The UMass Neuroscience major offers a comprehensive, high quality educational experience in which students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to analyze the biological mechanisms of the nervous system. The learning objectives for the UMass Neuroscience major are aligned with the Society for Neuroscience’s Core Competencies for Neuroscience Undergraduates.
I. CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE:
- Basic understanding of the development, structure, and function of the nervous system
- Basic understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of the nervous system
- Basic understanding of systems and behavioral approaches to neuroscience
- Broad-based and integrated knowledge acquisition in fields that intersect with neuroscience
II. ANALYTIC AND SCIENTIFIC THINKING:
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative information
- Abilities in scientific inquiry, such as hypothesis development, experimental design, and data analysis and interpretation
- Ability to read and critically analyze a primary research paper
III. RIGOROUS AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH:
- Basic understanding of scientifically rigorous experimental design and execution, as well as data analysis and interpretation
- Basic understanding of research ethics, such as:
- Research misconduct and research integrity, including data falsification or manipulation
- Policies regarding human subjects, live vertebrate animal subjects in research, and safe laboratory practices
- Responsible authorship, peer review, and publication processes
IV. COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
- Ability to present scientific information orally in an organized and coherent manner
- Ability to communicate scientific information in written format for scientific publication
- Ability to communicate scientific information to the lay public in both oral and written formats
- Listening carefully and asking pertinent questions
- Visual presentation of data and preparation of figures
V. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM:
- Responsible and ethical behavior
- Teamwork and professional interpersonal skills
- Exposure to the cultural diversity of the neuroscience community
- Advocacy and community outreach
- Awareness of career opportunities and the paths to achieve career goals