Neuroscience
Neuroscience Specialist (HBSc)
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.
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
- Analyze ideas and information
- Communicate clearly
- both orally and in writing
- Design experiments and conduct studies
- Gather
- analyze and interpret data
- Inform and explain ideas
- Perceive and understand individuals
- Computational modelling
- Neuroimaging
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
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
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
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 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.
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
- 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.
Year 3
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.
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
- 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.
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)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactAinsley Lawsonpsychology-undergraduate@utsc.utoronto.cahttps://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/welcome-department-psychology
- Neuroscience LibrarianSarah Guaysarah.guay@utoronto.caARC main floor416-287-7497https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Psychology and Neuroscience Departmental Association [PNDA]https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/psychology-and-neuroscience-departmental-association-pnda
Did You Know?
UTSC is home to the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, offering an MA/PhD program in clinical psychology.