The Neuroscience program is offered by the Virginia Tech University. It is based around four Majors comprising the extensive study of Clinical Neuroscience, Computational and Systems Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience and Experimental Neuroscience.
Clinical Neuroscience:
The Clinical Neuroscience major is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in health related professions (medical, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, nursing, etc.). It offers a curriculum that spans from a detailed understanding of genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases and disorders in the nervous system to a translation of such findings into clinical practice and the role and responsibility that health care plays in society.
Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience:
Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience focuses on thought processes in humans. Students majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience will explore a wide array of topics including sensory and motor systems, learning, memory, decision-making, language, sleep, mood, awareness and attention, and others. Courses will introduce students to biological substrates underlying cognition ranging from genes to complex circuits.
Computational and Systems Neuroscience:
Computational and Systems Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary branch of Neuroscience that incorporates theoretical and experimental approaches to understand the brain. Students choosing this major will explore tools and techniques that Neuroscientists use to make sense of the vast data available in hope of finding solutions to neurological diseases and disorders as well as to understand processes such as decision-making, addiction, motivation, and more.
Experimental Neuroscience:
The Experimental Neuroscience major prepares students for a hands-on career in science or science education. The curriculum focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system with the ultimate goal to experimentally test questions relevant to health and disease. Students in this major will gain a comprehensive understanding of genes, molecules and cells that are the building blocks of the brain.