ubc neuroscience undergraduate

As an undergraduate student, you’re likely unaware of all the career and study opportunities available to you in your future. I was only made aware of the career opportunities in neuroscience when I began researching for my honours thesis and looking for a job after graduation. This led me to my current position as a graduate student at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain research (CIBIR) at the University of British Columbia(UBC), Canada. Many students get lost in the world of graduate school while they are looking for their doctorate thesis topic. The graduate programs in neuroscience make it hard for you to pick the best neuroscience undergraduate research topics since you can forget that you are an undergraduate and hence, you should be doing an undergraduate thesis.

Neuroscience is interdisciplinary by nature: It is a tremendously varied field composed of individuals engaged in a wide variety of research and non-research activities. Neuroscience has displayed accelerated growth in recent decades. In the past decade, biotechnological advances have dramatically expanded the toolkit of neuroscientists, further fueling this growth.

Neuroscientists conduct both basic and applied neuroscientific research, they serve as consultants to communities and organizations, they diagnose and treat people, and they teach future neuroscientists and other types of students. They assess behavioural and mental functioning—stepping in to help when appropriate. Neuroscience comprises a large number of subdisciplines, including but not limited to: neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, neuropsychology, behavioural neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. 

ubc neuroscience undergraduate

Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Neuroscience has been a research area within UBC for at least 6 decades. Currently, there are over 110 research faculty members on the UBC Vancouver campus who either identify as being neuroscientists or are involved in neuroscience-related research. Neuroscientists at UBC represent over 13 departments from the Faculties of MedicineScience, and Arts. Laboratory and teaching areas are located across the UBC-Vancouver campus, at UBC Hospital, and at Vancouver General Hospital.  Since 1984, there has been a graduate program in neuroscience at UBC, offering MSc and PhD degrees. The UBC graduate program in neuroscience is a multidisciplinary, research-oriented program administered through the Faculty of Medicine and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC, and aims to provide students with a broad knowledge of Neuroscience as well as intensive program in at least one area of research.

Beginning in 2022W, UBC’s Faculties of Science, Arts, and Medicine will offer an Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience at the UBC Vancouver Campus. This new BSc specialization in Neuroscience brings together research and teaching expertise spanning the three faculties and multiple departments to offer a unique interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience. Graduates with the Neuroscience specialization will be well positioned to apply their unique training to tackle complex problems in healthcare, research, and policy.

Program details

If you are interested in the undergraduate program in neuroscience, you will need to declare Neuroscience as your specialization at the end of the first year of your BSc degree. After your second year, you will have the option to select from two areas of emphasis: Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience or Behavioural & Cognitive Neuroscience. Note that the number of required courses is purposely limited to allow you the flexibility to explore other courses and disciplines—with the aim of encouraging the creative thinking that is so fundamental to neuroscience. In the final year of your degree, you will complete a capstone project. If you are interested in additional research experience, there are also directed studies courses available.

Skills

Over the course of a four-year degree, this program could help you build the following skills:

  • Upon completion of their degree, graduates will have the skills, knowledge, and ability to:
  • Describe and apply historical and foundational concepts and theories in neuroscience.
  • Demonstrate a conceptual understanding and procedural knowledge of neuroscience.
  • Describe behavioural and neurobiological features of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
  • Design a neuroscience experiment, including design, ethics, data collection, and statistical analyses.
  • Summarize a neuroscience academic article, in terms of strengths, limitations, and future avenues.
  • Review and integrate a body of neuroscience literature into a concise synopsis.
  • Produce well-crafted instructions, reports, essays, presentations, discussions, and debates.
  • Explain the ethical and societal implications of neuroscience research and theory.
  • Produce a critique of a piece of neuroscience research, technique, and field of study.
  • Develop, reflectively analyze, and edit a personalized curriculum and career plan.
  • Provide, receive, and integrate peer/mentor feedback on academic work.
  • Program effectively for the purposes of data collection, processing, analysis, and presentation.

Programs offered

  • Major
  • Co-op

Resources

 Academic Calendar Entry
 Program Specialization Website
 Undergraduate Advisors
 Student Club Website
 Research and Library Help
 Involvement and Career Resources

Career options in Neuroscience

With an undergraduate degree

  • Examples include:
  • Counselor/therapist
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Psychiatric technician
  • Neurological technician
  • Research assistant
  • Social worker
  • Social service specialist
  • Youth worker

With additional study

  • Examples include:
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Doctor
  • Nurse
  • Neuroscientist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Speech language pathologist
  • Teacher/Professor

More career resources

Major

BSc Major in Behavioural Neuroscience

Our BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience program is intended for students whose interest lies in the biological basis of behaviour. The program covers a range of topics, including sensation and perception, animal learning and cognition, hormones and behaviour, and motivated behaviours. The program also covers a variety of brain dysfunction and the associated clinical symptoms.

Behavioural Neuroscience

The Department of Psychology offers opportunity for study leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. For information on the Bachelor of Arts, see Arts Psychology. For information on graduate degrees, see graduate Psychology.

Students who are entering second year and wish to pursue a Behavioural Neuroscience Major or Honours specialization, including students who have applied to enter the Faculty of Science and expect to have second-year standing upon admission, must apply using the online coordinated admissions process administered by the Faculty of Science. Students can check the Student Service Centre to see if they are eligible to register as a second-year BSc student (and thus able to use the online coordinated admissions process) in June.

Students who are entering third year and wish to pursue a Behavioural Neuroscience specialization must apply online through the Department of Psychology’s website for admission in June.

Students registered in Behavioural Neuroscience specializations must take 6 credits of Faculty of Arts courses other than psychology. Science electives may not be psychology courses. All psychology courses numbered 60 to 89 in the last two digits have science credit. Students may not earn more than a combined 12 credits of Directed Studies in Psychology or Behavioural Neuroscience (PSYC 340, 348, 388, 440, 448, and 488).

Co-operative Education Program in Behavioural Neuroscience

Co-operative Education is a process of education which integrates academic study with related and supervised work experience in co-operating employer organizations.

An optional Co-operative Education Program is available for students in the Behavioural Neuroscience specializations. The Program, which is intended to help prepare interested and qualified students for research careers in industry, university, or government settings, includes at least 16 months of work placement (i.e., at least four work terms) supervised by scientists in industrial, academic or governmental positions. Co-op advisors visit students at their place of work and provide advice on work term reports required of all students in the program. The four work terms are normally taken consecutively beginning in Summer Session after third year and ending in Summer Session after fourth year.

To be eligible, students must be in a Behavioural Neuroscience specialization, and they must have completed at least one academic term in this program. Admission is by application to the Science Co-op Office. Selection of students is based on academic performance and general suitability to the work environment, as determined by resumé and interview. The total enrolment is subject to the availability of appropriate work placements. The work placements are arranged by mutual agreement between students and employing organizations. Participating students register for PSYC 398, 399, 498, or 499, as appropriate, and pay the Cooperative Education program fee per course as well as Co-operative Education Program Fees.

Graduation in the Co-operative Education Program for Behavioural Neuroscience requires a student to complete PSYC 398, 399, 498, and 499, in addition to the normal academic requirements. Students may choose appropriate timing of their work terms, but some of the four work placements required should not be in the summer.

Detailed information on the program can be obtained from the Behavioural Neuroscience specialization advisors or from the Co-operative Education Program.

