Are you intrigued by human behaviour? Are you interested in learning more about how electrical impulses can transform themselves into thoughts, emotions and actions? Do you want to help people recover from neurological disorders or brain injuries?
Neuroscience is the study of the brain and how it affects human behaviour on an individual basis. One of the most basic facts in neuroscience is that “You are your brain.” This rapidly expanding discipline aims to solve the mysteries of the brain’s functionality by better understanding its resilient capacity for consciousness, perception, memory and learning.
As a neuroscience student, you will be exposed to the razor’s edge of neurological discoveries, learning from the country’s most renowned leaders in the field. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the brain’s functionality, as well as the methods and concepts used to uncover its many secrets.
The primary focus of this multidisciplinary program is to enhance your technical and practical skills with extensive theoretical knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, philosophy and other related areas. With an emphasis on neurological disorders, the program will also give you hands-on experience using the latest instruments, technology and research findings.
Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience. The Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience (CCBN) is an internationally renowned institute and provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty — your instructors! The CCBN primarily conducts research in behavioural neuroscience, studying both normal brain processes and the recovery processes in neuro logical disorders and brain injury.
While studying neuroscience at ULethbridge, you have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. The CCBN and the Department of Neuroscience are located within the Science Commons. As Canada’s most advanced science facility, Science Commons brings together faculty and students from astronomy, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, neuroscience, physics and psychology. The building was designed to provide an environment where bright minds can join forces to consider the broader implications of their work. Students will work alongside world-renowned researchers as they tackle complex questions, supported by state-of-the-art spaces, equipment and resources.
Neuroscience Degrees. The Department of Neuroscience offers a multidisciplinary major in neuroscience for the 40-course Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, providing you with comprehensive science-based training in the field.
Neuroscience Courses. Course selections for the program will vary depending on your degree stream, but may include:
• Cognition & Perception
• Brain & Behaviour
• Animal Behaviour
• Drugs & Behaviour
• Human Neuropsychology
• Sex & Gender
• Cellular Basis of Life
• Computational Neuroscience
• Research Methods
• Principles of Genetics
• Molecular Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• Philosophy of Mind
• Biophysics
• Fundamental Neurobiology
• Functional Neuroanatomy
• Organic Chemistry
Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs.
Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors
Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.
Learn more about neuroscience at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/neuroscience
Faculty members are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get hands-on experience.
You may also have the opportunity to participate in field studies or gain employment with local researchers at the Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Provincial Program on Perinatal Determinants of Brain and Mental Health, among others.
Current Research & Areas of Interest:
• Memory Function
• Neurobiology
• Motor Skill Learning
• Stroke Recovery
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Brain Development
• Plasticity of Brain & Behaviour
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Play & Control
• Organization of Movement
• Primate Behaviour
• Implicit Memory
• Concept Formation
• Algorithm & Numerical Analysis
• Brain Behaviour Relationships
• Sex & Development
• Evolution of Cognitive Behaviour
• Drugs & Behaviour
• Drugs & Prenatal Development
• Addictions & Behaviour
• Cognitive Robotics
Skills Acquired. In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills, research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail. You will leave the program with a strong ability to summarize research findings, excellent laboratory skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of brain and behaviour issues. All these skills are portable to various fields of research such as biology, chemistry or physics.
Related Fields. Here are just a few of the options open to you once you’ve earned your degree:
• Education
• Biotechnology
• Social Services
• Vocational Rehabilitation Worker
• Human Resources Officer
• Crisis Intervention Worker
• Neuroscientist
• Research Assistant
• Addictions Counselor
• Nanotechnology
“The neuroscience program has been instrumental in making me a more avid learner and exposing me to the variety of research opportunities there are in the field. The diversity and accessibility of research opportunities within the program have allowed me to gain hands-on lab experience that wouldn’t otherwise be offered to undergraduates. Being funded to work in Dr. Gibb’s lab in the summer was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in my university career, and it opened my eyes to where my education could take me. While there have been many long nights of studying, the support from friends I’ve made throughout the years has made it all the more worthwhile. This program has allowed me to grow as a student beyond the classroom by cultivating my skills and allowing me to build connections that I can carry forward into the future.
- Jhanvi, Neuroscience (Co-op)
Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.
Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in neuroscience provides an excellent foundation for medicine, dentistry, education and law.
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.
Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies
ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop
In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.
Contact your department to learn more!
Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.
To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising