Neuroscience and Behavior

Neuroscience, the study of the nervous system, explores behavior at all levels of analysis--from an examination of the behavior of individual molecules and nerve cells, to the study of how groups of cells enable animals (both human and nonhuman alike) to encode memories and perceive the world around them, to the exploration of how and why animals of all species evolved to behave the way they do. In short, the burgeoning field of neuroscience relies upon a vast number of approaches and steadily expanding technologies to penetrate the mysteries of how our very different nervous systems make us who we are.

The interdisciplinary major in neuroscience and behavior at Mount Holyoke is designed for students with integrative interests in biological and psychological science and a passion for scientific exploration. Course requirements provide students with a solid background in both the current findings and modern techniques in biology, chemistry, and psychology, while course electives allow students to explore questions about behavior in greater depth. In keeping with the field as a whole, most students elect to conduct independent research on their own, or as a part of a small team, beginning as early as their sophomore year.