Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Neuroscience
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Neuroscience program at Franklin College offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the brain, its functions, and its impact on human behavior. It aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the nervous system from molecular and cellular levels to complex cognitive processes. Students benefit from learning directly from dedicated, accomplished faculty with proven research records. The program allows for customization with three distinct concentrations: biology, physical science, or psychology, enabling students to tailor their studies to specific interests. This flexibility, combined with opportunities for double majors and minors, fosters a holistic and individualized educational experience, preparing graduates for diverse roles in research, healthcare, or related fields.
Curriculum: The Neuroscience curriculum at Franklin College is academically rigorous and interdisciplinary, drawing from core sciences and psychology. It begins with a strong foundation emphasizing biology, chemistry, psychology, ethics, statistics, and professional development. Students delve into subjects like brain function, neurological correlates of behavior, and the interplay of the human nervous system with daily activities. Depending on their chosen concentration (biology, physical science, or psychology), students take specialized courses. The curriculum also focuses on developing professional and research skills, preparing students for the scientific demands of the field.
Research Focus: Franklin College's Neuroscience program places a paramount emphasis on undergraduate research. Majors are required to conduct a senior research project, providing authentic, hands-on experience in scientific inquiry. Students work one-on-one with faculty mentors who have published in distinguished journals and bring their ongoing research into the classroom. Previous student research projects have explored diverse and innovative topics, including examining lighting and sound conditions on sleep using electroencephalography (EEG), investigating behavioral effects of different alcohol concentrations, constructing low-cost behavioral testing equipment using 3D printing and Arduino, and analyzing the role of music in memory retention. This intense research exposure is crucial for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, providing a significant advantage for future academic or professional endeavors.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College demonstrates a strong commitment to industry engagement for its Neuroscience students. Every neuroscience major is required to complete at least one field internship, providing invaluable supervised professional training. Previous majors have interned at a variety of organizations focusing on different aspects of neuroscience, such as research, psychopharmacology, and behavioral cognition. Examples of internship locations include Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson Memorial Hospital, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, and CVS Pharmacy. This practical experience ensures students gain real-world insights, build professional networks, and develop marketable skills, making them "real-world ready" upon graduation.
Global Perspective: Neuroscience, as the study of the fundamental mechanisms underlying human behavior and cognition, has a universal relevance, yet the societal and ethical implications, as well as approaches to neurological health, can vary globally. While Franklin College's Neuroscience program is based in the U.S., its liberal arts foundation encourages a broader global perspective. The curriculum likely explores diverse aspects of the human mind and behavior, which implicitly includes cross-cultural considerations. Furthermore, Franklin College generally emphasizes international study and experiences, with opportunities for students to study abroad through various programs. This exposure to different cultural contexts and research environments can enrich a neuroscience student's understanding of global health challenges, diverse research methodologies, and the worldwide impact of neurological discoveries, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected scientific and professional landscape.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience offers an intellectually rigorous and highly practical education for students fascinated by the brain and nervous system.
Research Assistant/Technician: A frequent entry-level role in university labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or government research institutions. Graduates assist scientists with experiments, data collection and analysis, lab maintenance, and literature reviews in areas like neurodegenerative diseases, brain imaging, or psychopharmacology.
Clinical Research Coordinator/Assistant: Working in clinical trials, these professionals help manage studies related to neurological disorders or psychiatric conditions. They recruit participants, collect data, ensure compliance with protocols, and assist with regulatory documentation.
Behavioral Health Technician: Utilizing their understanding of brain-behavior relationships, graduates provide direct support to individuals with neurological or mental health conditions, implementing behavioral intervention plans under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: With a strong scientific background in neuroscience and excellent communication skills, graduates can represent pharmaceutical companies, educating healthcare providers about new medications for neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Neurodiagnostic Technologist: These specialists operate advanced equipment like EEGs (electroencephalograms) and EMGs (electromyograms) to measure electrical activity in the brain and nervous system, assisting in the diagnosis of neurological conditions in hospitals or clinics.
Medical Scribe: Working alongside physicians, particularly neurologists or psychiatrists, scribes document patient histories, physical exams, and treatment plans in real-time. This role offers valuable clinical exposure for those considering medical school.
Science Writer/Communicator: Graduates can translate complex neuroscience research into understandable language for general audiences or specialized scientific communities. They may write for academic journals, popular science magazines, websites, or educational materials.
Rehabilitation Aide/Technician: Assisting occupational therapists, physical therapists, or speech-language pathologists, graduates help patients with neurological injuries or conditions regain function and improve their quality of life.
Public Health Specialist (Neuroscience Focus): Graduates can work in public health organizations to develop and implement programs related to brain health, mental health awareness, or prevention of neurological disorders, leveraging their understanding of population-level neuroscience.
