Neuroscience Specialist

• Complete “Scientific Foundations” courses: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3, [MATA30H3 or MATA29H3].
• Apply to “Stage 1” Neuroscience Specialist on ACORN by the deadline.
• Use our program checklists to plan your future courses.

• Use the Chemistry Help Centre.
• Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
• Apply to the Psychology Department’s Budding Scholars program. Winners gain access to research talks and funding opportunities.

• 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.

• Join the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA) to connect with students in neuroscience; explore other student groups as well.
• Volunteer in the Alternative Reading Week to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development; visit Department of Student Life (DSL) for details.

• Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (
• Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

• Complete Neuroscience Foundations courses: NROB60H3, NROB61H3, [PSYB07H3 or STAB22H3], PSYB55H3, PSYB70H3, BIOB10H3.
• Complete 1.0 credit from: BIOB11H3, CSCA20H3, CHMB41H3, CHMB42H3, MATA23H3, [PHYA10H3 or PHYA11H3], PSYB51H3, PSYC08H3, PSYC09H3.
• Apply to “Stage 2” stream during the Post application period.

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

• Attend workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
• Seek out volunteer positions in faculty research labs.
• Apply to the Budding Scholars Research Award to receive funding toward a faculty-supervised project.

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)

• Check CLNx (
• Complete the Global Citizenship Certificate; look into Global Learning opportunities such as the Summer Abroad program and the Explore program through the International Student Centre (ISC).

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

• Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (
• 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.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

• Continue taking B- and C-level courses toward the requirements of your chosen stream.
• Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

• Consider completing a Supervised Study course [NROC90H3].
• Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize, the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards, and the U of T Excellence Award (UTEA).

• Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.

• Run for an elected position in the Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (PNDA).
• Take part in the Wellness Peer Programs in the Health & Wellness Centre to help foster a healthy community.

• Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
• Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
• Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

• Complete the D-level Capstone Courses requirement of your program.
• Complete any remaining B- or C-level courses required for your chosen stream.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.