Majors & Courses
Majors
At Virginia Tech, neuroscience is explored in a way that is broad, exciting, and deeply connected to the world around us. The nervous system shapes how we think, feel, move, create, communicate, and connect with others. From emotion, motivation, empathy, and decision-making to art, music, language, and social behavior, neuroscience helps explain some of the most important aspects of human experience. That broad perspective is one of the things that makes our program distinctive. Students do not just study the brain in isolation. They explore how brain function influences health, behavior, technology, society, and the human experience more broadly. Whether you want to pursue neuroscience research, prepare for medical or graduate school, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how the brain shapes the world, studying neuroscience provides knowledge and skills that are valuable across an unusually wide range of careers.
Because neuroscience touches so many aspects of life, it can open doors to careers in medicine, research, health care, biotechnology, psychology, law, policy, finance, data science, artificial intelligence, education, architecture, urban and community planning, and many other fields. Understanding neuroscience does not just prepare students for a job. It helps prepare them to think critically, solve complex problems, and better understand people and society.
Students in the School of Neuroscience learn directly from experts in the field about advances in genetic, cellular, molecular, cognitive, and systems neuroscience. They also benefit from the features that set Virginia Tech apart: close faculty mentorship, the opportunities of a major research university, early exposure to research, hands-on laboratory training, and flexible pathways that allow students to align the major with their own interests and career goals.
Clinical Neuroscience Major Logo
Clinical Neuroscience
The Clinical Neuroscience major is designed for students planning to pursue careers in health-related professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, and nursing. Most students in this major are on a pre-med track. The curriculum was developed with direct input from several medical schools in Virginia to ensure strong alignment with the academic and professional expectations of those programs. This major consistently sees more students accepted into medical school than any other at Virginia Tech.
The coursework provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and disorders, while also emphasizing how these discoveries translate into clinical care. The curriculum is a carefully prescribed sequence of courses and limited elective options to ensure students remain on track for competitive health professional programs. Students in this major will explore the biological basis of disease, diagnostic reasoning, and the societal role of healthcare, all within a neuroscience framework.
Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Major Logo
Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
The Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience major is the most flexible of the neuroscience degree options and is ideal for students interested in how the brain gives rise to behavior, decision-making, and complex mental processes. This major brings together biological, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives to explore topics such as memory, language, mood, sleep, learning, perception, and attention.
Students examine how brain function shapes individual and social behavior and consider how neuroscience contributes to our understanding of mental health, human interaction, and society. The curriculum provides strong overlap with interests typically found in psychology, while maintaining a clear foundation in the biological sciences.
Because of its broad scope and adaptability, this major supports a wide range of future goals—including graduate study in psychology, behavioral or cognitive neuroscience, as well as careers in law, public health, business, education, and policy. Its flexibility makes it a strong choice for students who want to keep multiple pathways open while building a solid foundation in both neuroscience and the study of behavior.
Computational and Systems Neuroscience Logo
Computational and Systems Neuroscience
The Computational and Systems Neuroscience major is designed for students interested in understanding the brain through data-driven, mathematical, and systems-level approaches. This interdisciplinary major combines neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, and engineering to explore how complex neural systems function—and how they can be modeled, analyzed, and interpreted.
Students in this major study how the brain processes information, controls behavior, and generates cognition by using computational tools to interpret large datasets and simulate neural activity. They also examine how these methods can be applied to real-world challenges, including neurological disease, brain-computer interfaces, and the development of artificial intelligence.
This major is especially well suited for students who enjoy quantitative reasoning and want to explore cutting-edge fields such as AI, machine learning, neuroengineering, and human-computer interaction. Coursework emphasizes the development of strong skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming, alongside training in neural systems and cognitive processes.
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in research, data science, AI development, biomedical technology, or for continuing on to graduate or professional school in a wide range of disciplines.
Experimental Neuroscience Logo
Neuroscience
The Neuroscience major is designed to provide students with a broad and customizable path through the field, making it well suited for those who want to explore diverse areas of neuroscience. It is especially appropriate for students planning to pursue graduate school, remain in academia, or build a career in research.
The Neuroscience major emphasizes the biological and molecular foundations of the nervous system, while allowing students to tailor their coursework to match their interests and long-term goals. This major is a good choice for pre-med and other pre-health students seeking a strong foundation in neuroscience while seeking flexibility in coursework.
