I study chemistry. In Sharif University one of the best universities in Iran.(I am first year of bachelor) I wanna apply for neuroscience phd after bachelors,in one of USA universities. Is it possible?is chemistry background acceptable for neuroscience phd? What minors are recommended with it?minors avaliable to me are physics mathematics and computer science.also I can take few biochemistry courses and a neuroscience course.
They don’t seem to be very fussy about the undergraduate degree. UCLA (I picked at random) says (at http://www.neuroscience.ucla.edu/graduate-program/prospective/admissions-faq):
"I didn’t major in Neuroscience or Neurobiology, am I still eligible to apply? Are there any required courses I have to take?
“We do not require applicants to have majored in Neuroscience or Neurobiology as an undergrad nor do we have required courses that an applicant must take. Though we do highly recommend that an applicant at least take mathematics through calculus and at least one year of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, physics and basic biology including molecular and cellular. We also recommend at least one year of research experience to be considered a competitive applicant.”
True about ucla.but what about Princeton for example? They don’t want chemistry students. If you check their website.
Another thing,do you know a person with chemistry background who had a successful application to neuroscience phd?
You’ll have to look around at a number of programs to find ones that do accept other majors. Why do you say Princeton doesn’t take students with chemistry backgrounds? I checked their neuroscience graduate program website and it doesn’t say that anywhere. In fact, it says: “We strongly encourage such students to apply-- you will feel right at home. Our program aims to draw undergraduates with strong quantitative backgrounds (e.g., majors in mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science, in addition to well trained biology and psychology majors) into neuroscience.” Just because it doesn’t mention chemistry explicitly, doesn’t mean they frown upon chemistry majors. However, you really ought to contact graduate programs you might be interested and ask them directly.
Chemistry is, in many cases and many ways, very closely related to biology, especially if you take courses specifically relevant to neuroscience, like biochemistry, psychology, etc. I can’t imagine you’ll be shut out of many, if any, neuroscience programs with such a background. However, you should try to get as much relevant research experience as possible. Research experience is as important as coursework, if not more important, for gaining admission to a PhD program.
I agree,It may be possible to apply to Princeton neuroscience with chemistry background.But do you know any one cv who applied neuroscience phd with chemistry background?(in any University)