Specializations

Major (3502): Behavioural Neuroscience (PSYC)

First Year1
Communication Requirement26
BIOL 1113 or 11233
BIOL 1213, 1405
CHEM 110 or 111 or 120 or 12144
CHEM 123 or 13054
MATH 100 or 102 or 104 (or 120 or 180 or 1846)73
MATH 101 or 103 or 105 (or 1216)3
PHYS 106 or PHYS 107 or PHYS 117 or 13183
Total Credits31
Second Year
CHEM 233, 2354
PSYC 101, 10216
PSYC 2703
PSYC 277, 2788
Two from: BIOL 200,9 BIOL 201 (or BIOC 202), BIOL 204, BIOL 20566
Electives4-7,103
Total Credits30
Third Year
PSYC 300 or 3013
PSYC 370, 3716
6 credits from one of the following three lists:6
PSYC 302, 315, 319, 320, 322, 325, 412, 413, 414
PSYC 305, 307, 308, 321, 358, 403, 407, 408, 415, 418
PSYC 311, 314, 331, 350, 401, 402, 420
Electives1014
Total Credits29
Fourth Year
12 credits from PSYC 348, 361, 363, 364, 365, 367, 368, 388, 448, 460, 461, 462, 463, 466, 469, 472, 4881012
Electives918
Total Credits30
Credits for Degree120
1 PSYC 101 and 102 are recommended in first year if a student has credit for Biology 12 and Chemistry 12.
2 A total of 6 credits of coursework is required to meet the Communication Requirement. For a full list of acceptable courses see Communication Requirement.
3 Students without Biology 11 or Biology 12 must take BIOL 111 as a prerequisite for BIOL 121.
4 Students who do not have B.C. High School Chemistry 12 (or its equivalent) must write the UBC Chemistry Basic Skills Test and may be required to take CHEM 100. If a student takes either CHEM 100 or CHEM 120, they will have one additional elective credit.
5 If a student takes CHEM 130, they will have one additional elective credit.
6 Students taking more than 6 credits of first year MATH or more than 6 credits of second year BIOL should count these extra credits as electives and reduce the number of second year elective credits accordingly.
7 MATH 110 may substitute for any of the specified differential calculus courses listed by reducing the number of elective credits by 3.
8 Students without Physics 12 must take PHYS 100 before taking PHYS 106, 107, 117 or 131.
9 The preferred prerequisite for this course is BIOL 112, but students in the Behavioural Neuroscience specialization are allowed to register without it.
10 Elective credits together with required courses must fulfill the Faculty of Science’s:
a) Foundational Requirement;
b) Laboratory Science Requirement;
c) Science Breadth Requirement;
d) Science and Arts Requirements;
e) Upper-level Requirement;
f) General Degree Requirements.
11 No more than 6 credits of PSYC 348, 388, 448 or 488 can be used towards this 12-credit requirement.

Honours (3503): Behavioural Neuroscience (PSYC)

Admission to the Honours specialization requires at least a 76% average in second year and at least 80% in PSYC 277 and 278. Students failing to meet either of these criteria may petition for admittance into the program. All students enrolling in the Honours program must consult with the chair of the Psychology department’s Honours committee.

Graduation requires an average of at least 80% in 12 credits of Psychology courses numbered 300 or above.

In addition to meeting the Honours specialization course requirements, and the Faculty of Science Honours requirements, Honours candidates must maintain a minimum overall 68% average in each academic session.

