Â鶹´«Ã½

Skip to main content

Neuroscience Program

The neuroscience program at Â鶹´«Ã½ offers an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree with in-depth coursework in psychology and biology, along with courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics and philosophy.

cray fish lab
Neuroscience majors participate in an experimental crayfish lab.

The SLU program also offers diverse electives allowing students to explore their passion for the brain and nervous system.

Neuroscience is the science of the nervous system, from molecules and cells to the relationship between the brain and behavior. SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences provides students with a rigorous course of study and outstanding preparation for those interested in pursuing graduate school, medical school or careers in the biomedical sciences.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate students in the discipline of neuroscience. We accomplish this by integrating empirical science and theory, focused on the understanding of the brain and nervous system. We encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility in our teaching. We seek to contribute to the improvement of the human condition through conveying the discoveries about the brain and nervous system through our curriculum. We educate students to be professionals and challenge them to be ethically responsible, to be committed to serving others, and to respect human diversity in all its forms.

History of Neuroscience at SLU

In 2008, a dedicated group of undergraduate students proposed creating a major in neuroscience, uniting coursework from the psychology and biology departments.

Interest in the major grew rapidly over the next few years to more than 50 students in 2013. The enthusiasm and resourcefulness of undergraduates combined with the efforts of faculty led to neuroscience becoming a formal interdisciplinary degree program in 2014. Two additional faculty members were hired in 2015 to teach new courses and labs specifically developed for majors.

Giving to the Neuroscience Program

The Neuroscience Program Development Fund supports research activities for neuroscience students, including the Dr. William S. Stark Undergraduate Research Award in Neuroscience. Gifts to Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s neuroscience program can be made online. All gifts are tax-deductible and made through a secure server.