<p>I've spent years researching where to go for astrophysics, but after a year of calc and physics I've decided that is not what I want.. So I'm starting fresh! </p>
<p>My main interest lies with neuroscience and psychology. I also have a lot of interest in chemistry and biology. My goal is to be able to do research with neuroscience. I've noticed only a few schools have actual neuroscience programs, but most have biochem. Is a neuroscience major too limited? Would a biochem major allow for me to be in neuroscience?</p>
<p>Lots of students change their minds when they’re exposed to the reality of what a subject is, and that might happen again to you when you’re in college. So don’t be surprised if it does.</p>
<p>There are many neuroscience undergraduate departments where you can major or minor or get a certificate. There are also interdisciplinary majors that draw on a number of departments for courses for an interdisciplinary neurosci major or minor. These programs depend upon a firm foundation in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and other common science majors. then there are upper level courses in cognition, neurophysiology and -anatomy, etc. </p>
<p>Neurosci is a very interdisciplinary field. You can focus on biology, chemistry, language, psychology, artificial intelligence, animal or human behavior, evolution, philosophy, education, the humanities, etc. The brain and nervous system of humans and animals is the subject of a lot of academic research right now and is likely to be so for a long time to come. UPitt where my D is going has one of the oldest neuroscience departments in the country, and it was founded 30 years ago. It’s not a new field, but neuroscience in the modern sense is newer than biology or chemistry and slightly newer than biochem.</p>
<p>Please don’t limit yourself to schools that offer a “neuroscience” major. Pursue a solid foundation in scientific training.</p>
<p>FWIW, scientific training has less to do with the subject matter and more to do with critical analysis of the literature, pattern recognition, logic, data interpretation, proper experimental design, creativity, and trouble-shooting. Techniques will change, but the successful scientist will apply/adapt/develop technology to focus on how best to address a specific question. Look for schools that offer undergraduate research opportunities and excellent training in the biological sciences. Related majors include: chemistry, biochemistry, biology, genetics, psychology, cognitive science, math, applied math, physics, biomedical science, physiology, neurophysiology, anatomy, development, biomedical engineering, etc. As jkeil911 pointed out, neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field.</p>
<p>With a solid foundation in science, you’ll be a competitive applicant to any graduate program (assuming that’s the path you plan to take).</p>
<p>Of course, limiting is what I’m trying to avoid. I don’t want a “neuroscience” degree for that reason. Same as always go for the physics major instead of Astronomy and Astrophysics major. So I can approach neuroscience as well as other fields with those undergraduate degrees you listed and won’t be limited in applying for neuroscience graduate programs? </p>
<p>Due to not wanting to limit myself or making a wrong decision I haven’t decided on a specific discipline. Which undergrad major will offer the most diversity in exposure to the different disciplines of neuroscience? </p>