Neuroscience is the study of the brain and how it affects human behaviour on an individual basis. One of the most basic facts in neuroscience is that “You are your brain.” This rapidly expanding discipline aims to solve the mysteries of the brain’s functionality by better understanding its resilient capacity for consciousness, perception, memory and learning.

As a neuroscience student you will be exposed to the razor’s edge of neurological discoveries, learning from the country’s most renowned leaders in the field. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the brain’s functionality, as well as the methods and concepts used to uncover its many secrets.

The primary focus of this multidisciplinary program is to enhance your technical and practical skills with extensive theoretical knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, philosophy and other related areas. With an emphasis on neurological disorders, the program will also give you hands-on experience using the latest instruments, technology and research findings.

Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience | The Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience (CCBN) is an internationally renowned institute and provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty — your instructors! The CCBN primarily conducts research in behavioural neuroscience, studying both normal brain processes and the recovery processes in neurological disorders and brain injury.

While studying neuroscience at uLethbridge, you have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. The CCBN and the Department of Neuroscience are housed within the Science Commons. As Canada’s most advanced science facility, Science Commons brings together faculty and students from the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics & Astronomy and Psychology. The building is designed to provide an environment where bright minds can join forces to consider the wider implications of their work. Students will work alongside world-renowned researchers as they tackle complex questions, supported by state-of-the-art spaces, equipment and resources.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education,international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills, research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail. You will leave the program with a strong ability to summarize research findings, excellent laboratory skills, as well as an in-depth knowledge of brain and behaviour issues. All these skills are portable to various fields of research such as biology, chemistry or physics.