Neuroscience

Have Questions?

Have questions? We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Chat with Us

Launch Chat Now

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

Loading...

Neuroscience Overview

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that builds on the foundations of the natural and physical sciences, as well as psychology, to examine the structure and function of the nervous system at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and social levels. Building from a broad base of knowledge in biology, psychology, mathematics, and chemistry, students will apply their neuroscience learning to develop skills in written and oral communication, experimental design and interpretation, and clinical decision-making.
Degrees Offered
  • BS
Program School
School of Arts, Science & Business

With our strong and collaborative interdisciplinary faculty, innovative learning environments, and research opportunities, neuroscience at Chatham is a fascinating and inspiring field of study, grounded by foundations in all branches of science, united by a sense of wonder and mystery.

—ETHAN BLOCK, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Explore the Neuroscience Degree:

The neuroscience major will prepare students for careers and degree programs in neuroscience, neuropsychology, genetic counseling, experimental psychology, neuropharmacology, medicine, physician assistant, and pharmacy. 

  • Students benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that builds on Chatham’s strengths in the natural and behavioral sciences.
  • Students can access Pittsburgh’s cutting edge academic and medical communities through faculty connections and collaborations.
  • Curriculum is adaptable and flexible to accommodate requirements for graduate or professional programs in biology, psychology, medicine, counseling, and more.

BIO209 Basic Neuroscience

This course is designed for wide appeal. It is an introduction to structure and function of the brain and spinal cord, and how nerves function and communicate. The basics of movement, sensation, language, emotion, and consciousness are discussed. Emphasis is placed on contrasting normal function with altered function in diseases.

BIO319 Experimental Neuroscience

With an emphasis on neuropathology, the course builds on the foundations of neuroscience to explore advanced topics in sensation, motor control, emotion, and cognition.  Classical and modern methods for investigating the structure and function of the nervous system will be examined through lectures, discussions, and student projects.

PSY341 Psychobiology

An examination of the biological correlates of behavior. Emphasis is placed on the central nervous system and its structure, organization, and function. Specific topics considered are sleep, learning, memory, sexual behavior, motivation, and complex processes such as thought and language.

Full Curriculum Coming Soon

Our Faculty

If one word could best sum up Chatham's faculty, it would be engaged. Professors bring experiences to relate the course lessons to real-world situations.

Full Faculty
Photo of Robert Lettan
Robert Lettan
Chair of the Science Department and Associate Professor of Chemistry
Photo of Nichole Bayliss
Nichole Bayliss
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Psychology
Photo of Chatham University students working on laptops on couches and at tables in an academic building.

The Science Complex

The Science Complex is Chatham’s 10,000 square-foot laboratory building, which features laboratories, classrooms, and specialized research spaces. A range of equipment is available for student use during courses and faculty-led projects, including tissue culture facilities, fluorescence microscope, multi-modal plate-reader, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, and computational modeling systems.

Photo of a young woman with glasses, wearing a lab coat and blue latex gloves, poses for a photo while working in a lab

Funding Opportunities

In addition to giving students curricular laboratory experience and opportunities to perform faculty-guided independent research, Chatham offers funding to provide neuroscience students with money to travel to professional conferences and support their summer research. 

Photo of a medical professional surrounded by students in yellow protective suits and medical caps, perform a medical procedure.

Human Cadaver Lab

Chatham has a state-of-the-art cadaver lab that provides hands-on-training, education, and preparation in the study of anatomy, disease sites, dissection, and surgical techniques. A number of cadaver lab visits are available for interested students.