Research is an important component in the investigation of the biological basis of behavior. Undergraduates in the neuroscience majors can participate in research opportunities with faculty in the program, as well as across the university, to enhance their college experience beyond traditional coursework.
What are the benefits of gaining research experience?
- Fulfill course electives through research experience (up to 6 hours of letter-graded DIS or HITM count toward degree electives).
- Acquire hands-on experience that will extend classroom learning.
- Increased competitiveness and training for graduate school, medical school and other career opportunities.
- Build important connections with professors, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students who can help you reach your career goals.
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program
Current high school seniors entering FSU in the fall, transfer students, and current FSU first year students can apply to UROP. Accepted students will choose a topic from a list of approved projects and are paired with a research mentor.
Directed Individual Study
Students interested in gaining research experience should reach out directly to Neuroscience faculty about conducting a DIS in their lab. Any student can participate in a DIS as long as they meet the requirements of the lab they wish to join. Up to 6 credit hours of letter graded DIS may count toward degree electives (BSC 4901 for Biology elective credit or PSY 4910 for Psychology elective credit). Note that an S/U graded version of DIS is also available (PSY 4920), but this will not count toward degree electives.
Honors in the major
Advanced students in their junior or senior year with at least one semester of DIS experience may have opportunities to conduct their own research under the supervision of a faculty member through the HITM Program. Students should discuss the possibility of completing an honors thesis with their DIS faculty advisor and meet with the honors liaison for neuroscience before applying to the HITM program.
Regardless of research topic or faculty department affiliation, Behavioral Neuroscience majors completing HITM enroll in PSY 4039 through the Psychology department and Cell and Molecular Neuroscience majors enroll in BSC 4970 through the Biology department.