Neuroscience

About the neuroscience major

Neuroscience is the science of the nervous system, which includes the brain. It's the study of how the brain functions in health and disease. The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience is interdisciplinary—a mix of psychology and biology with strong components of chemistry, physics, and math. Neuroscience is a rapidly advancing field that addresses the structure and function of the nervous system with particular focus on the intersection between the brain and behavior.

Skills and abilities the major develops: data analysis and interpretation skills, written and verbal communication, problem-solving, statistics, and project management.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Undergraduate research

Undergraduate research experiences help you develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career.

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career and Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.

Center for Service and Learning

The IU Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

  • Brain mechanisms of behavior
  • Cellular and molecular neuroscience
  • Genetics and molecular biology
  • Introduction to psychology
  • Organic chemistry
  • Systems neuroscience

Possible careers

  • Biologist
  • Clinical research assistant
  • Computational neuroscience
  • Genetic counselor*
  • Lab technician specialist
  • Neuropsychologist*

*These careers require additional education or training.

Where could I work?

  • Advanced Testing Laboratories
  • Axis Forensic Toxicology
  • Covance
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Government laboratories or agencies
  • IU School of Medicine
Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Department of Neuroscience

(LD 123)

American Academy of Neurology

Society for Neuroscience

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster

This major belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster. The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the STEM cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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