Neuroscience

Programs of Study

The current trend in science is to move beyond traditional disciplines and approach the understanding of nature from multiple perspectives. That’s exactly what Concordia’s interdisciplinary neuroscience program is all about.

Major or Minor in Neuroscience

Study how the brain and nervous system acquire, process and integrate information from the environment. Evaluate how this information affects behavior of an organism. 

Major in ACS Chemistry with a Minor in Neuroscience

This degree is of value for students pursuing an advanced degree in chemistry or a related field.

Benefits of Our Program

Our major comprises unique, interdisciplinary courses and electives from other areas of science and mathematics. Understanding the complexities of the nervous system requires a strong, interdisciplinary foundation and the practice of multiple approaches toward solving challenging problems affecting the nervous system. With our emphasis on learning neuroscience by doing neuroscience and ample opportunities for community engagement, service learning, science communication, original research, and more, you’ll have an edge when applying for graduate and professional programs or landing your first job in neuroscience. 

• Engage in hands-on laboratory and service-learning opportunities.
• Complete a learning experience outside the classroom, such as an internship, independent study or a research project.
• Take courses designed specifically for neuroscience and taught by faculty from four disciplines. 
• Enjoy a competitive edge when applying for health professions programs, neuroscience research, or industry employment.

Research

Our students frequently work alongside Concordia professors on research projects in which they gain valuable career experience. Each summer, many of our students are also accepted for National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates at major universities across the country.

Students are encouraged to travel to regional, national or international conferences with faculty to present research. We regularly attend the undergraduate conferences MidBrains, URMS (Undergraduate Research in the Molecular Sciences), NCUR (National Conference on Undergraduate Research), the regional Red River Psychology Conference, and the large, International Society for Neuroscience meeting.

Academic and Career Outcomes

Many of our neuroscience students attend graduate school, medical school or join academic neuroscience labs where they work on some of the most complex neuroscience issues in human health.

Recent graduates of our program:

• Work at the Mayo Clinic laboratory on the gut-brain axis 
• Attend Notre Dame working on treating brain cancer by using nanoparticles to deliver drugs to the brain
• Attend medical school at the University of Minnesota
• Attend medical school at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago
• Study the damaging effects of zinc after stroke at the University of New Mexico
• Conduct research at Denver Health and Hospital Authority 
• Work as a pharmacist in the University of Michigan Health System (after studying Pharmacy at U of Michigan)
• Attend grad school at the University of Minnesota and conducting neuropharmacology research

Unique Opportunities

Brain Awareness Week

Celebrate, share and promote your knowledge of the nervous system. Every March, we get involved in events on campus and in the Fargo-Moorhead community.

Internships and Service-Learning

We encourage and support our students as they apply their learning to off-campus internships or service-learning experiences.

Honor Society

Nu Rho Psi is open to majors who have taken 9 or more credits in neuroscience, and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher in neuroscience courses and an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students can apply for research and travel grants through the national honor society.

Concordia Neuroscience Society

This club is open to all students interested in becoming more informed about the field of neuroscience. The club hosts activity nights and journal club, invites speakers, and participates in Brain Awareness Week.