First Year1
Communication Requirement26
BIOL 1113 or 11233
BIOL 1213, 1405
CHEM 110 or 111 or 120 or 12144
CHEM 123 or 13054
MATH 100 or 102 or 104 (or 120 or 180 or 1846)73
MATH 101 or 103 or 105 (or 1216)3
PHYS 106 or 107 or 117 or 13183
Total Credits31
Second Year
CHEM 233, 2354
PSYC 101, 10216
PSYC 2703
PSYC 277, 2788
Two from: BIOL 2009, BIOL 201 (or BIOC 202), BIOL 204, BIOL 20566
Electives4-7,103
Total Credits30
Third Year
PSYC 3123
PSYC 3496
PSYC 370, 3716
PSYC 300 or 3013
6 credits from one of the following three lists:6
PSYC 311, 314, 331, 350, 401, 402, 420
PSYC 302, 315, 319, 320, 322, 325, 412, 413, 414
PSYC 305, 307, 308, 321, 358, 403, 407, 408, 415, 418
Electives1011
Total Credits35
Fourth Year
PSYC 4496
12 credits from PSYC 348, 361, 363, 364, 365, 367, 368, 388, 448, 460, 461, 462, 463, 466, 469, 472, 4881112
Electives1018
Total Credits36
Minimum Credits for Degree132
1 PSYC 101 and 102 are recommended in first year if a student has credit for Biology 12 and Chemistry 12.
2 A total of 6 credits of coursework is required to meet the Communication Requirement. For a full list of acceptable courses see Communication Requirement.
3 Students without Biology 11 or Biology 12 must take BIOL 111 as a prerequisite for BIOL 121.
4 Students who do not have B.C. High School Chemistry 12 (or its equivalent) must write the UBC Chemistry Basic Skills Test and may be required to take CHEM 100. If a student takes either CHEM 100 or CHEM 120, they will have one additional elective credit.
5 If a student takes CHEM 130, they will have one additional elective credit.
6 Students taking more than 6 credits of first year MATH or more than 6 credits of second year BIOL should count these extra credits as electives and reduce the number of elective credits accordingly.
7 MATH 110 may substitute for any of the specified differential calculus courses listed reducing the number of elective credits by 3.
8 Students without Physics 12 must take PHYS 100 before taking 106, 107, 117 or 131.
9 The preferred prerequisite for this course is BIOL 112, but students in the Behavioural Neuroscience specialization are allowed to register without it.
10 Elective credits together with required courses must fulfill the Faculty of Science’s:
a) Foundational Requirement;
b) Laboratory Science Requirement;
c) Science Breadth Requirement;
d) Science and Arts Requirements;
e) Upper-level Requirement;
f) General Degree Requirements.
11 No more than 6 credits of PSYC 348, 388, 448 or 488 can be used towards this 12-credit requirement.

Faculty of Science Departmental Guidelines for the Minor

B.Sc., Science Minor in Behavioural Neuroscience

For a Behavioural Neuroscience minor, students are required to take PSYC 100 or both of PSYC 101 and 102, and at least 18 credits of 300- or 400-level psychology courses numbered 60 to 87 in the last two digits.

B.Sc., Arts Minor in Psychology

For a PSYC Arts minor, students are required to take PSYC 100 or both of PSYC 101 and PSYC 102; 6 credits of 200-level psychology, preferably PSYC 207 and 208 in second year; and at least 18 credits of 300-/400-level psychology courses, excluding PSYC 340, 348, 388, 440, 448, or 488.

B.Sc. Major in Cognitive Systems

The Cognitive Systems (COGS) Major (B.Sc. or B.A.) integrates aspects of psychology, linguistics, computer science and philosophy relevant to examining cognition in human and machine systems. The COGS B.Sc. Major in Brain and Cognition, supervised by the Department of Psychology, emphasizes this interdisciplinary endeavour from the perspective of cognitive- and neuro-psychology.

All COGS-designated core courses (COGS 200, 300, 303, 401, and 402) are team taught, and there is a strong emphasis on collaborative engagement of students in curricular and research projects. The Specialization aims for its graduates to possess the background competence necessary to enter graduate research programs in one of the supervisory disciplines or in cognitive science itself.

For information about admission to the COGS (B.Sc.) major streams, see Computer Science and Behavioural Neuroscience. For information about admission to the COGS (B.A.) major streams, see LinguisticsPhilosophy, and Psychology. The web pages for these departments contain information regarding the COGS specialization and admissions to it.

