Study Neuroscience at Maine’s Leading Health University

Become an explorer in one of medicine’s final frontiers: the brain. UNE’s Neuroscience major combines hands-on discovery, research, and internships to bring you an interdisciplinary program incorporating the fields of psychology, biology, chemistry, and biomedical science. Ranked a “High Research Activity” university by the Carnegie Classification, you will work with field-leading faculty members and state-of-the-art resources you would expect at a large institution. You will also experience the benefits of a small, intimate college environment that gives you the one-on-one attention and access to sophisticated equipment that are usually only offered at the graduate level. Visit our blog to read more about the class experiences, internships, activities, and accomplishments of our Neuroscience students and faculty.

A student in a white coat adds liquid samples to dishes in a lab

Why UNE for your B.S. in Neuroscience

With our uncommon breadth of research opportunities for undergraduates, you’ll have opportunities to work on research funded by the NIH, NSF, and top tier foundations. From participating in experiment design to publishing your results as co-author, you will get graduate-level experience as an undergraduate student.

Headshot of U N E student Anika Koopman

Anika Koopman ’24

Applied Social and Cultural Studies, Neuroscience

Why UNE

When I first stepped foot on campus, I just kind of knew. I thought it was really cool that I could see medical students walking around in scrubs. The environment here is amazing. Everyone's very nice and they're willing to help you get to your career goals.

The [neuroscience] major is smaller here, which is really cool because we can develop strong relationships with our professors. All of the students in this program work together and really become a strong team. And I knew UNE was just not good for me just for the four years coming up, but for at least eight years of my education, if not further, because UNE is my top choice for medical school.

Experiential Learning

I am interning at North Sky Chiropractic in Biddeford and I love it so far. I got this internship with help from the [CAS] internship office. The staff were very helpful and worked with me to find a site near campus, which allowed me to stay here in Biddeford over the summer.

My main job is to help the office run smoothly for Dr. Rebecca in whatever way she needs. My favorite thing [has been charting] because I want to eventually become a doctor. I’ve taken a couple of neuroscience classes where we’ve learned about the anatomy of the spine, but interning here and learning about where there’s a misalignment for the person and understanding their symptoms really connects the dots for me.

This internship allows me to see the unique ways modern technology can be used in [treatment] techniques. I can learn about the equipment [used] to evaluate new clients and the tools during adjustments, which are all connected to my neuroscience major.

The [neuroscience] major is smaller here, which is really cool because we can develop strong relationships with our professors.

Applied Social and Cultural Studies, Neuroscience

What Will You Study? Neuroscience Degree Curriculum Overview

In your second two years, you may choose to focus on cellular/molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, or cognitive science.

B.S. in Neuroscience Courses

The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:

  • Neuroscience Internship
  • Medical Neuroanatomy
  • Introduction to Neurobiology
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neurobiology of Mental Illness

By choosing the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Professions track of the Neuroscience major, you can complete all prerequisite coursework for graduate study in medicine, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Medical and Other Health Care Preparation

If you are interested in attending medical school, a physician assistant program, or a graduate program in occupational or physical therapy, you can major in Neuroscience at UNE and fulfill all of the prerequisites for these programs. Find out more by visiting the Office of Pre-Health Professions Advising.

Meet our faculty and professional staff

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Contact

For more information contact Glenn Stevenson, Ph.D. at (207) 602-2285 or gstevenson@une.edu

Neuroscience Lab Course Learning

Get up close with UNE students in the Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab class and watch how they study various response patterns of zebrafish.

Career Paths for Neuroscience Majors

With the research experience most undergraduates can only dream of, you will stand out to employers and graduate schools alike. Your robust knowledge, analytical skills, internship experience, and outreach service will stand you in good stead as you embark on your journey to success in the neuroscience field. Our Neuroscience majors may explore numerous careers, including:

  • Neuroscientist (in academic, governmental, or industrial settings)
  • Physician/Neurologist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Consultant
  • Scientific Writer
  • Policy Advocate
  • Biotechnician

Career Advising for B.S. in Neuroscience Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Facilities for B.S. in Neuroscience Students

As a Neuroscience student, you benefit from UNE's extraordinary resources.

Two U N E students observes a fish's behavior via a video feed

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience Program

Internships for Neuroscience Majors

Intern off campus or in one of our faculty labs that are conducting cutting-edge research. Join studies in:

  • Development of anxiety and behavioral neuroscience
  • Neurogentics and pain sensitization
  • Headache and ocular pain
  • Psychopharmacology and gut microbiome

For more information email the Academic and Career Advising Center at advising@une.edu.

Neuroscience Research at UNE

Can we develop new and more effective treatments for corneal pain?

Meet Professor Ian D. Meng, Ph.D., and Gillian Singer (Neuroscience ’23) as they study ocular pain by mapping out the corneal nerves.

Can We Reduce the Effects of Neonatal Trauma on the Brain?

Meet Professor Michael Burman, Ph.D., and student Skylar McComas (Neuroscience ’22) as they seek to understand the effects of neonatal trauma on the brain.

Research for Neuroscience Majors

As a Neuroscience major at UNE, you may choose to become more deeply involved in research in one of our faculty-led laboratories.

You get the opportunity to participate in research including developing new research ideas and materials, running participants, and analyzing and disseminating the results of research at conferences, and through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

A number of our faculty members have research laboratories that offer undergraduate research experiences throughout the academic year. Additionally, UNE provides an opportunity for you to apply for research funding through the SURE program to work with a faculty member on research during the summer.

We encourage you to learn more about the different opportunities available, some of these are highlighted below. If you are interested in doing research, please contact the faculty to discuss your interests.

Taking Neuroscience Beyond the Classroom

As a student in our Neuroscience program, you have the opportunity to participate in different student organizations specifically geared toward people with a passion similar to your own.

As a student in our Neuroscience program, you have the opportunity to participate in different student organizations specifically geared toward people with a passion similar to your own.

Brain, Body, and Wellness Fair

UNE’s Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences created the annual Brain, Body, and Wellness Fair (formerly called the Brain Fair) to engage the community in brain exploration, with the goal of promoting interest in STEM disciplines. Students, staff, and faculty develop neuroscience-related hands-on activities and experiments for the general public.

EXPERIENCE THE BRAIN, BODY, AND WELLNESS FAIR

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience FAQ