Faculty of Arts & Science

Are you intrigued by human behaviour? Are you interested in learning more about how electrical impulses can transform themselves into thoughts, emotions and actions? Do you want to help people recover from neurological disorders or brain injuries?

Probe into your passion in Neuroscience.

Faculty of Arts & ScienceNeuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and how it affects human behaviour on an individual basis.

One of the most basic facts in Neuroscience is that “You are your brain.” This rapidly expanding discipline aims to solve the mysteries of the brain’s functionality by better understanding its resilient capacity for consciousness, perception, memory and learning.

As a student of Neuroscience, you will be exposed to the razor’s edge of neurological discoveries, learning from the country’s most renowned leaders in the field. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the brain’s functionality, as well as the methods and concepts used to uncover its many secrets.

The primary focus of this multidisciplinary program is to enhance your technical and practical skills with extensive theoretical knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Philosophy and other related areas. With an emphasis on neurological disorders, the program will also give you hands-on experience using the latest instruments, technology and research findings.

The Canadian Centre for Behavioural NeuroscienceWhile studying Neuroscience at the UofL, you may have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities, such as the Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience (CCBN). This internationally renowned facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty—your instructors!

The facility is unlike any research facility in the country and houses the laboratories of our principal investigators. The CCBN primarily conducts research in Behavioural Neuroscience, studying both normal brain processes and the recovery processes in neurological disorders and brain injury.

Neuroscience ProgramsThe Department offers a multidisciplinary major in Neuroscience for the 40-course Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, providing you with comprehensive science-based training in the field.

Neuroscience CoursesCourse selections for the program will vary depending on your degree stream, but may include:

For more information, see your Program Planning Guide or speak to an Academic Advisor.

Honours ThesisIf your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Under-graduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree. Contact the Department for information.

What is Neuroscience?

“The brain is us: who we are, what we do and how we feel. This extremely complex system intrigues me and has drawn me into the study of Neuroscience. Gaining a better understanding of how memory works—as well as the possibility of finding new treatments for disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease—are what inspire me and drive me forward in my Neuroscience research.

Fraser Sparks

“• Cognition & Perception• Brain & Behaviour• Animal Behaviour• Drugs & Behaviour• Human Neuropsychology• Sex & Gender• Cellular Basis of Life

• Principles of Genetics• Molecular Genetics• Developmental Biology• Philosophy of Mind• Biophysics• Fundamental Neurobiology• Organic Chemistry

Skills AcquiredIn addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills, research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail. You will leave the program with a strong ability to summarize research findings, excellent laboratory skills, as well as an in-depth knowledge of brain and behaviour issues. All these skills are portable to various fields of research such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Graduate StudiesResearch in Neuroscience is traditionally undertaken by those holding a Master’s Degree (MSc) or a Doctorate (PhD). Your undergraduate degree will prepare you for post-graduate studies, whether you choose to do your Master’s here at the University of Lethbridge or other institutions around the world.

Professional DisciplinesYour BSc in Neuroscience provides an excellent foundation for Medicine, Dentistry, Education or Law.

Related FieldsHere are just a few of the options open to you once you’ve earned your degree:

What Are Your Future Prospects?

Our Faculty Members & Their ResearchFaculty members are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects—giving you the opportunity to get hands-on experience.

You may also have the opportunity to participate in field studies or gain employment with local researchers at the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and the Provincial Program on Perinatal Determinants of Brain and Mental Health, among others.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:

• Education• Biotechnology• Social Services • Vocational Rehabilitation

Worker

• Human Resources Officer• Crisis Intervention Worker• Neuroscientist• Research Assistant• Addictions Counselor

• Memory Function• Neurobiology • Motor Skill Learning • Stroke Recovery• Parkinson’s Disease • Brain Development• Plasticity of Brain & Behaviour • Alzheimer’s Disease • Play & Control• Organization of Movement

• Primate Behaviour • Implicit Memory• Concept Formation• Algorithm & Numerical Analysis • Brain Behaviour Relationships • Sex & Development• Evolution of Cognitive Behaviour • Drugs & Behaviour • Drugs & Prenatal Development

ulethbridge.ca @ulethbridge.caJoin us online!

University of Lethbridge4401 University DriveLethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403 394 3900neuroscience@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/neuroscience

*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.

Put Your Knowledge to WorkWhether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the programs and courses outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career—whatever direction you decide to go.

Research & Independent StudiesIn addition to your regular courses, you have the opportunity to participate in Independent Studies. You’re able to contribute to departmental activities by volunteering on research projects or through employment as a Research Assistant.

You may also be able to enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies. There are field school opportunities available in some disciplines, as well as many opportunities to study abroad.

For current Research or Independent Studies opportunities, contact the Department directly.

Applied StudiesApplied Studies is another special opportunity offered to all Arts & Science students as a way to earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or Community Service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information on Applied Studies, visit:ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education & InternshipsThe Faculty of Arts & Science is proud to offer you the chance to participate in our award-winning Co-op Program—the only one of its kind in Alberta. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a Co-op designation on yourdegree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information on Co-operative Education & Internships, visit:ulethbridge.ca/coop/artsci

Academic AdvisingSU060Students’ Union Building403 329 5106artsci.advising@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising