Overview
The neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program that combines coursework in biology, chemistry, and psychology to build an understanding of the nature and function of the nervous system from the molecular to the behavioral level.
Students will discover key concepts and techniques involved in the study of the brain from basic neurophysiology to psychopathology.
Fast Facts
- Prestigious grants fund faculty research.
- Neuroscience majors have access to nearly $4 million worth of science facilities.
- The majority of majors pursue careers in medicine or science.
- Neuroscience majors have the chance to start research in the first year.
What You'll Study
What we know in Neuroscience, and How we know it
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Program Curriculum
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Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements.
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Search for Classes
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Use Search for Sections in TigerPAWS for the most current class offering information.
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Courses of Study Bulletin
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Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.
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Pathways Curriculum
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Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.
Neuroethics
Review and discuss ethical theories, principles, and dilemmas relevant to the brain, cognition, and behavior.
Neurobiology
Explore function, development and plasticity of neurons and their synapses with an examination of peripheral and central circuits required for behavior.
Neuroscience Laboratory and Research
Hands-on approach laboratory exercises and data collection to teach the background skills and experiences needed to conduct research in neuroscience.
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Philosophy (Minor)
Philosophy (B.A.)
Chemistry (B.A.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry (Minor)
Entrepreneurship (Minor)
Spanish (B.A.)
Spanish (Minor)
Faculty
The brains behind the brain
Faculty take students under their wings to conduct research on cutting-edge topics, including cognitive aging, fear conditioning, and addiction. Individual faculty research is supported by prestigious grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
Student Opportunities
Extend laboratory research to make an impact in the world
Honors Programs
Graduate with honors in neuroscience by meeting the GPA requirements and completing an honors thesis that is approved by the Neuroscience Advisory Committee.
Research Opportunities
Experience Summer research opportunities and present your findings at regional or national meetings or co-author on publications of research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Study Abroad
Gender, Race, and Health Care Issues in Contemporary Cuba This course explores the historical changes that have labeled Cuba as an island "lost in time" by focusing on three topics that are crucial for Cuba's global acknowledgement: gender, race and healthcare.
DIS in Copenhagen Students take advantage of course offerings in neuroscience with DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark. The institution offers boutique courses in neuroscience and the chance to experience study in Scandinavian culture.
Spaces and Facilities
Students have access to modern laboratories in which faculty provide guidance and mentorship.
Phillips Lab Kimberley Phillips’ research examines social, neuroendocrine, and brain microvascular contributions to age-related cognitive changes in primates. Phillips also has an appointment as Core Scientist at the Southwest National Primate Research Center, where she conducts these studies on neurological basis of behavior.
Kwan Cheng Lab Cheng’s work focuses on understanding the underlying physical mechanisms that cause neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. He has a powerful computing cluster at Trinity, and has been awarded large amounts of supercomputer time, to run molecular dynamics simulations. He is currently preparing to set up a single molecule spectroscopy laboratory in the new Center for Sciences and Innovation.
Beaudoin Lab Gerard Beaudoin is using a variety of disciplines to study dopaminergic neurons, the neurons critical for learning motivated behavior. Here, students can help study the effects of cocaine on the structure and function of synapses on dopaminergic neurons by seeing and stimulating neurons from disparate brain areas using light, via a technique called optogenetics.
Leong Lab KC Leong focuses on elucidating the neural mechanisms that drive negative emotional processes and how this affects the alcohol addiction and sugar seeking behavior. His research combines rodent behavioral models with techniques in neuropsychopharmacology and molecular neuroscience to try and determine the underlying mechanisms through which stress and anxiety interacts with addiction. These projects provide valuable insight into how emotional disorders, such as PTSD, can have such a profound impact on the development and maintenance of addiction and addictive behaviors
Student Organizations
Join the Neuroscience Club and experience a variety of activities around the Trinity campus as well as the international professional Society for Neuroscience.
Lecture Series and Annual Events
The Trinity University Distinguished Scientists Lecture Series brings pioneering U.S. and international scientists to Trinity.
When You Graduate
Join the ranks of one of the nation’s fastest-growing scientific disciplines
After graduation, many students pursue health care professions or create careers in research, development, and entrepreneurship. The Neuroscience program hosts the Neuro Seminar Series as a way to prepare undergraduates for life after graduation, through CV workshops, job search strategies, presentations of student research projects, and preparation for graduate and professional school.
Careers
Neuroscience majors establish careers in academia, medicine, research and development, scientific writing, and global health.
Graduate Schools or Programs:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Clinical neuroscience
- Molecular neuroscience
Career Areas:
- Bioethics
- Laboratory managers and technicians
- Medical or biomedical professions
- Pharmaceuticals
- Research and Development
- Scientific writing
Notable Companies who have Hired Trinity Graduates:
- Airossti
- Brooke Army Medical Center
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- UT Health San Antonio
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.