Neuroscience Minor: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Minor Requirements: View requirements

Neuroscience represents an emerging integrative scientific discipline that seeks to: (1) better understand nervous system structure and function, and (2) use this knowledge to better understand mental processing and behavior. Students earning a Neuroscience minor will be introduced to a variety of perspectives on the field of neuroscience. These perspectives include neurobiology, evolution, theories of mind, behavioral neuroscience, psychopharmacology, computational neuroscience, animal behavior and perception.

The neuroscience minor may be an attractive addition to a major in natural science, computer science, social science, or humanities, and it should enable students to address issues and dilemmas in their major field from a neuroscience perspective. It will also better prepare students who are considering graduate study in fields impacted by neuroscience, such as the health professions, counseling, education, computer science, social work and the law.

Program Contacts

Dr. Christine Curran
Neuroscience Program Director
(859) 572-6914
curranc1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Katie Sawvell

Graduating Year: 2019

Education: Biological Sciences (Cellular, Molecular, Genetics track), Minor in Neuroscience

“The undergraduate research experience I gained at NKU has been invaluable to me as I applied for jobs and sought out new opportunities after graduation. I felt more prepared entering the workforce and potential employers were eager to hear about my diverse research experiences. In addition, being able to explore my interest in Neuroscience through a minor at NKU has helped me better understand the work I have done over the past four years and shape a career path which I look forward to following.”

Career Path: After studying abroad and doing research at the University of Rennes in France, Katie worked for two years in the Brain Tumor Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a Research Assistant II. In 2021, she moved into clinical research as a Clinical Research Coordinator II and was promoted to a CRC III after one year working on a project to understand the health outcomes of environmental exposures. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Research from the University of Cincinnati with a focus on multi-disciplinary study design.

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Neursocience students conducting research in the lab.

Career Development: No matter what your chosen profession, understanding more about the brain and behavior can prepare you for a successful career. Neuroscience has applications in education, law, marketing, political science, athletic performance and more. Students interested in the health professions or veterinary medicine will gain a deeper understanding of neurodevelopment and neurological disorders and how different drugs and therapies affect the nervous system.
Community Engagement: Neuroscience minors can participate in service learning courses that directly benefit non-profit agencies and their clients in the region. Students are eligible for admission into the Nu Rho Psi honor society which has multiple opportunities for service both on campus and in the local community.
Research Experience: The Neuroscience laboratories are part of the new $97 million Health Innovation Center complex. Students can make three-dimensional images of the brain in our advanced microscopy core, measure neurotransmitters or hormones in our neurochemistry lab, look at changes in gene expression in different brain regions, and study anxiety, depression, learning and memory, motor function, and decision-making in our neurobehavior labs.

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