U N I V E R S I T Y O F A L A B A M A AT B I R M I N G H A M
Undergraduate NEUROSCIENCE P r o g r a m
THE MAJOR WHAT IS NEUROSCIENCE?
Neuroscience is a true interdisciplinary science, drawing from fundamentals in biology, psychology, chemistry, physiology, physics, engineering, linguistics, philosophy, mathematics, and medicine. More specifically, neuroscience is the study of the development, structure, and functions of the brain and nervous system, and can be explored from the perspectives of the multiple disciplines listed above. Researchers within neuroscience often study a combination of the cellular, functional, evolutionary, computational, molecular, cellular and medical aspects of the nervous system.
INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJOR
The Undergraduate Neuroscience Program at UAB is also a unique major, with unique student access to UAB’s larger community. Unlike other undergraduate majors, the UNP is co-sponsored by the UAB College of Arts and Sciences through the Department of Psychology, and the UAB School of Medicine through the Department of Neurobiology. Other departments associated with the major include, but are not limited to: Neurobiology, Neurology, Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Epidemiology, Pediatrics, Pathology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Radiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Vision Science, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Genetics, & Psychology. In addition, the program works closely with centers around campus, including the Comprehensive Neuroscience Center and the Civitan International Research Center.
Research Scientific research is a cornerstone of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program. Neuroscience students have the option to complete a laboratory-based or literature-based research project during their time in the program. This practice provides the necessary experience for matriculation to competitive graduate or medical programs, or other professional positions. Furthermore, students in both tracks compose, complete, and present a comprehensive thesis document as the final element of their training. The thesis serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience that helps develop critical thinking, research skills, and both written and oral communication. Students that choose to complete a laboratory-based research project spend at least 2 years (4 semesters) in an intensive research experience as a member of a UAB neuroscience laboratory. Students are paired with primary faculty research mentors after their freshman year, and under their guidance, begin an independent research project. Each registered research hour translates to approximately 3 hours per week in the laboratory. Our students have had great success with their research projects, with many resulting in publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Honors Neuroscience Summer Research Academy group
Students that choose to focus on a literature-based research project approach their experience from two angles. First, they receive instruction using cutting edge neuroscience techniques through our laboratory class (NBL 390). In addition, students complete their thesis through a combination independent study and seminar course led by program director Dr. Scott Wilson (NBL 399). Over the course of the semester, students independently develop their thesis on a topic of their choosing, and complete it with the guidance of a supervising faculty member. The seminar meets monthly to track progress and provide necessary feedback and direction. 2 UAB // UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM
ADMISSION HOW TO JOIN
High school students with a score of 28 or higher on the ACT and a GPA of at least 3.5 can declare a Neuroscience major and matriculate directly to the program. Students may apply to the Program/Major either at the time they apply to UAB, after they have been admitted to UAB, or during their freshman or sophomore year. Current UAB students whose high school credentials meet the minimum requirements can also declare a Neuroscience major, which will be approved following a meeting with program leadership. Students may compensate for an ACT score of less than 28 or GPA of less than 3.5 with exceptional classroom performance, including scores of 4 or 5 on certain AP exams. Acceptance into UAB’s Honors College is also considered as a desirable factor. Others may choose to attend UAB for a year and would then be evaluated for admission based on excellent classroom performance. Excellent academic performance in the following courses is considered particularly desirable: Biology 123 and 124; Chemistry 115 and 117. Apply at our website www.unp.uab.edu. For any questions or concerns related to your application or for additional information on program admission please contact Dr. Cristin Gavin (cfgavin@uab.edu)
THE student Prospective Neuroscience Majors should have a desire to learn about the function of the nervous system, ranging from cellular and molecular to cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. In addition, prospective students should be motivated to conduct original research with the intention to pursue research or healthrelated careers in science. Finally, prospective students should strive for excellence in all academic pursuits while establishing collaborative and professional relationships with faculty and staff. Acceptance into the program is limited so that Neuroscience classes can remain optimal and ensure one-on-one interaction with instructors and faculty mentors. Our limited student acceptance also permits neuroscience faculty to serve as your academic advisor throughout your undergraduate career. Dr. Gavin has been recognized by both UAB and the National Academic Advising Association as an outstanding faculty advisor.
