Neuroscience Major

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Program Overview

Neuroscience is a highly interdisciplinary scientific field of study that offers insight into the structure and function of the brain and the nervous system. Our nervous system is responsible for an enormous range of tasks, from regulating essential body functions such as breathing and digestion to producing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Neuroscientists are interested in understanding the normal development and activity of the nervous system, as well as what happens under atypical circumstances such as neurological injury, diseases, and disorders. Our Major program focuses on both Cellular/Molecular and Systems/Behavioural Neuroscience, and on how to be a skilled consumer of neuroscience research, providing a valuable foundation for a variety of career paths.
 

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

1. Competencies & Skills

  • Write and speak effectively; inform and explain ideas
  • Design experiments and conduct studies; assemble and analyze data; make observations and comparisons to make valid conclusions
  • Make critical decisions in stressful situations and understand individual differences
  • Understand and identify neurological diseases
  • Perform lab work; maintain lab equipment

2. Careers for Graduates

  • Researcher in Hospitals or Universities
  • Data Analyst
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Rehabilitation Counsellor
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Disability Case Manager in Public Insurance
  • Volunteer Coordinator in Disease-Focused Education
  • Medical careers
  • Science Educator

3. Further Education

  • Neuroscience
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Public Health
  • Education

Program Pathway

Year 1
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
  • Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

  • Get involved in the Psychology & Neuroscience Undergraduate Journal Club to learn how to critically analyze scientific literature, and discuss articles with peers.
  • Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the ISC to gain valuable international and research experiences.

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx.(>Jobs & Recruitment)
  • Considering grad school?  Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • 0.5 credit at the D-level in Psychology, Biology, or Neuroscience, as listed in your program requirements (see UTSC Calendar for details).
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Consider completing a Thesis course [NROD98Y3]. Plan ahead to ensure you meet prerequisite requirements.
  • Apply for a travel award through the DSL or Department of Psychology.
  • Again, consider competing for UTSC Library, NSERC, and UTEA awards.
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors and get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Contacts

Did You Know

UTSC is home to the Graduate Dept. of Psychological Clinical Science, offering an MA/PhD program in clinical psychology.