BA in Biology - Neuroscience concentrations

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Colby College

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a Neuroscience concentration at Colby College, USA, combines biological science and psychology to explore the brain, nervous system, and human behaviour. It suits students interested in neuroscience research, neurological disorders, biomedical science, and future careers in healthcare or scientific research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Scientific Foundations: Students build core knowledge through BI163: The Cellular Basis of Life and BI164: Evolution and Diversity, covering cellular processes, genetics, and evolution through laboratory-based learning. Chemistry and mathematics courses provide additional scientific foundations.

Year 2 – Neuroscience Fundamentals: Students progress to BI274: Neurobiology, studying the biological mechanisms underlying nervous-system function, alongside PS111: Introduction to Psychology. These subjects connect biological processes with behaviour and cognition.

Year 3 – Advanced Biology and Behaviour: Students explore specialised topics through courses such as BI225: Immunology and PS233: Biological Basis of Behavior, developing an understanding of biological systems and the relationship between brain function and behaviour. Research opportunities can help students apply this knowledge in practical settings.

Year 4 – Research and Specialisation: Students select advanced biology and psychology electives relevant to their interests and complete BI401/BI402: Biology Seminar, which involves engagement with scientific literature and research discussions. Eligible students can also pursue independent or honours research under faculty supervision.

Focus Areas:

Neurobiology, cellular biology, genetics, brain function, cognition, behaviour, psychology, biological research, and neurological disorders.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, research analysis, critical thinking, and an understanding of the biological foundations of behaviour and nervous-system function.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Career relevance: The concentration supports preparation for neuroscience research, biomedical science, biotechnology, and further study in medicine or related health professions. The degree is an academic qualification, not a clinical licence.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Career preparation: Colby’s DavisConnects supports students through internships, research experiences, and global opportunities. The college does not publish a verified employment rate or average salary specifically for biology students concentrating in neuroscience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA in Biology with a Neuroscience concentration at Colby College combines biological science with the study of the brain, nervous system, and behaviour. Students can strengthen their scientific understanding through laboratory coursework, faculty-guided research, and opportunities to investigate biological processes using experimental and analytical methods. This practical approach helps prepare students for postgraduate study and careers in neuroscience, biomedical research, and related fields.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

- Behavioural Neuroscience Lab: The lab in the Davis Science Center includes behavioural testing areas, a research wet lab, a microscope lab, a data analysis room, and a neuroscience teaching lab. Students may gain research experience studying brain function and behaviour under faculty supervision.

- Faculty-Guided Research: Students can work with professors on original research, assist with experiments, and pursue independent projects or senior theses. Research opportunities include investigating neurodegeneration and the biological mechanisms underlying behaviour.

- Summer Research and Internships: The Pulver Science Scholars Program provides selected students with funding for research and internship experiences, including opportunities connected with The Jackson Laboratory and Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, both of which conduct biomedical research.

- Scientific Presentations: Students can share their findings through the Colby Liberal Arts Symposium, gaining experience communicating research through presentations and posters.

- Research Preparation: Colby's introductory STEM research training helps students learn how to find research positions, read scientific literature, and understand laboratory practices before undertaking more advanced projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA in Biology with a Neuroscience concentration at Colby College prepares students to explore careers involving brain function, behaviour, biological research, and healthcare. Through scientific coursework, faculty-mentored research, and internship opportunities, graduates can build a foundation for research-related employment or further study in medicine and neuroscience.

Typical Job Roles:

Neuroscience Research Assistant: Support experiments investigating brain function and neurological conditions.
Clinical Research Assistant: Help coordinate healthcare studies and analyse research data.
Biotechnology Research Associate: Contribute to biological research and biomedical innovation.
Behavioral Research Assistant: Investigate relationships between brain processes, cognition, and behaviour.

Career Development and Employment Opportunities:

- Career Services: Colby’s DavisConnects provides individual career advising, funding for internships and research, professional networking, and guidance for graduate-school applications. The program aims to ensure students can access valuable experiences regardless of financial circumstances.

- Employment Outcomes: 97% of Colby’s Class of 2025 secured employment, further study, or another career opportunity within six months of graduation. This is a college-wide figure, not a neuroscience-specific employment rate.

- Salary Information: Colby reports a $129,900 median mid-career annual salary for its graduates overall. This is not a starting salary or a figure specific to biology and neuroscience graduates.

- Research and Industry Partnerships: Selected opportunities through the Pulver Science Scholars program include research experiences at The Jackson Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These opportunities are subject to program eligibility and selection.

- Accreditation and Degree Value: The biology degree is an academic undergraduate qualification, not a professional clinical licence. Its scientific foundation can support further education and research careers, while regulated healthcare professions require additional qualifications and licensing.

- Graduation Outcomes: Colby graduates pursue employment across healthcare, research, biotechnology, and other sectors. The college also reports that approximately 60% of its alumni attend graduate or professional school.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the degree, students can pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Biology for advanced research careers, an M.D. for a medical career, or a master's degree in biotechnology, biomedical science, public health, or a related discipline. Students interested in clinical psychology or other specialised professions may also pursue relevant postgraduate training. Colby provides pre-health advising to help students plan for medical school and other professional programs.