Neuroscience | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Life Sciences

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https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/welcome-department-psychology

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.

The Specialist Program in Neuroscience is research-intensive and allows students to choose one of three streams to concentrate their studies: Cellular/Molecular, Systems/Behavioural, or Cognitive. The Specialist (Co-op) Program in Neuroscience also requires successful completion of eight months of work-term experience.

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.

Complementary Programs:

Psychology, Mental Health Studies, Human Biology, Molecular Biology, Computer Science

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

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

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

Further Education

Neuroscience
Biology
Psychology
Medicine
Law
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Public Health
Education

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

3.0 credits as follows: BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3, PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3.
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use our program checklists to plan your future courses.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

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.

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)

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.

Plan for Your Future Career

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.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

3.5 credits as follows: BIOB10H3, BIOB11H3, NROB60H3, NROB61H3, PSYB55H3, PSYB70H3, and PSYB07H3 OR STAB22H3.
Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).

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 (>Jobs & Recruitment) for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
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.(>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

1.0 credit from: NROC34H3, NROC36H3, NROC61H3, NROC64H3, NROC69H3.
0.5 credit from: BIOC14H3, NROC60H3, NROC63H3, NROC90H3 or NROC93H3, PSYC62H3.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

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).

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)

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 for Your Future Career

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.

Year 4
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.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
PNDA - Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/psychology-and-neuroscience-departmental-association-pnda)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)