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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the structure and function of the nervous system. At York University, students examine how neural systems shape cognition, emotion, and physiological processes, and how this knowledge can help address neurological and mental health challenges.
Program Overview
The Neuroscience program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science at the Keele Campus. This interdisciplinary program allows students to approach the study of the nervous system through the lenses of biology, psychology, and health science.
Duration and Degrees
- Duration: 4 Years
- Degree: Specialized Honours (BSc)
Intake and Study Options
- Intake: Fall (September)
- Study Options: Full-time
- Delivery: In-person
Why Choose Neuroscience at York U?
Students can learn from internationally recognized researchers in sensory systems, neuroplasticity, neurodevelopment, and disease, addressing today's most pressing neurological and mental health challenges.
- Benefit from smaller neuroscience class sizes and one-on-one connections with professors in a tight-knit neuroscience community among the larger Faculties of Science and Health.
- Customize learning by specializing in cellular/molecular, cognitive/behavioural, or systems neuroscience.
- Get involved in research within studies through course-based projects, the final year capstone, or in labs such as the Centre for Vision Research and Sensorimotor Control Lab.
- Benefit from academic advising, peer mentoring, and tutoring, and an extensive student community whether in the Faculty of Health or the Faculty of Science.
Entry Pathways
There are three entry pathways into the Neuroscience program, all leading to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Neuroscience:
- Kinesiology & Health Science (Housed in the Faculty of Health) [OUAC Code: YHU]
- Psychology (Housed in the Faculty of Health) [OUAC Code: YHU]
- Biology (Housed in the Faculty of Science) [OUAC Code: YVA] There is no difference in admission requirements between each entry pathway.
Admission Requirements
Ontario High School Applicants
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Kinesiology and Health Science Entry Pathway [OUAC Code: YHU]:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- ENG4U with at least an 80%
- MHF4U with at least an 80%
- SBI4U with at least an 80%
- SCH4U with at least an 80%
- And two additional 4U or M courses
- Overall average of at least low to mid 80s
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Psychology Entry Pathway [OUAC Code: YHU]:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- ENG4U with at least an 80%
- MHF4U with at least an 80%
- SBI4U with at least an 80%
- SCH4U with at least an 80%
- And two additional 4U or M courses
- Overall average of at least low to mid 80s
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Biology Entry Pathway [OUAC Code: YVA]:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- ENG4U with at least an 80%
- MHF4U with at least an 80%
- SBI4U with at least an 80%
- SCH4U with at least an 80%
- And two additional 4U or M courses
- Overall average of at least low to mid 80s
International Students & Other Applicants
Requirements will vary depending on curriculum and previous training. Please visit the university's admission requirements webpage for more information.
Program Structure
While first-year courses vary slightly by entry pathway, the choice of entry pathway does not affect upper-year courses. In all three entry pathways, students take introductory courses in Biology, Math, and Psychology, Frontiers of Neuroscience, and upper-year courses such as Fundamental Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Neuroscience Techniques, Statistics, Neural Basis of Behaviour, and Functional Neuroanatomy.
Neuroscience Specializations
At the end of the second year, all Neuroscience students choose a specialization stream and complete at least 12 credits in it:
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Sample Courses
Sample Core Courses
The following sample core courses would be taken by students in Neuroscience regardless of their entry pathways or specialization stream:
- Frontiers of Neuroscience
- Fundamental Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
- Systems, Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience Techniques
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
- Functional Neuroanatomy
Sample Elective Courses
- Principles of Neurorehabilitation
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with Applications to Health
- Neurobiology
- Neuroscience of Aging & Cognitive Health
- Disorders of Visual Cognition
- Sensory Systems
- Neural Control of Movement
Experiential Learning Opportunities
The Neuroscience program emphasizes experiential learning through interviews, case-studies, simulations, team critical reflections, and research within studies, such as the capstone project.
Neuroscience Capstone Experience
In the final year, students complete a Neuroscience Capstone Project — either an individual project or a team-based project — that addresses current research questions in neuroscience. These projects are often connected to ongoing work in research labs, clinical settings, or community organizations.
Optional Co-op
As a Neuroscience student, one can choose to participate in an optional Co-operative (Co-op) program, gaining paid, full-time work experience during the degree. Co-op is a great way to apply learning, build a professional network, and develop valuable, transferable skills for future careers.
Career Outcomes
A BSc in Neuroscience prepares students for a wide range of future opportunities, from graduate school (Master's or PhD) and professional school (such as medicine) to entry into the workforce. Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as research, teaching, rehabilitation, health case management, medicine, regulatory affairs, and more.
Becoming a Psychologist or Psychotherapist
To become a psychologist or psychotherapist in Ontario, a master's or PhD is required. Students can use their BSc in Neuroscience to apply to accredited graduate programs.
Becoming a Physician
To become a Physician in Ontario, this requires a medical degree after the BSc Neuroscience. Admission requirements vary for medical schools.
Becoming a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in psychiatry. This requires pursuing a medical degree after the BSc in Neuroscience. Admission requirements vary for medical schools.
FAQs
Will applying to all three entry pathways improve my chances of admission?
No, the admission requirements are the same for all three entry pathways, so applying to more than one does not increase chances.
Which entry pathway is best?
No one entry pathway is better than another. All three lead to a BSc in Neuroscience and share the same admission requirements with very little difference in courses in the first year and no difference in courses in upper years.
Is entry pathway different than a stream specialization?
Yes. The entry pathway is the department or school where students begin their Neuroscience studies, determining their home Faculty, which provides academic advising, student supports, and services. The stream specialization is chosen at the end of the second year and affects courses in the third and fourth years.
How do I choose a specialization stream?
In the first year, students are introduced to the core areas of Neuroscience through the Frontiers of Neuroscience course, with further exploration in the second year. They also have access to faculty researchers and dedicated advising staff to help guide their decision.
I am currently completing a different program at York U. Can I transfer to Neuroscience?
Current York U students looking to transfer into the Neuroscience program will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space permits and if they meet specific requirements.
Can I transfer into the Neuroscience program from another college or university?
Yes, the Neuroscience program considers college and university transfer applicants for admission, looking for an overall GPA of at least a B/3.0 and successful completion of high school pre-requisites or their equivalents at a college or university level.
