus
Department Interdisciplinary
School May School of Arts & Sciences
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An Undergrad Neuroscience Program with Graduate-Level Benefits

Research opportunities and ability to pursue Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, allow students to tailor their degree to suit their goals. 

Gain a Holistic Understanding

The Neuroscience program at Stonehill College is based on the premise that the study of the brain requires a comprehensive foundation in the sciences and behavior. Our mission is to prepare students to actively engage in and contribute to the process, understanding and application of neuroscience.

The bachelor of science program is especially good for students who are on the pre-med track or interested in pursuing lab research in neurobiology, neurochemistry, etc. The bachelor of arts program retains the core Neuroscience (NEU) courses as requirements, but has fewer biology and chemistry requirements, which offers more flexibility for students, especially for those opting to minor or major in other subjects as well.

 

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system from the molecular to the organismic levels of organization. It is multidisciplinary, drawing on knowledge from traditional disciplines such as biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and experimental psychology.

Neuroscience Majors Study

Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience includes topics such as gene transcription and translation, intra and intercellular communication, neuronal excitability and conduction of nerve impulses.

Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience includes how networks of neurons operate as a system to allow the organism to respond appropriately to its changing environment.

Clinical aspects of Neuroscience includes neural control and potential treatments for disorders such as sleep apnea, addiction, Type II diabetes, and mental disorders like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

The Neurobiology of Disease includes studying the neurobiological bases of conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Addiction and Major Depressive Disorder. 

A Valuable Step Toward an Advanced Degree

In addition to providing our graduates with a solid foundation for entrance-level careers, the Neuroscience major is also a popular choice among students who plan to pursue advanced degrees. Our graduates have been accepted into some of the most prestigious graduate schools in the nation.

We provide a strong education in the fundamentals and allow students to choose an emphasis in either the biological or the psychological aspects of the field. Students with a focus on the biological side of neuroscience are prepared for a variety of careers.

Big Challenges, Great Support

In addition to enthusiastic and highly qualified neuroscience professors who are active in research, the Neuroscience program benefits from additional faculty members who are neurologists at Boston’s top hospitals. Students also have access to numerous other well-qualified faculty members from the Biology, Chemistry and Psychology departments.

All of professors challenge their students in the classroom. At the same time, the same professors, fellow students and a host of additional resources combine to create a supportive and enriching learning environment at Stonehill College.

They adapt the curriculum to the newest techniques that are coming out. They always share the newest technologies and want us to understand every aspect.

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Equipment

The $34 million, 89,000-square-foot Shields Science Center shows just how dedicated Stonehill is to the sciences. Shields offers state of the art facilities, including labs, observation rooms, research areas as well as innovative “clabs” that are designed to function as both classroom and lab space.

Access to Advanced Equipment

At Stonehill, neuroscience majors learn by doing. Students that collaborate with faculty on research projects have access to a wide variety of high-tech equipment, a perk usually reserved for graduate students anywhere else. Here are just a few pieces of equipment that you may use: 

  • Morris Water Maze with Polytrack video tracking system
  • Tissue Culture Facility (4 Biosafety Hoods, Tissue Culture CO2 Incubators and Cryostorage unit)
  • Open Field Photobeam Activity System
  • Small Animal Stereotaxic Apparatus
  • High Field Digital NMR Spectrometer
  • Raman Spectrophotometer
  • UPLC System with Tandem Mass Spectrometer Detection
  • Femtosecond Pulse Laser Systems with 4W Opus Laser
  • Transmission Electron Microscope

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Sample Courses

Research Methods in Neuroscience (WID)

NEU 271
How do we design scientific experiments that provide sound and convincing evidence of a relationship or effect? What variables and statistical analyses are most relevant in neuroscience experimentation? We will examine neuroscience research methodologies and use case studies and examples drawing from molecular, physiological and behavioral neuroscience, to broaden our perspective of experimental design, data collection and interpretation.

Cognitive Neuroscience

NEU 300
This course explores how the brain carries out the functions of the mind. We will explore the functional organization that allows us to move, speak, see, hear, and feel, and we examine the evidence for this organization such as deficits following brain lesions and patterns of brain activity during cognitive tasks.

Sensory and Motor Neurobiology

NEU 302
This course will build upon basic neuroscience concepts. An emphasis on cell and molecular neurophysiology will be explored within the framework of sensory and motor systems. An in-depth look at how neurons communicate, together with an introduction to reading and discussing primary literature, will prepare students for more advanced neuroscience topics.

Outcomes Six Months After Graduation

Stonehill’s neuroscience alumni are attending competitive graduate and professional programs, or are employed in industrial, academic or health-related settings, establishing a pipeline for our incoming students.

100%
CLASS OF 2019 PLACEMENT RATE

100% of Class of 2019 neuroscience graduates are employed, enrolled in top graduate programs or engaged in postgraduate service six months after graduation.

Where Our Graduates Work

Stonehill’s neuroscience graduates go on to work at a range of notable organizations. Continue exploring where Stonehill graduates work.

  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • Joslin Diabetes Center
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • McLean Hospital
  • Harvard Medical School
  • AmeriCorps

Honor Society Affiliations

Nu Rho Psi

Stonehill College is a Charter member of Nu Rho Psi, the National Honor Society in the field of Neuroscience. Students are selected for membership in Nu Rho Psi based on their superior scholarly accomplishments as well as their excellent work in the laboratory.

Lambda Epsilon Sigma

Stonehill’s campus-wide honor society, Lambda Epsilon Sigma, recognizes students from all areas of study. Students who have demonstrated a well-rounded thirst for knowledge are invited to apply.

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing during their senior year.

Contact Information

Nicole Cyr

Nicole Cyr

Associate Professor of Biology & Neuroscience, Neuroscience Program Director
ncyr@stonehill.edu
508-565-1071
Shields 208
Biology

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