Neuroscience research spans multiple levels of biological analysis, from cellular processes to behavior and cognition.
For Barrett Honors College students majoring in neuroscience in the Department of Psychology, the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence offers a structured opportunity to complete original, research-based work under the guidance of neuroscience faculty.
This sequence is distinct from the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence in both timing and structure. Students interested in psychology-focused research or in completing an honors thesis outside a formal sequence should review the related program pages.
Apply to the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence
Applications are due in the spring semester, as the neuroscience sequence begins each fall.
What Is the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence?
The Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence is a faculty-mentored, research-focused experience that supports neuroscience majors as they design and complete an original honors thesis.
The sequence follows the academic year, beginning in the fall and concluding in the spring. Students conduct research in collaboration with a thesis committee whose work aligns with their interests. Projects may involve the collection of new data or the analysis of existing data sets and are grounded in the interdisciplinary foundations of neuroscience.
Coursework
Students admitted to the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence complete 6 honors credits across two courses:
- NEU 492: Directed Independent Honors Study (3 credits)
- NEU 493: Neuroscience Honors Thesis (3 credits)
Why choose the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence?
Students in the sequence benefit from:
- Early, intensive research training.
- Close mentorship from neuroscience faculty.
- Preparation for competitive graduate and professional programs.
- Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research across neuroscience subfields.
- Experience producing high-quality research, ideally with publishable outcomes.
The sequence is designed for motivated neuroscience majors 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.
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 should have completed the foundational coursework in their major, including:
- NEU 290: Research Methods and Techniques in Neuroscience (3 credits)
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 online or live thesis preparation workshop.
- Find a faculty mentor to serve as your thesis director.
- Complete the Neuroscience Honors Thesis Sequence application.
- Receive permission to enroll in NEU 492 and NEU 493 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 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.
Resources
Neuroscience Faculty Honors Advisor
Jessica Verpeut, Assistant Professor
[email protected]
Quick links
- Neuroscience research labs
- Getting started: Barrett Honors thesis
- Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence
- Honors theses outside the formal sequences