Neuroscience research spans multiple levels of biological analysis, from cellular processes to behavior and cognition.
For Barrett Honors College students pursuing a neuroscience-focused thesis, the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence provides a structured academic-year experience that supports students as they design and prepare to complete original, research-based work under the guidance of neuroscience faculty.
This seminar sequence is distinct from the Psychology Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence in both timing and structure. Students whose research aligns more closely with psychology should review the Psychology sequence page. Students interested in completing an honors thesis outside a seminar sequence, or studying through ASU Online, should review honors thesis options outside the sequences.
Apply to the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence
A new Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence begins each fall semester.
Application deadline: March (Friday before spring break)
What is the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence?
The Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence is a faculty-mentored, research-focused experience that supports students as they design and prepare to complete an original honors thesis in neuroscience.
The sequence follows the academic year (fall through spring). Students work closely with a thesis committee whose expertise aligns with the project. Projects may involve collecting new data or analyzing existing data sets and reflect the interdisciplinary foundations of neuroscience.
Coursework
Students admitted to the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence may complete up to 12 honors credits through the following courses:
- NEU 494: Research in Neuroscience (3 credits, spring; 3 credits, fall)
- NEU 499: Individualized Instruction (up to 6 credits)
Students that have completed an honors thesis perspective will take 6 honors credits to complete their thesis project across two courses:
- NEU 492: Directed Independent Honors Study (3 credits)
- NEU 493: Neuroscience Honors Thesis (3 credits)
Why choose the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence?
Students in the seminar sequence benefit from:
- Early, intensive research training
- Close mentorship from neuroscience faculty
- Preparation for competitive graduate and professional programs
- Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary neuroscience research
- Experience producing high-quality, research-driven scholarship
The seminar sequence is designed for motivated honors students who are prepared to engage in independent, research-intensive work.
Preparation and requirements
Timeline
Students are encouraged to begin planning their honors thesis as early as possible, once foundational coursework is complete, and no later than the first semester of the junior year.
The thesis prospectus is the final product of the Neuroscience Honors Seminar Sequence. Students are expected to defend their final thesis with their research supervisor by the spring Barrett thesis deadline of their senior year. Students with a predicted fall graduation date are still eligible to apply if all other criteria are met
Transfer students and students who declare neuroscience at the upper-division level may still be eligible, but should plan carefully with academic advisors. Additional coursework or research experience may be required before applying.
Eligibility
Before applying, students are expected to have completed the following coursework with a minimum 3.5 GPA:
- NEU 101: Introduction to Neuroscience (3 credits)
- NEU 290: Research Methods and Techniques in Neuroscience (3 credits) or STP 231: Statistics for Life Science (3 credits)
- Three credit hours of either MAT 251, MAT 265 or MAT 270
Depending on the research area, additional advanced preparation may be required (for example, in computation or cellular and molecular neuroscience). Some faculty may consider this coursework a prerequisite for conducting research in their labs, making early planning especially important.
Research experience
Students develop a research question, design and conduct an empirical study, analyze data, and complete a written honors thesis and oral defense. Research is completed in collaboration with neuroscience faculty, often within established research labs that reflect a range of neuroscience subfields.
Students are encouraged to explore neuroscience research labs and identify faculty whose work aligns with their interests. Neuroscience faculty who are not listed may also be appropriate Thesis Directors; students should first confirm eligibility with the Faculty Honors Advisor.
Application process
- Complete the Barrett Honors College thesis preparation workshop (online or live).
- Find a faculty mentor to serve as your Thesis Director.
- Complete the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence application.
- Receive permission to enroll in NEU 499 after admission.
Common questions
Start by exploring the list of neuroscience research labs to identify faculty whose research aligns with your interests. Before contacting a potential thesis director, take time to familiarize yourself with their work so you can explain why their research is a good fit for your proposed project. Thoughtful, well-informed outreach is an important first step in building a successful mentoring relationship.
No. The Neuroscience Honors Thesis Seminar Sequence follows the academic year and begins in the fall semester, concluding in the spring. Students should plan accordingly when considering application timing and coursework.
Yes, with careful planning. Study abroad experiences that conclude before the start of the sequence are generally compatible with the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence. Applications may be submitted while abroad, provided all preparation requirements are met. Because of the intensive, lab-based nature of neuroscience research, it is not possible to study abroad while completing the sequence.
Students double majoring in psychology and neuroscience should choose the sequence that best reflects the primary focus of their research. Consult your Thesis Director or a Faculty Honors Advisor if you are unsure which pathway is most appropriate.
Resources
Neuroscience Faculty Honors Advisor
Jessica Verpeut, Assistant Professor
[email protected]