Concentration
Why Study Neuroscience at K?
As a Kalamazoo College neuroscience student, you will dive deep into the structure and function of the human nervous system as you explore its role in human health and behavior.
Why do you remember some details but not others? How does your arm know to move based on your thoughts? How do your upbringing and genetics affect your cognitive ability? Why are some folks more biologically resistant to medication than others? These are just a few of the core questions you will explore as a neuroscience student.
As a deeply interdisciplinary field, you will take courses in biology (e.g., Neurodegenerative Disorders), psychology (e.g., Physiological Psychology), philosophy (e.g., Logic and Reasoning), and computer science (e.g., Cognitive Science) as you learn about neuroanatomy and its role in human behavior.
The wide breadth of coursework required for a neuroscience concentration will prepare you for a variety of careers, including in medicine, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and cognitive science.
What can you do with a Neuroscience Concentration?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our neuroscience alumni.
Careers
- Physician
- Professor
- Behavior Therapist
- Veterinarian
Employers
- National Institute of Health
- Charles River Laboratories
- Western Michigan University
- Pfizer
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Ohio State University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Harvard Medical School
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Cassie Linnertz (She/Her)
Majors: Biology and Psychology
Concentration: Neuroscience
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
All of the professors are very passionate about what they teach and give open and honest feedback.
What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
PSYC 420: Learning. I really enjoyed the material and Dr. Batsell is very good at lecturing. It was an engaging and insightful class.
What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I did Sisters in Science club my freshman year where we went to an elementary school and did science experiments with them.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I am working with Dr. Hostetter in her lab looking at gesture and if we also use our feet to gesture as well.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am planning to work in a lab for a few years and then go on to grad school.
Faculty
Robert Batsell (Co-chair), Professor of Psychology. BA Southern Methodist University MS, PhD Texas Christian University
Peter Erdi (Co-chair), Luce Professor of Complex Systems Studies. MSc L. Eotvos University, Budapest MSc Technical University of Budapest PhD, DSc Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Blaine Moore, Professor of Biology. BS University of North Florida PhD University of Florida