Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The curriculum blends core coursework in biology, chemistry and quantitative methods with specialised neuroscience classes. Core topics commonly include cellular and molecular neuroscience, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, synaptic transmission and neurodevelopment. Students also study systems and cognitive neuroscience, learning and memory, sensory systems, and behavioural neuroscience.

Instruction emphasises active laboratory experience and data analysis: courses typically include experimental labs in electrophysiology, imaging, molecular techniques and computational analysis. Quantitative training in statistics and programming (for example, data analysis using Python or MATLAB) is integrated to prepare students for modern neuroscience research.

Undergraduates are encouraged to pursue independent research under faculty supervision. Many students complete a senior thesis or capstone research project, often in collaboration with campus research centres or clinical partners, and may take electives that link neuroscience with psychology, computer science, engineering, philosophy or public health.

Entry requirements

Admission to Dartmouth is competitive and evaluated holistically. Successful applicants typically present a strong academic record with coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Preparation in physics and introductory psychology is advantageous.

Recommended preparations include high school or pre-university courses in:

• Biology (including laboratory work)
• Chemistry (general and ideally some organic chemistry)
• Mathematics (calculus and statistics are helpful)
• Physics (recommended)

Applicants from international systems should present equivalent qualifications. Beyond grades, admissions officers consider research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement and extracurricular engagement related to science or healthcare.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Neurobiology and Neurosciences find careers across research, healthcare and industry. Common pathways include graduate study (PhD) in neuroscience or related fields, medical and allied-health degrees, and roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Other career destinations include neuroimaging and clinical research, cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology (with additional professional training), science policy, science communication, data science and computational neuroscience roles where quantitative skills are valued. The programme’s emphasis on laboratory experience and research mentorship also makes graduates competitive for research fellowships and internships.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth combines a liberal‑arts undergraduate focus with strong research opportunities and close faculty mentorship. Small class sizes and an emphasis on undergraduate teaching mean students get direct access to faculty and early involvement in laboratory research.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and access to institutional research resources, including on‑campus imaging and behavioural facilities and clinical partnerships that support translational projects. Flexible academic terms and robust advising help students tailor programmes to include independent research, internships and cross‑disciplinary coursework.

Overall, Dartmouth’s environment supports students who want both foundational training in the biological sciences and the opportunity to pursue hands‑on, mentored research that prepares them for graduate study, clinical training or careers in neurosciences-related fields.