Wright State to offer Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, which will be offered beginning fall semester 2017, emphasizes how fields of science and mathematics can be applied to neuroscience.

A new undergraduate degree will soon be offered by the Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology at Wright State University.

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, which will be offered beginning fall semester 2017, emphasizes how fields of science and mathematics can be applied to neuroscience. Wright State is the second university in southwestern Ohio to offer the degree.

“Many students who pursue neuroscience are interested in entering health-related careers,” said Eric Bennett, professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology. “However, there are many career fields students can pursue with an undergraduate neuroscience degree, including research, sales, law and public policy.”

The degree program will utilize active-learning strategies so that students can learn by doing rather than listening. The approach will help to best prepare them for advanced careers of the future.

“The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives,” said Patrick Sonner, instructor in the department. “There is a present and growing need for the care, discovery and treatment of neurological conditions.”

The program focuses on in-depth neuroscience knowledge centered on four main learning goals, including the organization of the nervous system; cellular neurophysiology; how neurons process information; and how neural networks work together to mediate behavior.

Those majoring in neuroscience also will develop broadly applicable skills in learning independently, collaborating with others, communicating effectively and solving complex problems, among others.

“Neuroscience majors will be actively involved in understanding and applying neuroscience concepts and ideas, and fostering their own scientific creativity and critical thinking,” Bennett said. “They also will receive training in fundamental neuroscience research techniques.”

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience program will give undergraduates the opportunity to take part in significant research through a laboratory research experience. Students may also go on to collaborate with faculty through independent research.

For students looking to later work in the health or science professions, the research experience will prepare them for further study in their chosen field.

“Many students will need to pursue advanced graduate or professional education in order to achieve their career goals,” Bennett said. “The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience program has been designed to meet entrance requirements for those advanced programs.”

For more information on the new Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience degree, contact Patrick Sonner at patrick.sonner@wright.edu.