Research
Neuroscience majors are encouraged to get involved in research. All majors are required to earn eight credits either by working in a neuroscience lab (typically across multiple terms) or by taking advanced skills coursework in computer programming or computational techniques. This requirement ensures that majors will graduate with the skills and competencies necessary for pursuing a career in a neuroscience-related field.
Majors should try to get involved in neuroscience research as early as possible to allow ample time for training and for making a substantial contribution to a research endeavor. Most faculty who do neuroscience research at the University of Oregon are affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience (ION). Neuroscience majors should peruse the ION website to find out about more about specific faculty and the research they conduct in their labs.
The best way to get involved in a neuroscience lab is to contact faculty directly and inquire about openings in their lab. You can start with faculty you know from your classes, but you can also reach out to faculty you don’t know but whose research interests you.
Once you have been admitted into a faculty research lab, you can enroll in Research credit (BI 401, HPHY 401, or PSY 401, depending on the faculty supervisor’s departmental affiliation). One research credit is the equivalent of 3 hours of work per week, or 30 hours across the term. Upper-level students who are working on an honors thesis project can enroll in Thesis credit (BI 403, HPHY 403, or PSY 403).
Additional Resources
The University of Oregon has a number of excellent programs, opportunities, and events for undergraduate students who want to get involved, or are involved, in research. Neuroscience majors are encouraged to check out the following:
Students of Color Opportunities in Research Enrichment (SCORE)
Joint Undergrad-Grad Mentorship Program (JUMP)
Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE)
Affiliated Students for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (ASURE)
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Undergraduate Research Symposium