Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

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Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience H T

Why do we do what we do? Find out in this nationally recognized program that probes the three areas of BCN (behaviour, cognition and neuroscience) through the study of biology related to the brain and the biological aspects of psychology. If you’re interested in both biology and psychology, this research-based, limited enrolment program with a low faculty-to-student ratio is for you.

Non-thesis Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience program option is available as well.

Sample Courses: Intro to Psychology as a Behavioural Science, Principles of Neuroscience, Biological Diversity, Human Physiology, Developmental Psychology

Career Tracks: Professional school (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry), audiologist, clinical or research psychologist, neurologist

Co-op Co-op Available
G General 3-year program
H Honours 4-year program
T Thesis Available
C Combined Honours programs available

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"The Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience program provided me with invaluable academic opportunities. An early integration into research combined with the unremitting support from admirable faculty truly inspired my passion for science and discovery. I have gained so much from this program and will continue to apply my experiences in research and medicine."

Jessica Garabon
BSc (Honours) in Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience

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What Will I Learn?

Understanding and analyzing how the brain works from the cellular level all the way up to human and animal behaviour
Operating advanced scientific laboratory equipment and instruments
Formulating, organizing, and maintaining detailed data records; performing statistical analyses

Designing experimental studies to accomplish targeted goals or test specific hypotheses

Taking careful measurements and recording precise observations using best practices/field techniques

Understanding relevant topics in the medical and health sciences with depth and nuance

Number of Graduates (2020)

100%

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF GRADUATES*

* Employment rate of graduates 2 years following degree completion (OUGS Biological Sciences, 2019)

Explore your opportunities

Audiologist
Child and Youth Worker
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Neuroscientist
Clinical Research Assistant
Community Development Worker
Counsellor
Dentist
Doctor
Lab Technician
Laboratory Supervisor
Lawyer
Marine Biologist
Medical Director
Microbiologist
Neurologist

Neuroscientist
Optometrist
Pharmaceutical Salesperson
Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Physician’s Assistant
Professor
Psychiatrist
Public Health Educator
Public Policy Analyst
Research Neuroscientist
Science Journalist
Teacher
Toxicologist
Veterinarian

First Year

Take first year required courses including Cell Biology, Biological Diversity, General Chemistry I and II, and Introduction to Psychology (Fall and Winter)
Review degree course requirements for all years of study and mesh them with professional or graduate school aspirations
Meet with BCN academic advisors in Biology or Psychology (strongly recommended)
Learn more about your program and campus during Welcome Week, including participating in the PASS program that will coach you on skills necessary to be a successful Faculty of Science student
Receive peer mentorship from an upper-year MySci advisor

Middle Years

Take required courses, including those that focus on specific aspects of brain function at the molecular, behavioural and cognitive levels. Courses include principles of neuroscience, behavioural neurobiology, excitable cells, cognitive processes, biology of the synapse
Consider declaring a minor and/or specialization
Check in with BCN academic advisor to make sure you are on the right path
Meet professors you are considering working with for your final year research project HIP
Continue taking courses required as preparation for professional schools
Study for and take professional school admission tests of interest

Final Year

Complete all required courses for your degree
Prepare a research-based thesis in behaviour, cognition, or neuroscience (as required for program)
Meet with an academic advisor to go over graduation requirements
Apply to graduate through UWinsite Student
Apply your knowledge through a field work or practicum course to culminate your senior experience HIP

First Year

Attend biweekly BCN seminars to hear about world-renowned neuroscience research
Join clubs such as the BCN Students’ Association, Science Society or Psychology Student Association
Discover through undergraduate research with professors and graduate students as a volunteer, a USRA or an Outstanding Scholars HIP
Join the USci Network to take part in collaborative and integrative science experiences
Apply for a co-curricular experience such as VIP - Community Service Learning
Participate in the Bystander Initiative workshop to gain skills that will help you be an effective and supportive ally to prevent sexual assault on campus

Middle Years

Take part in bi-weekly BCN colloquia in current behaviour, cognitive and neuroscience research
Discover through undergraduate research with professors and graduate students as a volunteer, a USRA or an Outstanding Scholarsand become engaged through service learning opportunities HIP
Participate in UWill Discover undergraduate research conference HIP
Engage through Study Abroad, an International Exchange or Service Learning for creditHIP
Apply what you are learning through an internship (opportunity for credit)

Final Year

Conduct research with a faculty member HIP
Join a professional association in your field such as the Southern Ontario Neuroscience Association
Attend Ontario Biology Day to present thesis research HIP
Become a MySci advisor to provide academic support and mentorship for first year students
Become a tutor for Students Offering Support (SOS) HIP
Be recognized for your participation in credit and volunteer High Impact Learning Experiences through the LEAD Medallion Scholars program HIP

First Year

Analyze the requirements for graduate or professional schools
Start by making a list of things that you enjoy and areas in which you excel.
Get involved with a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, campus group, or research assistantship
Meet with a career advisor in Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL) for help developing a plan for your future years
Chat with an advisor during CDEL’s drop-in hours to get answers to your career and job search questions
Attend CDEL workshops to learn how to find a summer or part-time job and write a university-level resumé

Middle Years

Explore further educational opportunities by attending the Graduate and Professional Schools Fair and researching admission requirements for programs you are interested in
Explore opportunities and meet potential employers by participating in Job Shadow Experience, job fairs, and industry networking events
Research career fields and occupations with the help of a CDEL career advisor
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued by CDEL
Take part in informational interviews and join online communities like LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees to connect with people in your target profession or industry
Search job postings to learn what skills, knowledge, and credentials you will need for potential careers

Final Year

Compose a portfolio of relevant academic and work experience
Set up a mock interview with a career advisor for professional school or job applications
Take part in recruitment events and job fairs, including those organized by CDEL
Meet with CDEL to prepare application documents like a resumé, cover letter, CV, or personal statement for jobs and education programs you are applying to
Attend CDEL's workshops on interview skills and job search strategies
Explore professional development opportunities through Continuing Education
If you are considering applying to graduate or professional school, be aware of early application deadlines

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

A HIP is an enriching educational experience that can be life-changing and often includes learning outside of the classroom while encouraging meaningful interaction and collaboration.

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Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

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Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience H T

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What Will I Learn?

Number of Graduates (2020)

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF GRADUATES*

Explore your opportunities

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

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Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

Your location

Behaviour, Cognition & Neuroscience H T

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

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Connect with Behaviour Cognition and Neuroscience

What Will I Learn?

Number of Graduates (2020)

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF GRADUATES*

Explore your opportunities

Career Tracks

Experiences

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Learn More

Questions? Need Help?

Chat & ask questions

Get a Science Viewbook
sent straight to your inbox

Questions?
Need Help?