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BRIAN NYKANEN “I have always been interested in the nervous system and the mysteriousness of the brain. Most of all, I was passionate about finding answers to personal problems such as brain tumors that my mother suffered from and multiple sclerosis that my uncle suffers from.”
BY THE EMILEE ANDERS Emilee is in the UAB Honors College’s Experiential Learning Scholar Program and is a member of the Fast Track Master of Public Health program. Anders is a UAB Golden Girl, a USGA CAS senator and a general chemistry teaching assistant.
MARIE MICHENKOVA Marie is an international student from Czech republic, and wishes to travel around the world performing research and practicing medicine. 4 UAB // UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM
NUMBERS current enrollment 180 average uab gpa 3.80 incoming freshman 2015 75 average ACT 31.8 AVERAGE HIGH SCHOOL GPA 4.3
GRADUATES Nearly 100% of our graduates attend medical, graduate, or other related professional schools. The Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience has cited neuroscience as an ideal major for students interested in attending medical school due to the increased psychological and sociological components of the new Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Our neuroscience course
AARON LANDIS Aaron is a member of the UAB Honors College University Honors Program, is one of 10 undergraduates selected for the inaugural UAB President’s Summer Research Scholarship Program.
offerings at UAB complement a standard pre-medical curriculum of biology, chemistry, physics and math. To give our students additional preparation, we also offer a course focused on new MCAT content and critical reasoning (NBL 210 – Scientific Reasoning and Medical Research Design). We also work closely with students to provide professional development and application review as they apply for post-graduate programs. Students have access to a series of workshops through the Undergraduate Neuroscience Society and the Office of Undergraduate Research to prepare them for entry into the top program across the country.
PIYUSH BORSE Piyush is a member of the UAB Honors College’s University Honors Program, a UAB Ambassador, Trailblazer and Goin’ Green orientation leader.
ANISHA DAS “I am a neuroscience major because I’m very interested in learning about both psychology and science. My interest in this specific field was further fueled by my involvement in neuroscience-related research.“ UAB // UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM 5
Undergraduate Neuroscience
CURRICULUM BIOLOGY BY 123 BY 124
Introductory Biology I & Laboratory Introductory Biology II & Laboratory
4 credits 4 credits
CHEMISTRY CH 115/116 CH 117/118 CH 235/236 CH 237/238 CH 460
General Chemistry I & Laboratory General Chemistry II & Laboratory Organic Chemistry I & Laboratory Organic Chemistry II & Laboratory Fundamentals of Biochemistry
4 credits 4 credits 4 credits 4 credits 3 credits
NEUROBIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY PY 101/201 Introduction to Psychology PY 253 Brain, Mind and Behavior
3 credits 3 credits
Honors when offered, you must take PY 253 before the Spring Semester of the sophomore year.
NBL 355 Mechanisms of Synaptic Transmission NBL 356 Mechanisms of Sensation, Movement & Cognition NBL/PY 401 Colloquium in Basic, Cognitive & Clinical
3 credits 3 credits 1 credit
NEUROSCIENCE
Must be taken at least twice, 1 year apart. You must take 2 of the following advanced neuroscience courses. It is recommended that you consider taking more than 2.
NBL 410 Special Topics in Neuroscience 3 credits NBL 433 Diseases of the Nervous System 3 credits NBL 434 Mechanisms of Memory 3 credits NBL 425 Methods in Human Neuroimaging 3 credits PY 431 Dynamics of Pain 3 credits PY 463 Cognitive Neuroscience 3 credits PY 468 Cognitive Neuroimaging 3 credits PY 472 Social Psychophysiology 3 credits VIS 456 Visual Neuroscience 3 credits
DID YOU KNOW? The Undergraduate Neuroscience Program is designed for graduating high school seniors and college freshmen or sophomores with a strong academic record and the motivation to pursue a career in biomedical science. The UNP is co-sponsored by the UAB School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences and is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing Medical School, graduate programs in Neuroscience, Psychology, Public Health, as well as Dental, Pharmacy, or Optometry Schools.
FINANCIAL AID Scholarships Offered by the College of Arts and Sciences – Scholarship Application Deadline: December 1st.
