The term ‘Neuroscience’ refers to the scientific study of the nervous system. Here’s presenting what it takes to build a long and rewarding career in neuroscience.

Neuroscience Courses

Neuroscience is a scientific discipline that revolves around the study of the nervous system. Until recently, the study was thought of as a branch of biology. In reality however it is an interdisciplinary science that includes other disciplines like psychology, mathematics, physics, philosophy, medicine and computer science. This has in turn resulted in the broadening of the scope of neuroscience. The discipline now involves myriad approaches that are used to study the development, structure, molecules, medical and functional aspects of the nervous system. Neuroscience is simultaneously also referred to as neurobiology. Although neurobiology is categorically linked to the biology of the nervous system and neuroscience is concerned with the science of the nervous system, the two terms are often used to signify the same thing. In spite of the study of the brain and the nervous system being as old as it is, ‘neuroscience’ still is a relatively new term. However, the discipline still has managed to escalate itself to a viable career for many individuals with its broadened scope et al. Read on to know what it takes to be eligible for a course in neuroscience, the career prospects and the institutes of repute that offer a course in the same.
 
Neuroscience Courses 

Eligibility
As far as being eligible for a course in neuroscience goes, a student does not necessarily have to have studied neuroscience in his/her first degree to gain admission to a graduate course. Practically speaking, many individuals have only been introduced to neuroscience whilst studying pharmacology, biochemistry, medicine, psychology, biomedical sciences during their first degree. Although there are not too many undergraduate courses that focus on neuroscience by itself, students whose courses have touched on the same automatically become eligible for a graduate level course. Students who hail from a physics and engineering background are also eligible for a masters program or a doctoral level degree in neuroscience. A student to be eligible for a masters program in neuroscience will have to be done with an agreeable undergraduate course. A student to be eligible for a PhD in neuroscience will have to be done with a masters program in neuroscience. 

Details Of The Course
A neuroscience course will attempt at giving students just more than a detailed insight into what goes into making neuroscience the subject that it is. Typically, a course in neuroscience will aim at giving students an introduction to the degree program. The course will throw light on human cells and tissues, human organ systems, the physiology of control mechanisms and coordinated systems, molecules, energy for life and the psychology for neuroscience. Students will also be introduced to biopsychology, reproductive biology, integrative science, learning, memory, neuropsychology, the perceptual process, etc. Advanced courses like a masters program or a doctoral degree in neuroscience will comprise a detailed study of the discipline and will aim at helping students gain professional familiarity with the discipline. 

Specialization
Students aiming to take up neuroscience as a career can specialize in either one of the following options:

  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Behavioral neuroscience
  • Systems neuroscience
  • Neural engineering
  • Neuroscience studies
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurolinguistics
  • Theoretical and computational neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
Career Prospects
As a career, a neurologist or a neuroscientist cannot really ask for anything more. It’s a career option that is as challenging as interesting. Acclaimed neurologists also get paid extremely well and are without the question of doubt a rare breed. While most students opt for a career in neurology, some branch out to psychiatry and neuropathology. It is extremely easy to find profitable employment in hospitals, government organizations, companies associated with research and maybe even pharmaceutical companies.

Some Of The Institutes Offering Courses In Neuroscience

  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
  • Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
  • National Brain Research Centre, Bangalore, India


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