Neuroscience Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field built on the connections between Biology and Psychology. Neuroscientists address questions such as: How do our brains produce behavior, thought, and language? What goes wrong in psychiatric and neurological illness? How do drugs affect the brain? How do brains change over a lifetime, from development to aging?

What is the difference between Neuroscience and Neurology?

Neuroscience refers broadly to research aimed at understanding the brain and nervous system, and the application of this knowledge to health issues. Neurology is a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of brain and nervous system disorders such as seizure, migrain, and stroke.

When do I have to decide to major in Neuroscience?

College policy requires that students declare their major once they have completed 45 credits (usually after three semesters). When you apply to Cedar Crest, you will be asked to choose an intended major. This choice is not binding, but it helps to ensure that you are enrolled in the appropriate first-year courses for science majors. Some students attend Cedar Crest planning to major in Neurosciecne, while others come in with a general sciecne interest, and discover the major once they're here.

Do I have to be a neuroscience major to take Neuroscience courses?

No... any student with the prerequisites can take NEU courses. The NEU courses are electives for the Biology major, and many Psychology majors take NEU courses, either as a part of the Biopsychology Concentration or as electives.

What do Cedar Crest Neuroscience majors do after graduation?

The program has about a dozen graduates so far. About half of our alumnae have gone directly into research positions at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State College of Medicine, Temple University, the University of Southern California, and the Children's Hospital of Cincinnati. Several are in medical school, and some are in graduate programs in Neuroscience and Genetic Counseling.

What is the difference between the Neuroscience major and the Biopsychology concentration at Cedar Crest?

Neuroscience is a major in the Department of Biologcial Sciences, while Biopsychology is a concentration in the Department of Psychology. There is some overlap between the two programs. The following courses are required for both Neuroscience and Biopsychology: Neuroscience majors take additional requirements in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Physics (see the checklist for details). Students in the Bipsychology concentration must fulfill all of the additional requirements of the Psychology major.