Major Cognitive Systems (1225): Cognition and Brain

First Year
Communication Requirement16
BIOL (or ASTR or EOSC or GEOB)23
CHEM 111 (or 121)2,34
CPSC 110 (or both of 103 and 107)4, 1218
MATH 1003 or 102 or 104 (or 120 or 180 or 184)3
MATH 101 or 103 or 105 (or 121)3
PHYS 101 (PHYS 107 or PHYS 117)3,53
Electives33
Total Credits30
Second Year
COGS 2003
LING 10063
PHIL 220 (or 320)73
PSYC 101 and 102 (or 100)66
STAT 2003
Electives3,812
Total Credits30
Third and Fourth Years
COGS 300, 303, 401, 40213
Two of PHIL 326, 351, 441, 451, 4556
PSYC 3653
Cognitive Systems module courses numbered 300 or above9,10,1118
Electives3,820
Total Credits60
Credits for Degree120
1 A total of 6 credits of coursework is required to meet the Communication Requirement. For a full list of acceptable courses see Communication Requirement. ENGL 112 and SCIE 113 are recommended. Three credits of the Communication Requirement may be deferred until second year.
2 Students who do not have B.C. High School Chemistry 12 (or its equivalent) must write the UBC Chemistry Basic Skills Test and may be required to take CHEM 100.
3 Students attempting the COGS major should choose electives to obtain prerequisites to appropriate third and fourth-year courses. Note that the B.Sc. requires at least 72 credits of science courses. Students taking more than 6 credits of first year MATH can reduce the number of elective credits required in second or third year accordingly. MATH 110 may substitute for any of the specified differential calculus courses listed by decreasing the electives by 3 credits. Students are permitted to move elective credits between years. Students who take courses in MATH, PHYS, or CHEM with more credits than those recommended can count the extra credit as electives.
4 While CPSC 110 is recommended, both of CPSC 103 and 107 may be taken in its place by using 2 credits of electives.
5 Students without credit for Physics 12 must complete PHYS 100 in addition.
6 Students attempting the COGS major should complete LING 100 and PSYC 101 and 102 (or PSYC 100) as early in their program as possible. Alternatively, PSYC 101 can be taken in first year, and PSYC 102 in second year.
7 The prerequisite PHIL 220 may be waived for PHIL 320 with the consent of the instructor.
8 Elective credits together with required courses must fulfill the Faculty of Science’s:
a) Foundational Requirement;
b) Laboratory Science Requirement;
c) Science Breadth Requirement;
d) Science and Arts Requirements;
e) Upper-level Requirement;
f) General Degree Requirements.
9 Cognitive Systems module courses are recommended as electives for each year of study. Modules are sets of recommended courses that are directly relevant to Cognitive Systems. For the list of module courses, see Cognitive Systems. Courses explicitly listed as required cannot also be counted as module courses.
10 At least 6 credits must be PSYC module courses, and at least 6 credits must be non-PSYC module courses.
11 BIOL 455 and 458 can also be counted towards this requirement so long as PSYC 304, 360, 370, or 371 have not been taken.

graduate programs in neuroscience

Best Countries To Study Abroad

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is paris-city-lights.jpg

Studying abroad is a great way to develop additional social, academic and language skills, whilst adding an unparalleled depth to your university experience. Study overseas can enhance your university years, and will also ultimately give you a competitive advantage when it comes to finding employment, as recruiters seek out those who have proactively pursued different ways to broaden their experience. If you are considering completing all or some of your university studies overseas, check out this summary of the best countries to study abroad.

France

CoupleWalkingHoldingHandsInPark-850x400

Romantic Paris consistently tops lists of the best cities for students. Although the vibrant night life, thriving cultural scene, and the prospect of long walks along the left bank of the Seine are surely partly the reason, the almost non-existent tuition fees also help. Whilst much undergraduate teaching is carried out in French, graduate education is often available in English. Or take the opportunity to brush up your French and attend a course given in the ‘language of love’.