Because of the increased flexibility in course selection, students in the Neuroscience major often have more time to participate in undergraduate research. Many work in research laboratories where they engage in discovery, contribute to ongoing studies, and gain valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities not only reinforce core concepts but also help open doors to future academic and professional pathways.
The Neuroscience major is highly flexible and well-suited for students interested in pursuing any aspect of neuroscience as a career.
Introduction to the field of neuroscience. Exposure to areas of practice and research, opportunities for education and training, and employment in the field. Academic and career planning for neuroscience majors. Discussion of university resources to promote student success.
Introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience. Structures and function of central nervous system in humans and other animals, signal processing and transmission, development of neural and brain circuits, encoding and transmission of sensory and perceptual information, motor control/movement. Prerequisite: BIOL 1105 or ISC 1106.
Organization and function of the nervous system. Neuroanatomy, microscopy, intracellular simulation, extracellular recording, electrophysiology, neurotransmitters, and neuroplasticity. Corequisite: NEUR 2025
Complex brain processes including learning, memory, emotion, decision making, social behavior, and mental health and functioning. Prerequisite: NEUR 2025.
Receptive field, sensation and perception, motor system, simple neural circuitry, neuroendocrine and higher level cognitive processes.
Corequisite: NEUR 2026. Prerequisite: NEUR 2035
Social, ethical, and legal issues faced by human societies from the perspective of neuroscience. Broader questions about how neuroscience informs education, medicine, law, and public health. Research in neuroscience as it relates to issues of mental health, poverty, stress, and politics.
Introduction to the conceptual framework of contemporary experimental methods and practices in neuroscience research. Exploration of experimental techniques including electrophysiology, advanced imaging, immunohistochemistry, transgenic animal models, and behavioral assays. Includes face-to-face interaction with various research faculty to explore research methods in practice and discuss current research and expertise. Prerequisite: NEUR 2025 & 2035.
Exploration of careers in clinical. Introduction to neuroanatomy, clinical presentation of neurological diseases, application of neuroscientific research to clinical practice, and clinical treatments. Ethical challenges in clinical practice. Burnout and resilience.
Fundamental principles of cellular and molecular neuroscience. Methods to study neurochemisty and neurobiology, theoretical and practical issues of relating cellular/molecular structures and functions to higher-level nervous system functioning, and current understanding of cellular/molecular bases of nervous system disorders. Prerequisite: NEUR 2025 and CHEM 1036 OR ISC 2105
Role of evolution and natural selection in shaping genetic, molecular, and cellular components of brain within invertebrates and vertebrates through modern humans. Evolution of molecules and cells in the brain. Comparing brain structure and function between invertebrates and vertebrates, including evolution of animal and human cognition and behavior. Adaptations of brain structure and function necessary for human cognition, emotion, language, and intelligence. Pre-req: NEUR 2026.
Concepts in cognitive neuroscience. Methods available to study brain and nervous system function, theoretical and practical issues of relating mental functions to biological brain functions. Overview of current understanding of the neural bases of various mental functions (e.g., memory, attention, emotion, decision making). Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Foundation of social interactions in human and non-human: ability to learn and memorize locations, situations, individuals, facts and tasks forms. Cellular and molecular mechanism underlying learning and memory and model systems. Approaches to these processes along with diseases presenting with learning and memory deficits in humans. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Introduction to brain-machine interactions and computer models of neural systems. Exploration of brain-computer interface applications, biophysically-based computational models of the brain, and computer neural networks in the context of artificial intelligence. Emphasis on the capabilities and limitations of neural networks and how they inform our understanding of the human brain. Discussion of societal impact and ethical considerations. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026 & MATH 1026/1226
Comprehensive survey of the interrelationships between human neural and endocrine systems. Regulatory mechanisms for neural control of hormone secretions, peripheral hormone action on physiological processes, and hormonal influences on behavior.
