The Major
The neuroscience major is highly interdisciplinary, with students taking courses in biology, chemistry, psychology, mathematics, physics and more.
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How does the mind work? How can we explain animal and human behavior? What is different when someone is not neurotypical? Neuroscience is the modern attempt to answer these and other questions through the study of the brain.
Program Highlights
Seminars
In the Neuroscience Seminars & Comprehensives, students and faculty discuss current research and guest neuroscientists lecture on their work.
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Student Research
Our majors perform lab research at Amherst and around the country. Seniors have the option to complete an honors research project.
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History
Amherst was the first institution to offer an undergraduate major in neuroscience.
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Summer Programs
Our majors take great advantage of neuroscience research opportunities around the country and internationally.
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After Amherst
Amherst neuroscience majors conduct research at the National Institutes of Health, teach high school in Boston, practice medicine around the country and work in business.
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Current Courses
NEUR 214
Neurobiology
Description
An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, this course explores the basic functions of neurons and synapses as well as neural mechanisms of sensation at molecular, cellular, circuit and system levels.
NEUR 391
Quantitative Imaging
Description
This laboratory and lecture course will focus on advanced quantitative fluorescence microscopy techniques used for imaging a range of biological model systems and functions ranging from single molecules to cells to tissues.
NEUR 411
Synapses
Description
Plastic changes to synapses are thought to underlie many higher-order functions of the brain in both the developing and adult nervous system. This seminar focuses on the most well-studied example of synaptic plasticity, modifications in a region of the brain called the hippocampus.
Featured Article
New Grant Bolsters Trapani Lab’s Student-Driven Mission
Prof. Josef Trapani receives close to $440k from the National Institutes of Health to continue his good work—and that of the undergraduate students he mentors—in understanding auditory systems.
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