<p>I really want to go into computational neuroscience-related research in the future, with a strong emphasis on computer science. However, would double concentrating in computer science and neuroscience be overkill? I’ve looked through the requirements for each concentration, and they don’t have many overlapping courses, unlike many other double concentrations (such as applied math/computer science).</p>
<p>Although I know that I want my education to be strongly STEM focused, I’m also interested in taking advantage of the Open Curriculum and exploring some unfamiliar classes, such as philosophy. I’m sort of afraid that double concentrating in two unrelated and equally difficult areas would crowd my schedule too much for that to happen.</p>
<p>Would I be losing anything by concentrating only in computer science and picking up neuroscience courses whenever I can without making it part of my degree? I’m really interested in going into the field of computational neuroscience, but I’m not sure if the benefits of a double concentration, such as gaining a deeper understanding of neuroscience so I can “jump into” research more quickly in grad school, outweigh the intense workload and schedule restrictions that come with it.</p>
<p>Hmm. I may be looking at the wrong thing, but I counted 17 neuroscience concentration requirements, and 15 for an A.B. in CSCI (I’m assuming Sc.B is higher). That comes out at 32 courses, around the standard number that Brown students take. Are you planning to do the 5 year program? If not, wouldn’t ALL of your classes be concentration courses?</p>
<p>Double concentrating is probably unnecessary for what you’re interested in. Try looking into Computational Bio or APMA-Bio, both of which allow for more CS-focused STEM research. </p>
<p>Also, APMA-CS/Bio/Econ are not double concentrations, they’re separate concentrations. </p>
<p>Do you think it would be possible for me to create my own CS/Neuro hybrid concentration at Brown?</p>
<p>I had to do a quick google to understand what the difference is and I’m not sure I still do.
<a href=“http://thedailyneuron.com/what-is-the-difference-between-computational-neuroscience-and-systems-biology/”>http://thedailyneuron.com/what-is-the-difference-between-computational-neuroscience-and-systems-biology/</a></p>
<p>Perhaps you can, but will anyone care? Does it help to specialize so early or hurt? What did experienced and emerging computational neuroscientists major when they were undergraduates? You can explore all these questions when you are at Brown, use department advisors etc. They will know more than we will.</p>