What can I do with a major in Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the study of the body's nerve systems and how they affect human behaviour. Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program provides background for a diverse range of post-graduate activities and is a popular area of study for students who wish to gain entry into graduate programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and other professional programs related to medical science.
The U of L is home to the world-class Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN). The CCBN facility that enables a growing number of principal investigators, their trainees, visiting scientists and technical staff to conduct basic and applied research on all areas involving the brain. The CCBN provides a unique and highly collaborative environment equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and a range of neuroscience tools including ensemble recording, automated functional cellular imaging techniques, two MRI systems and a wide range of behavioural testing suites to perform neuroscience research.
Students interested in Neuroscience can complete:
- Bachelor of Science
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Designing Experiments & Conducting Studies
- Desire for Lifelong Learning
- Experience in Report Writing
- Gathering, Analyzing & Interpreting Data
- Inform & Explain Ideas
- Interpersonal Skills
- Interpret & Explain Scientific Research
- Laboratory Skills
- Ability to Meet Deadlines
- Oral & Written Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Project Management & Supervision
- Research Skills
- Understanding Individual Differences
- Understanding of Neurological Processes & Disease
Work Environment
The Neuroscience program provides an excellent background for students who wish to gain entry into graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and other professional programs related to medical science and biotechnology. The program also provides an excellent background for students aiming to pursue further professional training in education, law, and social services. Graduates of the Neuroscience program may seek employment in research or academic institutions, health care organizations and hospitals, biotechnology/chemical industries, clinical psychology practices, governmental organizations, mental health clinics, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, social services agencies, public and private recreation organizations and public health organizations.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Clinical
- Computation
- Human Cognition
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Comparative Cognition
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- Molecular Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Admissions Counsellor
- Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator
- Clinical Subjects Associate
- Clinical Trials Lab Assistant
- Consultative Sales Position
- Entry Level Account Executive
- Entry Level Behaviour Interventionist
- Health Educator
- Lab/Research Technician
- Logistics Coordinator
- Neuroscience Granting Specialist
- Psychological Assistant
- Referral Intake Specialist
- Research Analyst (Geriatric Mental Health Services)
- Research Assistant
- Science/Technical Writer
- Therapy Assistant
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Addictions Worker
- Artificial Intelligence/Robotics Technician
- Autism Interventionist
- Behaviour Therapist
- Biochemist
- Biomedical Engineering Technologist
- Biomedical Lab Technician
- Biotechnology Assistant
- Clinical Informatics Specialist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Research Associate/Scientist
- Cognitive/Behavioural Therapist
- Consulting Neurologist
- Correctional Service Officer
- Developmental Psychologist
- Educator
- EEG Technologist
- Genetic Counsellor
- Geneticist
- Government Technology Consultant
- Health Care Planner/Consultant
- Hospital Administrator
- Industrial Lab Researcher
- Information Analyst
- Instructor
- Journalist
- Kinesiologist
- Lab Animal Care Technician
- Market Researcher
- Medical Equipment Sales
- Medical Magazine Editor
- Medical Researcher
- Medical Science Liaison
- Mental Health Worker
- Microbiologist
- Neurobiologist
- Neurochemist
- Neuroimaging Technician
- Neurologist
- Neuromuscular Physician
- Neuropathologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Neuroscience Nurse
- Neuroscientist
- Neurosurgeon
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Pharmacologist
- Physical Therapist
- Physician
- Policy & Procedure Coordinator
- Policy Developer
- Project Officer
- Prospect Researcher
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- Psychometrist
- Public Health Officer
- Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Research Collaboration Coordinator
- Research Lab Technician
- Research Program Specialist (Neuroscience)
- Research Scientist
- Science Advocate
- Science Journalist
- Science Publisher
- Scientific Research Department Manager
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Technical Writer
- Toxicologist
- University Professor
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Anestheiologist
- Audiologist
- Chiropractor
- Computer Scientist
- Counsellor
- Criminologist
- Dentist
- Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Epidemiologist
- Ethics Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Food Scientist
- Forensic Science Technician
- Hospital Administrator
- Insurance Agent
- Lawyer
- Neural Engineer
- Nurse
- Patent Agent
- Personal Support Work
- Pharmaceutical Marketer
- Pharmacist
- Philosopher
- Social Worker
- Statistician
- Veterinarian
Useful Resources
- American Neurological Association http://www.aneuroa.org/
- American Society for Neurochemistry http://www.asneurochem.org
- Branch Out Neurological Foundation https://www.branchoutfoundation.com/
- British Neuroscience Association http://www.bna.org.uk
- Canadian Association for Neuroscience http://can-acn.org
- Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses http://www.cann.ca
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience – University of Lethbridge https://www.uleth.ca/artsci/neuroscience
- Canadian Medical Association http://www.cma.ca/
- Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation http://www.cnsfederation.org
- Canadian Psychological Association http://www.cpa.ca
- Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour & Cognitive Science https://www.csbbcs.org
- International Behavioral Neuroscience Society http://www.ibnsconnect.org/
- International Brain Research Organization http://ibro.info
- International Society for Neurochemistry http://neurochemistry.org
- Neuroscience News http://neurosciencenews.com
- Psychologists Association of Alberta http://www.psychologistsassociation.ab.ca
- Society for Neuroscience http://www.sfn.org
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.