A Network of Vibrant Collaborations—Neuroscience @ Chatham
Neuroscience is the study and examination of the human brain and nervous system at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and social levels. And now, thanks to Chatham’s strengths in the natural and clinical health sciences, our new neuroscience major has plenty of foundation to build on. “With our strong and collaborative interdisciplinary faculty, innovative learning environments, and research opportunities, neuroscience at Chatham is a fascinating and inspiring field of study, grounded by foundations in all branches of science, united by a sense of wonder and mystery,” says Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Ethan Block.
In our interdisciplinary neuroscience major, students will “build from a broad base of knowledge in biology, psychology, and chemistry, with upper level course electives that allow students to explore specific interests and career paths,” says Dr. Block. They’ll also gain an understanding of how the “nervous system works across multiple scales, from tiny molecular interactions that explain how toxins and drugs work, to anatomical structures and networks that are the basis for movement and rehabilitation, to evolutionary costs and benefits of cognitive processes and social interactions,” according to Block.
Sound interesting? Then maybe neuroscience is the major for you. But what exactly can one do career-wise with the study of neuroscience? According to Dr. Block, the possibilities are about as complex as the human brain: “The neuroscience major will help prepare students for careers and degree programs in neuroscience, neuropsychology, genetic counseling, experimental psychology, medicine, physician assistant studies, and/or pharmaceutical sciences.” Chatham neuroscience majors will hone their understanding of the field in courses like: Foundations of Neuroscience, Experimental Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology, and Cognitive Psychology. But because the field offers such a wide array of specialties, students explore plenty of different research opportunities:
“Chatham Biology and Psychology faculty have multiple researchers engaged in neuroscience research. Students could investigate the cellular effects of psychostimulant drugs, probe interactions between stress and neuropathology, perform computer simulations of molecular interactions between drugs and targets, develop clinical tools for substance use disorder, define the social and emotional currency of emojis, explore sociological outcomes of intergroup dynamics, and more. There are also vibrant collaborations with exercise science, chemistry, criminology, social work, and the University of Pittsburgh.”
Dr. Ethan Block
Depending on what sort of research most appeals to them, students can also explore internships in research labs, behavioral health clinics, community organizations, or one of Pittsburgh’s famous hospitals. Those interested in medical school are also privy to Chatham’s pre-med advising program, which you can learn more about here. If we’ve piqued your interest in neuroscience at Chatham, check out our website and reach out to Dr. Block for more info.
