Neuroscience (BSc) or (BA)
When you study neuroscience at pilipiliÂþ», you’ll learn how the brain and nervous system work.
Why choose this program?
Neuroscience explores how the brain and nervous system work, and how they shape behaviour, cognition, and well-being. You'll study the brain from multiple perspectives, integrating fields like biology, psychology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and statistics to answer fundamental questions about the nervous system.
Over the course of your degree, you'll learn to:
Think like a neuroscientist by interpreting research, assessing scientific claims, and making evidence-informed decisions.
Describe the major subdisciplines of neuroscience and how ideas in these fields have evolved..
Explain how the nervous system gives rise to sensation, perception, movement, cognition, emotion, and behaviour.ÌýÌý
Recognise how processes at the molecular, cellular, systems, behavioural, and cognitive levels interact to shape brain function.
Conduct and evaluate research in neuroscience.
You'll study the nervous system at different levels from molecules and neurons to brain circuits and behaviour, and can explore topics such as neuroanatomy, learning and memory, sensation and perception, development, and cognition.
Careers
Neuroscience grads can use their skills in data analysis, experimental design, and complex problem-solving to find rewarding bachelor’s-level careers.
Many students continue their education with graduate degrees in Neuroscience or related fields (e.g., biology, biochemistry, pharmacology)—options that are perfect for students who love research. Others leverage their strong background in scientific communication and technical literacy to pursue professional programs in medicine, audiology, or public health.
Neuroscience provides a foundation for careers in research, medicine, biotechnology, data science, health science, the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical work. Some of these fields may require additional education, beyond the bachelor’s degree.
What you will learn
Your degree will introduce you to broad areas like research methods, systems neuroscience, cell neuroscience, and more. In later years, you’ll study specialized topics in areas that interest you. This includes lab courses that give you experience with neuroscience research.
Sample courses
- Introduction to Psychology and Neuroscience I: From Neuron to Person
- Principles of Biology I
- Concepts in Chemistry I
- Life Sciences CalculusÌý
- Methods in Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience
- Cellular Neuroscience
- Perceptual Processes
- Animal BehaviorÌý
- Research Methods in Sensation and Perception
- Hormones & Behavior
- Neural Data Science
- Molecular Neuroscience
- Contemporary Issues in Neuroscience
- Chemical Neurobiology
- Topics in Cognition
- Synaptic Function and PlasticityÌý
Our program has a strong focus on teaching students to think like neuroscientists. All students take required courses in research methods, statistics, systems and cellular neuroscience, and cell biology.
It introduces you to tools that neuroscientists use to make discoveries and prepares you for the upper years of your program, where courses involve interpreting, evaluating, and applying empirical research. Students in our program learn what we know about neuroscience, and crucially, how we know it.
Customize your degree
The following Neuroscience program options are offered by pilipiliÂþ»â€™s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as: 
- Major in Neuroscience Ìý
- Double-Major in NeuroscienceÌý
- Concentrated Honours in NeuroscienceÌý Ìý
- Combined Honours in NeuroscienceÌý
- Minor in Neuroscience
Add a minor to your BSc in Neuroscience to expand your skill set and perspective with a second discipline, allowing you to study everything you’re passionate about at Dal.ÌýVisit the r to browse the minors you can take with this degree.
Note: Students majoring in Neuroscience can’t combine it with a minor or double-major in Psychology.
Complete a certificate alongside your regular degree requirements and graduate with additional skills in specialized areas. Popular options include:
- Animal Behaviour
- Disability ManagementÌý
- Indigenous Studies
- Genetics
- Human PhysiologyÌý
- Medical Humanities
- Neurotechnology InnovationÌý
- Science Communication and Leadership
The (DISP)Ìýis a unique, immersive first-year option for motivated students looking to complete their first year of a science degree. You’ll work effectively in teams, explore connections across scientific disciplines, and complete a hands-on research project while building critical skills in data analysis, tech, and scientific communication
In our program, you’ll build lifelong skills that help you use scientific thinking to make informed decisions in your life and career.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
To enter the Bachelor of Science program in your first year, you must meet the following high school course requirements:
- Minimum overall average: 75%
- Pre-calculus Math 12Ìý
- Academic English 12
- Three additional academic subjects Ìý
All Bachelor of Science students enter the Faculty of Science as undeclared majors. This gives you the freedom to explore your scientific interests during your first year before officially declaring your major in Neuroscience at the end of Year 1.
To declare your major in Neuroscience, you will need a minimum grade of B- in all Introductory Psychology & Neuroscience and Introductory Biology courses.
Neuroscience students also need to complete first-year courses in Chemistry and Math/Statistics, but these do not have minimum grade requirements to declare your major.
