Hey everybody!
So I was planning on doing biomed/bioengineering as an undergraduate (probably at UCSD) and then doing neuroscience in grad school. I thought that going this route would give me a background in the technology that is driving the discoveries in neuroscience. Is this a good plan? Would I have to go back and get a bachelors in neuroscience before I could go on to get a masters or doctorate in neuroscience/are there prerequisites for grad school neuroscience?
Thanks!
Your plan might be good if you’re genuinely interested in both biomed/bioengineering and neuroscience separately, and together. My guess is no, you do not have to go back and get a Bachelor’s in neuroscience. To get admitted, though, you have to show an admissions committee that you have the proper background and motivation to succeed in their program. Generally a graduate program will accept students from outside their major if the fit is good. It helps make an interdisciplinary program. However, this is a somewhat convoluted plan to study neuroscience. You can study neuroscience from the start, and join a lab that does the kind of research you are interested in. You can learn the technology (and may very well be expected to) while working in the lab.
Thanks a bunch! I appreciate your thoughtful response!