The Dean’s Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship is given by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Dean’s Scholarship is a College-wide scholarship and is open to students currently enrolled in or admitted to a degree-granting program in the College of Arts and Sciences who have demonstrated solid academic promise and leadership qualities, and have at least an overall 3.0 GPA. The scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and study away students. The Dean’s Scholarship is an annual award. Recipients of this scholarship may apply for the award in subsequent years as long as they maintain the required 3.0 GPA.
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The National Alumni Society Dean’s Scholarship
The National Alumni Society Dean’s Scholarship is given by the UAB National Alumni Society. It is a College-wide scholarship and is open to students currently enrolled in or admitted to a degree-granting program in the College of Arts and Sciences who have demonstrated solid academic promise and leadership qualities, and have at least an overall 3.0 GPA.
PHYSICS* PH 201/221 College Physics I & Laboratory PH 202/222 College Physics II & Laboratory *PH 222 requires Calculus II as prerequisite
4 credits 4 credits
GENERAL PHL 116 Bioethics 3 credits MA 125 Calculus I 4 credits One of the following (Statistics options):
NBL 210 Scientific Reasoning 3 credits and Medical Research PY 216 Elementary Statistics & Design 4 credits STH 301 Statistics & Design Overview 3 credits MA 180 Introduction to Statistics 3 credits Note: Medical School requires 6 hours of college math. You can cover 3 hours with AP Calculus, but must take another math course (prefix MA) at UAB.
RESEARCH Laboratory based:
NBL 398/ PY 398 OR
Mentor guided research
6 credits
Literature based:
NBL 390 Methods in Neuroscience 3 credits NBL 399 Senior Seminar 3 credits Recommended but not required
NBL 225 No Self-Control: 3 credits Motivation, Reward and Addiction NBL 245 The Neurobiology of 3 credits Learning and Memory SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology 3 credits (Strongly recommended for pre medical students) VIS 427 Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) 3 credits Taught during May Miniterm BY 330 Cell Biology 3 credits (highly recommended)
BY 210 Genetics 3 credits PY 305 Medical Psychology 3 credits PY 335 Motivation and Emotion 3 credits
The Lauren McLellan Sanders Endowed Scholarship
The Sanders Endowed Scholarship is a College-wide scholarship and is open to students currently enrolled in a degree-granting program in the Departments of Government, Psychology (including UNP students), Sociology, Social Work, History, Anthropology, or Justice Sciences, who have demonstrated solid academic promise and have at least an overall 3.0 GPA. Visit the CAS Scholarship Web Page for more details: http://www.uab.edu/cas/home/scholarships
Anesthesiology Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Biology Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology Chemistry Dermatology Epidemiology Genetics Gerontology, Geriatrics & Palliative Care Molecular & Cellular Pathology Neurobiology Neurology Neurosurgery Nursing - Acute, Chronic & Continuing Care Nutrition Sciences Ophthalmology Pathology Pediatrics - Infectious Disease Pediatrics - Neurology Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Psychiatry Psychology Public Health Vision Sciences
The Tennant and Susan McWilliams Endowed Fund
The McWilliams Fund provides scholarship support to the Departments of Government, Psychology (including UNP students), Sociology, Social Work, History, Anthropology, or Justice Sciences, as well as the Study Abroad Program and the Pre-Law Program. The scholarship was named for former Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tennant McWilliams, and his wife, Susan McWilliams, a long time staff member of UAB.
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PROGRAM CHAIRS John Hablitz, Ph.D. Professor and Chair, Dept. of Neurobiology
Karlene Ball, Ph.D. Professor and Chair, Dept. of Psychology
PROGRAM DIRECTOR Scott Wilson, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Dept. of Neurobiology livvy01@uab.edu, 9th floor Shelby Building
CO-DIRECTORS Cristin Gavin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Neurobiology cfgavin@uab.edu, 1007 Shelby Building
Rajesh Kana, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychology rkana@uab.edu, CIRC 235G David C. Knight, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychology knightdc@uab.edu, CIRC 235H Anne Theibert, Ph.D. Professor, Dept. of Neurobiology theibert@uab.edu
WWW.UNP.UAB.EDU UNP@UAB.EDU 1300 University Blvd | Campbell Hall, Suite 415 | Birmingham AL 35294-1170 phone 205.934.3850 or 205.934.6433 fax 205.975.6110