North Central College - Naperville, IL

Neuroscience

Why choose neuroscience at North Central College?

How do humans experience consciousness? How does the brain work? What are the underlying causes of neurological and psychiatric disorders? These are among the many mysteries being unraveled by neuroscientists.

Neuroscience—an interdisciplinary study of the nervous system—advances the understanding of human thought, emotion and behavior. Neuroscientists use tools ranging from computers to special dyes to examine molecules, nerve cells, networks and brain systems to gain a better understanding of how the nervous system affects human health and behavior.

With a minor in neuroscience from North Central College, you’ll study biology, chemistry, psychology and other areas. We’re among the first liberal arts colleges in Illinois to offer the opportunity to minor in neuroscience and help you gain an edge in this emerging field.

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News

Heather Carlson '91 delivered the keynote address at North Central College’s 15th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.
Math major Maria Gommel ’13 joins the ranks of Goldwater Scholars
Aaron Williams, director of the Peace Corps, will deliver the address June 9 at the 147th Commencement ceremony of North Central College.

News

Careers

  • Neurobiologist—study the biology of the nervous system.
  • Neurochemist—study the chemistry of the nervous system.
  • Neuropharmacologist—study the action of drugs on the nervous system and/or behavior.
  • Neurophysiologist—study the physiology or electrical responses of the nervous system.
  • Neuropsychologist—study brain/behavior relationships, especially cognitive function.
  • Neuroradiologist—study imaging methods such as X-ray, MRI, CT and angiography to diagnose diseases of the nervous system.

Feature

Jessica VandenBerg

Neuroscience student, psychology major

When Jessica VandenBerg was looking at colleges, she hadn’t yet decided on a major. “I chose to come to North Central College because of its size, location and outlets for involvement like the track and cross country teams.”

Jessica competed athletically during her first two years and has extended her involvement to other areas of campus. She’s active with Focus, a weekly worship service, and has taken service trips to Mobile, AL, and Titanyen, Haiti.

As a psychology major, Jessica has immersed herself in research opportunities with faculty. “North Central truly is phenomenal in preparing students with heavy research backgrounds, especially when students seek these opportunities,” Jessica says. “I'm currently working on a project with Professor Karl Kelley, examining the effects of short-term positive emotions.”

Jessica plans to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology and teach and research at a small college like North Central. “My involvement on campus has prepared me for my career by helping me learn to relate to others and work together. To me it’s not about how I can work to advance myself but rather how we as people can work together to benefit one another,” Jessica says.

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