Oberlin College neuroscience major - what's it like?

Hi all! I'm really interested in neuroscience and I've heard good things about Oberlin College. Is anyone here currently majoring in neuroscience at Oberlin or know someone who is? What's the program like in terms of rigor, research opportunities, and overall experience? I'd love to hear any thoughts or insights!

Hello! It's great to hear that you're considering studying neuroscience at Oberlin College. Although I'm not a current Oberlin neuroscience major, I can provide some information on the program and share the experiences of students who have studied there.

In terms of rigor, Oberlin's neuroscience program has a reputation for being quite challenging, but rewarding. The program offers a strong foundation in the basics of neuroscience and encourages students to explore different sub-disciplines within the field. Students typically take courses in biology, psychology, chemistry, and physics as part of the major requirements. It's common to hear that the workload can be intense at times, but many students appreciate the depth and breadth of the curriculum.

Research opportunities at Oberlin are plentiful and accessible even for undergraduates. Students have the chance to work closely with faculty on a variety of research projects, often starting as early as their freshman or sophomore year. These research experiences can range from studying the underlying causes of neurodegenerative diseases to examining the neural bases of behavior. Additionally, Oberlin's neuroscience program encourages students to seek internships and research opportunities outside of the college, which can be a great way to get hands-on experience in the field and establish connections with professionals.

Overall, students seem to have positive experiences studying neuroscience at Oberlin. Many appreciate the tight-knit community among neuroscience majors and the support they receive from faculty. Small class sizes and close professor-student relationships are common, which fosters an environment conducive to learning and growth. It's also important to note that Oberlin is a liberal arts college, so students have the opportunity to explore other disciplines and develop a well-rounded education.

In conclusion, Oberlin's neuroscience program offers a challenging but rewarding curriculum, various research opportunities, and a supportive community for students. It's definitely a program worth checking out if you're passionate about neuroscience and want to get involved in research early. Good luck on your college search!