Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a dynamic and growing field that unites discoveries from biology, psychology, human physiology, and many other disciplines to probe the edges of human understanding. The UO has an established reputation for excellence in neuroscience research, and our program is the first of its kind at a public university in Oregon. Students who major in neuroscience have the opportunity to work in a field that could represent some of the 21st century’s most astonishing and transformative breakthroughs.

What you can do with a degree in Neuroscience

Upon completion of the neuroscience major, students will be well-prepared for careers in scientific research, medicine, and other health professions, as well as science-related government, nonprofit, and industry jobs. Neuroscience graduates can find employment in:

  • Healthcare clinics and hospitals
  • Government agencies that focus on neurological diseases
  • Public health and global health organizations
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Management consulting firms specializing in healthcare companies
  • Colleges and universities
  • Research institutes and laboratories
  • Scientific writing and publishing
77
STUDENTS ENROLLED AS NEUROSCIENCE MAJORS IN FIRST TERM OF OUR PROGRAM
100%
OF TENURED INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE FACULTY MEMBERS HAVE PUBLISHED A PAPER WITH A UO COLLEAGUE
40+

SCIENTISTS TRAINED BY THE CENTER FOR TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE IN ITS FIRST FIVE YEARS

Dr. Michael Posner from Psychology in the chair

Family efforts lead to a new professorship honoring Professor Michael Posner

The Dr. Michael Posner Psychology Professorship in Cognition and Neuroscience will be awarded to a tenured member of the faculty at the level of professor or associate professor of cognition and neuroscience and support the recipient's teaching, research, and professional development.

Picture of brain

Neuroscience Is Blowing Minds

Have you ever watched in fascination as zebrafish neurons make connections in real time? Or helped develop a potential brain implant? These are just some of the mind-blowing research experiences students are discovering in our growing Neuroscience Program.

Read about the Neuroscience Program

Neuroscience major Minh Ahn Nguyen

Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain

“The first time I held a human brain in my hand was such a magical moment. I felt so thankful I got to be part of the cadaver lab, and that was the moment I knew that neuroscience was for me. Neuroscience is emerging out of its infancy, and there’s so little that we know about the brain, even though it’s such a central part of our lives.”

Minh Anh Nguyen, neuroscience major, '21

Our Degree Programs

Neuroscience majors gain a strong foundation in the natural sciences while exploring three main areas of neuroscience: molecular/cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in neuroscience.

people chatting

Learn from Experts in the Field

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that brings together award-winning faculty from the departments of Biology, Human Physiology, and Psychology. Many of the program’s faculty are affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience, a group of UO researchers who have pooled their expertise to tackle fundamental questions in neuroscience.

neuro_minh-ahn_nguyen_microscope

Get Real-world Experience

Beginning as early as their first year, neuroscience majors are encouraged to engage in hands-on research, working side-by-side with faculty in cutting-edge research labs across the university. Students can take their investigations in many different directions, from molecular, cellular, behavioral, anatomical, and computational to more explorative types of research.

Scholarships and Funding

Students can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO.

Undergraduate Scholarships

 

Academic Support

Students are strongly encouraged to maintain contact with their academic advisors to discuss their course of study and plan for their careers. Neuroscience majors can seek advising through Tykeson Hall.

Undergraduate Advising

Neuroscience News and Events

NEUROSCIENCE, PSYCHOLOGY - Neuroscience instructor Nicole Dudukovic has a unique insight into her students’ brains, at least when it comes to how they remember what they learn in class. She was recognized for her distinguished teaching with a Herman Faculty Achievement Award, which is presented to faculty who have made significant contributions to student learning at the University of Oregon.
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE - Undergrad student Matthias De Kok shares his experience as a research assistant intern with Sleep & Health Applied Research Program Lab in Portland.
BIOLOGY - Judith Eisen, a biology professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the prestigious International Zebrafish Society George Streisinger Award for 2024, which recognizes senior investigators in zebrafish research who have made critical contributions to the advancement of the field.

All news »


Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb11
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 11 McKenzie Hall
How to Align Your Time with Your Priorities
Feb13
How to Align Your Time with Your Priorities Feb 13
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb13
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb14
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 14 Miller Theatre Complex
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb15
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 15 Miller Theatre Complex
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Feb16
POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Feb 16 Miller Theatre Complex
Black Studies Presents: "Black Pasts/Black Futures:  Lessons from Octavia E. Butler"
Feb17
Black Studies Presents: "Black Pasts/Black Futures:  Lessons from Octavia E. Butler" Feb 17 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours
Feb17
Composition Writing Lab Drop-In Hours Feb 17 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Feb18
Department of History Coffee Hour Feb 18 McKenzie Hall
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Open House
Feb18
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Open House Feb 18 Hendricks Hall

All events »