Dr. Robin Cooper
What is the neural basis for decision making? How is substance use disorder related to brain function? How can we help people recover function following a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury? What is the brain’s role in sleep? These are some of the important and exciting questions neuroscientists at the University of Kentucky are exploring.
Neuroscience is an integrative field, bringing together information and techniques from disciplines including biology, psychology, physiology, chemistry, anatomy, mathematics, computer science, engineering and medicine. In the neuroscience program at UK, students can take courses across five different colleges and are taught by faculty members with diverse research interests. This approach provides students with both depth in the core areas of neuroscience and the breadth across this diverse field.
The neuroscience program is committed to building a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students. We resolutely condemn violence against and the marginalization of people of color, women, ethnic minorities and people of the LGBTQ community. The neuroscience program is committed to the work of anti-racism and building classrooms and research labs that are inclusive and diverse places. In doing these activities, we understand that we will strengthen our program, our science, and our society in general.
Please feel free to contact me, Dr. Robin Cooper or the program director, Dr. Mark Prendergast
Hightlights of the neuroscience program:
Research
As a nationally-recognized research institution, opportunities for you to engage in independent research abound at the University of Kentucky. Our neuroscience community consists of more than 300 people, including more than 80 faculty members who are eager to mentor you in research as well as in your academic and professional development.
As an undergraduate working and learning in a research lab, you have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of techniques from RMI to cellular microscopy and electrophysiology to working with CRISPR. To support our students in gaining research experience, the neuroscience program allows students to use 12 credit hours of independent research to count toward an elective requirement, so you have plenty of room in your schedule to explore your interests.
There are many forums for you to present your work to the scientific community. You can stay local and present your research at undergraduate showcases on our campus. You can also travel to regional, national and even international conferences to show off your work. Additionally, we have undergraduate students who publish their research in a scientific journal. The opportunities and support are all here for you.
Learn more about research at UK:Neuroscience research mentors Office of undergraduate research UK Center for Clinical and Translational Researc UK Research News Advanced Science & Technology Commercialization Incubator
Academics
Students entering our program will receive instruction in the core areas of neuroscience: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and psychology. The program is also designed to allow students to explore the breadth of the field as we offer a wide array of electives taught by instructors who are experts in their fields.
During your time in our program, you will engage in hands-on activities in state-of-the-art lab facilities that allow for small group learning and individual engagement. In our Neuroscience Techniques lab course, you will be introduced to data collection methods common to the field of neuroscience. You will conduct experiments using techniques ranging from live animal models, using mice and cockroaches, to cell culture experiments, where you will track the growth of neuronal cells. In this course, you will also visit our fMRI and microscopy facilities and learn about using these cutting-edge methods.
Our program is flexible so students can tailor their studies to their professional goals. For example, students who are heading into pre-health professions can design their curriculum to receive instruction in material that will appear on their professional examinations, such as the MCAT. Those who will enter a graduate program or the job market upon graduation will select courses to prepare for these careers.
While our program is rigorous, most students find they have room in their schedule to add a minor, and many even add a second or third major. Our academic and faculty advisers will work closely with you to support on-time graduation while providing opportunities to explore your personal interests.
Explore our program:B.S. Degree Requirements Early Assurance Program for UK College of Medicine STEMCats Living and Learning Community (LLC) Schedule a visit Ask the DUS
Community Engagement and Personal Enrichment:
We believe your UK experience shouldn’t be limited to the classroom. As a neuroscience major, you can join faculty and graduate students as they bring science to our community through such organized events as science and health fairs. You can also become part of the largest student-led organization on campus, NeuroCats. This group visits elementary and middle schools throughout Fayette County to offer after-school programs and in-class activities designed to teach the next generation of scientists. NeuroCats activities help our students learn through teaching, as well as build mentoring and leadership skills.
If you are looking for a more global experience, UK has several organizations of interest to our majors. We have a wonderful Education Abroad Office that offers programs led by UK faculty where students can study, conduct research or work as an intern at locations throughout the world. You can also build your own experience, selecting from courses and experiences that can be applied toward your graduation requirements. UK also partners with such global organizations as Shoulder to Shoulder International and Students Helping Honduras , which provide opportunities for students to integrate academics and volunteerism while providing services to the world’s most vulnerable populations.
We want our students to be prepared for what awaits them after graduation. During your freshman and sophomore years, you will receive the assistance of a professional adviser, after which you’ll be paired with a neuroscience faculty member. Your faculty adviser can help you build your course schedule but will focus on preparing you for what happens after you graduate. Whether you need help considering careers or organizing application material for a job, professional, or graduate school, your adviser is there to support you and help you succeed.
Explore your opportunities:Education Abroad Office Careers in Neuroscience Society for Neuroscience NeuroCats Story NeuroCats on Facebook Stuckert Career Center