History of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. Neurocircuitry and molecular basis of the brain affected by common drugs of abuse. Overview of the use, abuse, liability, and psychotherapeutic effects of drugs on humans. Common classes of drug abuse: alcohol, sedatives, tobacco/nicotine, opioids, cannabinoids, psychostimulants, psychedelics, steroids, anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Animal models in drug addiction studies. Current and future pharmacotherapeutics for drug addiction treatment and ethical considerations of treatments. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Common brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders ranging from trauma to autism. Genetic, molecules and cellular changes in disease. Therapeutic implications and development of novel drugs. Challenges in drug discovery and implementation of personalized medicine. Ethical issues regarding genetic findings. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044
Integration of methods and results from cutting-edge interdisciplinary neuroscience research; theoretical and practical issues when linking molecular/cellular structures and processes to higher-level neurological and psychological functions. Topics vary each semester and include the following: The Sexual Brain, Sense the World, Neuroplasticity, Neuroscience and the Mind, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Drugs and Disease, Rhythms of the Brain, and Stress and the Brain. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044 OR 3084
Genetic, molecular, and cellular processes underlying brain development and neural circuit formation, including neural induction, cell differentiation, cell fate determination, axon guidance, neuronal migration, synapse formation, and cell death. Neurodevelopment processes in vertebrate and invertebrate animal models. Molecular and cellular underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders. Pre-req: NEUR 3044
Concepts of classical, modern genetics and epigenetics as it relates to neuroscience. Practical applications including genome-wide association (GWAS), next-generation sequencing, epigenetics, genome editing and screening methods. Use of model organisms in neurogenetic disorders research. Relationship of genetics and its influences on theoretical and practical issues in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Personalized medicine in neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorders. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044
Neural processes related to reward, learning, reflection, delay of gratification, and social interaction. Clinical uses of neuroeconomics research techniques. Implications of neuroeconomics in economics, policy, law and business. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026 or ECON 3104
Introduction to the fundamental principles of neuroscience. Structures and function of central nervous system in humans and other animals, signal processing and transmission, development of neural and brain circuits, encoding and transmission of sensory and perceptual information, motor control/movement. Prerequisite: BIOL 1105 or ISC 1106.
Organization and function of the nervous system. Neuroanatomy, microscopy, intracellular simulation, extracellular recording, electrophysiology, neurotransmitters, and neuroplasticity. Corequisite: NEUR 2025
Complex brain processes including learning, memory, emotion, decision making, social behavior, and mental health and functioning. Prerequisite: NEUR 2025.
Receptive field, sensation and perception, motor system, simple neural circuitry, neuroendocrine and higher level cognitive processes.
Corequisite: NEUR 2026. Prerequisite: NEUR 2035
Social, ethical, and legal issues faced by human societies from the perspective of neuroscience. Broader questions about how neuroscience informs education, medicine, law, and public health. Research in neuroscience as it relates to issues of mental health, poverty, stress, and politics.
Exploration of careers in clinical. Introduction to neuroanatomy, clinical presentation of neurological diseases, application of neuroscientific research to clinical practice, and clinical treatments. Ethical challenges in clinical practice. Burnout and resilience.
Fundamental principles of cellular and molecular neuroscience. Methods to study neurochemisty and neurobiology, theoretical and practical issues of relating cellular/molecular structures and functions to higher-level nervous system functioning, and current understanding of cellular/molecular bases of nervous system disorders. Prerequisite: NEUR 2025 and CHEM 1036 OR ISC 2105
Concepts in cognitive neuroscience. Methods available to study brain and nervous system function, theoretical and practical issues of relating mental functions to biological brain functions. Overview of current understanding of the neural bases of various mental functions (e.g., memory, attention, emotion, decision making).
Pre-req: NEUR 2026.
Foundation of social interactions in human and non-human: ability to learn and memorize locations, situations, individuals, facts and tasks forms. Cellular and molecular mechanism underlying learning and memory and model systems. Approaches to these processes along with diseases presenting with learning and memory deficits in humans.
Prerequesite: NEUR 2026.
Integration of the interdisciplinary fields of neuroscience: includes the conceptual frameworks and theories of neuroscience spanning molecules to behavior, the methods available to study nervous system structure and function from molecules to behavior, theoretical and practical issues of linking these lower-levels structures and processes to higher-level neurological and psychological functions, and the latest applications and technologies for translating neuroscience into more effective interventions and treatments. Practical experience includes literature review research and writing, data analysis and interpretation, written and oral presentation, and site-specific training. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026 and NEUR 2554.
