Special Programs and Opportunities

Neuroscience minors will find relevant special programs and opportunities offered by biology, chemistry, nursing, philosophy and psychology. Each department offers student clubs, national honor societies, admittance to national professional organizations, off-campus study opportunities and more. There are also several opportunities unique to neuroscience students.

Research

While all students complete a novel, collaborative research project as a part of the Advanced Neuroscience Research courses, many students also engage in their own independent research projects in collaboration with the neuroscience faculty during the summer and academic year.

Specifically, neuroscience faculty at Hope College are interested in understanding the following:  

• The neural mechanisms and functions of sleep and circadian rhythms
• Interactions between the nervous system and microbial agents
• The mechanisms by which brain cells respond to oxidative stress
• The effects of both emotions and virtues on psychophysiology
• The effect of a junk food diet on the biochemistry of the brain
• How the brain regulates feeding and reproduction
• The pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders

View our research page for more detailed information about what topics our faculty are currently working on.

Helping Minds Neuroscience Club

Helping Minds is dedicated to giving back to our community by taking what we have learned in the classroom and putting into real world application with organizations around Holland. For example, we are teaming up with Resthaven, a traditional nursing home, to help specifically with their music and memory program. Other goals include touring graduate schools, visiting industry locations and networking with other people interested in the neuroscience field.

Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week is a global event sponsored by the Dana Foundation in which organizations collectively work to “increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.” Our neuroscience faculty participate in this event each year.

Off-Campus Study

The Neuroscience Program is specifically designed to allow students to study off-campus during their junior or senior year. Specific neuroscience-related international programs include the Budapest Semester in Cognitive Neuroscience and the Neuroscience School of Advanced Study in Tuscany.

Students wishing to pursue off-campus internships in neuroscience are encouraged to consider applying to the Philadelphia Semester.

Learn more about off-campus study programs in neuroscience 

Seminars

The neuroscience program co-sponsors many seminars with other departments. View Hope’s calendar for an up-to-date list of events and seminars.