Neuroscience Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Life Sciences
Are you a prospective student applicant?
You can enter the to accelerate your career in a health care profession
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 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 Program in Neuroscience also requires successful completion of eight months of work-term experience.
Our 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:
, Mental Health Studies, , ,
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 4Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.0 credits as follows: , , , , , .
- 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 .
- Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
- Apply to the Psychology Department鈥檚 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 (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 .
- Attend the in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.5 credits as follows: , , , , , , and OR .
- Use 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 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 (>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 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 .(>Jobs & Recruitment)
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit from: , , , , .
- 0.5 credit from: , , , or , .
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Supervised Study course [].
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library , 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, , DSL and the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the (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
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the 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 for details).
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider completing a Thesis course []. Plan ahead to ensure you meet prerequisite requirements.
- Apply for a travel award through the DSL or Department of Psychology.
- Again, consider competing for , NSERC, and UTEA awards.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 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