<p>Caltech does have a lot of work going on in biological systems and an option in Computation and Neural Systems. Any insights into the program: rigor, reserach opportunities, common second options etc. for an undergraduate? Does the student need to be associated with another area (Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology etc.) and then take this interdisciplinary courses?</p>
<p>I have a friend who’s a CNS major. This major requires taking courses in a lot of various fields, so it is fairly rigorous, since often times you’ll be taking many weedout classes for other majors. There are plenty of research opportunities for every field at Caltech. It’s not a fairly common major, so there aren’t any common second options for me to tell you. CNS is its own option, though you will have to take plenty of classes in other options.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. So, there are students pursuing this option at the undergraduate level, right? I was concerned that it was an option mainly (if not only) for graduate students as the department web-page was a little vague on that. </p>
<p>If we wanted to find out more about the option, do we call the department directly or are there advisers that can help? What is the best way to go about it? Thanks</p>
<p>There are undergrads pursuing CNS, but not many of them.</p>
<p>Advisers are professors who work in the field. If you want to find out more, you can check their website (cns.caltech.edu) and read up there. You might want to contact the option secretary with any basic questions. The course catalogue for Tech is [Caltech</a> 2009-2010 Course Catalog](<a href=“http://pr.caltech.edu/catalog/]Caltech”>http://pr.caltech.edu/catalog/)</p>
<p>If you’re very interested in contacting a professor, I would recommend Professor Alan Barr. He’s an incredible genius, who loves to talk with people and offer advice. The few times I’ve met him he was incredibly friendly and helpful (don’t mention CS2 to me, I know).</p>