United States

xf78kwfbb9ze3qrxo9to

The choice of Universities in the US is quite mind-boggling. From internationally renowned ivy league institutions to hubs of innovation and cutting edge thought, whatever you study here you will have opportunities to add to your life experience. Over 750000 international students attend university in the US every year, and despite the high costs of fees, students love living in both Boston and San Fransisco enough for both cities to rank among top student cities. But if you sign up to study and decide that you would like a change of scenery, switching between universities in the US is not unusual.

Germany

BMW-M4-Coupe-Side-Crystal-City-Car-2014-Black-White-4K-Wallpapers-design-by-Tony-Kokhan-www.el-tony.com_

As one of the economic powerhouses of Europe, Germany has more going for it than just Oktoberfest. It is also one of the best known European destinations for free (or almost free) university tuition fees, which might explain why outside of anglophone nations (the UK, US and Australia) it is the country with the highest number of international students. Head to Munich to attend an internationally rated university without breaking the bank, or Berlin to join the thriving tech hub and immerse yourself in the German take on hipster culture.

Canada

View from the Niblet

Toronto ranked recently as the most desirable city for students, among an impressive three Canadian cities in total to make the top 15. With cities this attractive it is no wonder that 6.5% of students in post secondary education in Canada come from abroad. With a vibrant culture, stunning natural environment and massive regional variations, Canada offers lots to explore for visiting students, in addition to several internationally ranked universities.

Taiwan

theancestors

Taipei was recently ranked as the most affordable city for students around the globe. Tuition fees are low, and the high quality of education can make this a great choice. Learn more about the local history and politics, as well as experiencing life in a new culture, where old and new come together in a vibrant symphony.

Argentina

Futbol soccer fan face paint from Argentina photo by Monte Isom

Argentinian students enjoy free university tuition, and although international students must pay a nominal enrolment fee, the costs are still low outside of the private institutions. The University of Belgrano gets a special mention, as a modern and well equipped facility just outside of downtown Buenos Aires, with great global connections. Take the time in Argentina to perfect your Spanish and maybe even learn to tango.

Australia

2012021453106921

Australia is one of the world’s most popular places for international students – and with sandy beaches, year round sunshine and a relaxed outdoors lifestyle, it is no surprise. Australian universities welcome international students and are well prepared to support newcomers. Considering its relatively small population, Australia has an unusually high number of institutions making the top hundred for university academic rankings, making it the perfect destination for sun, sand and academic success.

South Korea

south-korea-new-president-630x329

Who didn’t love Gangnam style? Get to the heart of K-Pop by studying in Seoul. And if you’re not a catchy-pop-tune kind of person, then you will be delighted to hear that the capital – as well as being a seriously fast paced fun place – is home to 14 internationally rated universities. Get outside your comfort zone and learn about an amazing culture whilst improving both your academic record and your CV.

United Kingdom

london

The UK has a wide variety of high quality universities, and although fees vary across institutions and can be fairly high, it is worth seeking out scholarship opportunities. Students often work to support their studies, and flexible opportunities to fit around university schedules are not unusual. With a melting pot of cultures, a mix of location from cutting edge urban to sleepy rural idyll, students in the UK never need to be bored.

Denmark

cykler_kasper_thyge

If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland then you may be eligible for free university tuition in Denmark. And if you are intending to pursue a PhD, there are even opportunities to study whilst earning a salary as this higher level study comes fully funded. The costs of living are undeniably high, but Denmark provides a fascinating base to explore Europe and experience nordic culture at its best.

Wherever you go, studying overseas is about more than the academic qualifications you may gain.  Showing the curiosity, organisational skills and ambition to arrange a period of study overseas is a great selling point. Whether you are heading off for your entire university program, for a semester or two, or even to study during the summer holidays, you are gathering armfuls of skills and experiences that will stand you head and shoulders above competitors when it comes to looking for graduate jobs. Take the opportunity to combine study and travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture to broaden your horizons. You won’t regret it.

Leave a Reply