Neurobiological and clinical aspects of psychiatry. Overview of disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neurobiology of emotional behavior. Clinical perspectives of psychiatric treatment, interventional psychiatry, and cross-disciplinary approaches to psychiatry. Underlying pathophysiology of a variety of psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology of commonly used psychiatric medications. Ethical issues related to psychiatric care. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Comprehensive survey of the interrelationships between human neural and endocrine systems. Regulatory mechanisms for neural control of hormone secretions, peripheral hormone action on physiological processes, and hormonal influences on behavior.
Introduction to computational and systems neuroscience. Data analysis and signal processing techniques for neural data. Neural modeling to include mean field models, Hodgkin-Huxley models, integrate and fire models. Neural engineering and brain machine interface (BMI) applications. Prerequisite: MATH 1226
History of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease. Neurocircuitry and molecular basis of the brain affected by common drugs of abuse. Overview of the use, abuse, liability, and psychotherapeutic effects of drugs on humans. Common classes of drug abuse: alcohol, sedatives, tobacco/nicotine, opioids, cannabinoids, psychostimulants, psychedelics, steroids, anti-anxiety, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Animal models in drug addiction studies. Current and future pharmacotherapeutics for drug addiction treatment and ethical considerations of treatments. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Neurological and psychological factors associated with military and war. Neuroscientific basis of decision making, mental resilience, and cognitive enhancement. Etiology and treatment of brain injuries sustained during war including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and chemical warfare. Neurotechnological advances that shape soldiers and warfare. Ethical considerations of “militarization” of neuroscience. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Bidirectional communication between the brain and body impacts our daily functioning as well as long-term physical and mental health. This course will explore various aspects and modes of interaction between the brain and periphery with an emphasis on the endocrine, immune, and digestive systems (the gut-brain axis and microbiome). Through close review and discussions of primary literature, we will discover how disturbances at the brain-body interface may underlie several pathological states and evaluate potential therapeutic opportunities presented. We will also learn how these interdisciplinary questions are scientifically addressed, including the tools and experimental model systems used to gain a comprehensive understanding of brain-body interactions at the whole-organism level. Prerequisite: NEUR 2026
Common brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders ranging from trauma to autism. Genetic, molecules and cellular changes in disease. Therapeutic implications and development of novel drugs. Challenges in drug discovery and implementation of personalized medicine. Ethical issues regarding genetic findings. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044
Integration of methods and results from cutting-edge interdisciplinary neuroscience research; theoretical and practical issues when linking molecular/cellular structures and processes to higher-level neurological and psychological functions. Topics vary each semester and include the following: The Sexual Brain, Sense the World, Neuroplasticity, Neuroscience and the Mind, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Drugs and Disease, Rhythms of the Brain, and Stress and the Brain. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044 OR 3084
Immune system and its role in neurological health and psychiatric and neurological disorders. Details of cell type, functions and signaling of the peripheral and central immune system and sympathetic nervous system. Cross-talk between the brain and immune system across the blood brain barrier and circumventricular organs. Neurobiological basis and treatment options for autoimmune diseases. Role of immune system in psychiatric illness. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044
Concepts in modern drug development for neurological disorders. The study of current approaches and pitfalls for developing therapeutics for treating disorders of the central nervous system. Theoretical issues and practical applications target identification, high-throughput screening, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, preclinical testing, clinical trials, and the FDA approval process. Prerequisites: NEUR 3044 or NEUR 3914
This course will provide an overview of basic principles of neuropharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics (mechanisms of action), and toxicology of drugs utilized for treatment of nervous system diseases and disorders. Selected topics focus on mechanisms of neurotransmission; major systems of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and neurosteroids; and major classes of drugs affecting the Peripheral and Central Nervous Systems. Prerequisite: NEUR 3044
A one of kind learning experience for undergraduate students, a collaboration between Carilion Clinic and the School of Neuroscience.
The School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech’s Clinical Neuroscience in Practice course is no ordinary class. In class, students receive lectures from residents and attending physicians from Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and get to ask questions and see real-life clinical cases and treatments.
Download Article: Clinical Neuroscience in Practice: An Experiential Learning Course for Undergraduates Offered by Neurosurgeons and Neuroscientists. The Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education (JUNE), Spring 2018, 16(2):A112-A119