Minnesota

Macalester College
Neuroscience Program

Contact:

Eric P. Wiertelak, Ph.D., Ph.D.
Director of Neuroscience Studies
Macalester College
Department of Neuroscience
1600 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105

Telephone: (651) 696-6111
FAX: (651) 696-6348

E-Mail: Wiertelak@macalester.edu
WWW: http://www.macalester.edu/neuroscience/

Program Established: 1994

Total Number of Faculty: 9
Total Number of Students: 29

US Citizens: 87%
Female: 57%
U.S. Underrepresented Minorities: 19%

Number of Graduates in the Last Five Years: 23

Average Number of Years to Complete Program: 4

Program Description: Neuroscience at Macalester College provides strong basic training in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, philosophy and psychology. This interdisciplinary foundation enables students to investigate the nervous system, from its biological and behavioral processes-- to the modeling and construction of artificial intelligence systems. The major draws naturally from the physical and social sciences as well as humanities, and students take select courses from these areas: biology, chemistry, psychology, philosophy, mathematics and (optionally) computer science, as well as introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in neuroscience. All majors are required to complete a research project, and there are numerous research opportunities with faculty in each of the participating departments, as well as opportunities at other area institutions.

The major is completed with an emphasis in one of several areas: psychology, mathematics, computer science, and philosophy. A special exception is the biology emphasis, in which students complete a biology major (with emphasis in neurobiology). Together, the multiple tracks within this major provide appropriate preparation for diverse career paths in neuroscience. A cognitive and neuroscience studies major (with relevant course choices and electives) can provide appropriate training for biomedically-related careers such as medical school or graduate study in molecular or behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, neurophilosophy, cognitive neuroscience or computational neuroscience.

Last revised November, 2006
http://www.andp.org/programs/udergraduate/unitedstates/minnesota/macales.htm