Iona adds Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience

Iona University will add a new Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience in the fall semester.

According to the New Rochelle-based school, the new major was developed for students seeking to understand the workings of the brain and nervous system at multiple levels, including how it affects behaviors, thoughts and emotions. The major is being offered through the university”™s School of Arts & Science and will provide a blend of psychology, biology, philosophy, chemistry, computer science, speech communication studies and other related studies.

Depending upon their interests and postgraduate career plans, neuroscience majors will have the option to specialize in how genes, proteins and other molecules underlie nervous system structure and function (cellular/molecular neuroscience) or study the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior (cognitive/behavioral neuroscience). For students majoring in another field who are interested in neuroscience, Iona offers a minor that can be completed in 18-25 credits.

“Neuroscience majors will explore all aspects of the brain, specifically examining how brain functions are the foundation for all behavior,” said Dr. Sarah Wong-Goodrich, associate professor of psychology. “At the end of their journey, every student will walk away with an understanding of how the brain and nervous system change throughout life, as well as the impact that factors such as disorders, injuries, diseases and medications have. We are thrilled to launch this critical area of study at Iona and look forward to the work students will do to make important contributions to this exciting field.”