FAQ

A B.Sc. in the field of neuroscience typically serves as a stepping stone for further education. Prospective students can refer to our Potential Career Paths website for resources on career planning. Current students can also access resources in the Neuro Hub on Brightspace. We encourage all students to utilize Career Services.

Neuroscience & Biology Combined Honours offers an equal split of NEUR and BIOL courses, with emphasis on upper-year BIOL courses with labs, as well as the option to complete a 4th-year honours project through the Department of Biology as opposed to the Department of Neuroscience. There is less room for electives, so exploring other disciplines or adding a minor is not as straightforward. Co-Op is available in this program.

The Combined Honours is geared toward students interested in pursuing medical school and graduate studies, including research-based graduate studies. Students planning to pursue research-based graduate studies need to be aware of admission requirements for their desired program(s) and ensure they align their courses accordingly. 

Neuroscience and Mental Health comes in three types of degrees: a 15-credit and 20-credit Major, and a 20-credit Honours. These programs include many NEUR courses and more room for electives, so it’s easy to explore other disciplines and potentially add up to two minors. Please refer to the next question and our programs page for more details.

• 20-credit Honours: For students interested in pursuing graduate studies, including research-based graduate studies. Includes a 4th-year honours project, which can be research or non-research based. Students planning to pursue research-based graduate studies need to be aware of admission requirements for their desired program(s) and ensure they align their honours project accordingly. This program has a higher threshold of CGPA (cumulative grade point average) required for Good Standing status. Co-Op is available in this program.
• 20-credit Major: For students who wish to maximize their neuroscience education but are not planning on pursuing graduate studies in research. Is identical to the honours stream, but replaces the 4th-year honours project with 1.0 credit in upper year NEUR courses. Co-Op is not available in this program.
• 15-credit Major: For students who want to develop an understanding of neuroscience and mental health in a shorter time-frame. Ideal for those already in a job that requires a BSc in order to advance. Can be completed in three years with full course load. Does not include a 4th-year honours project. Co-Op is not available in this program.

Visit the First Year Course Selection Guide and find your program to identify courses recommended for the first year of study. Also get familiar with understanding how to navigate your academic audit, as this is the roadmap to your specific program’s requirements.

Note, the course layouts in the selection guide represent a 2.5-credit course load for students that do not have any transfer credits. If you have transfer credits, be sure to contact the Undergraduate Administrator for confirmation of how to proceed.

You can refer to our Guide to Choosing Electives to get clear on the different types of electives and which courses can satisfy each requirement.

If further support is required, please reach out to the Undergraduate Administrator for academic advising.

If you are in a degree program other than a B.Sc. (i.e., B.A., B.P.A., B. Eng., B.S.W., B. Cog Sci), you will have to submit an Internal Admissions Application.

If you are currently in a B.Sc. program and wish to change your major (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Food Science and Nutrition, etc.), you will need to request a Change of Program Elements in Carleton Central.

This ‘change of program elements’ is also used to add a minor.

In both instances, it is wise to consult with the Undergraduate Administrator or Academic Advisor to ensure understanding of program elements.

Carleton Neuroscience cannot provide definitive advising about eligibility requirements for medical school. You must investigate and ensure you understand admission requirements for any program to which you’d like to apply.

The Science Student Success Centre has resources and a team of mentors that can help support students considering medical school. Career Services also has some information available here.

It’s worth noting that all of our BSc programs require first-year BIOL and CHEM courses and second-year BIOL courses. Our Neuroscience & Mental Health programs have room to take additional biology and chemistry courses as electives, however students may run into program restrictions on some of the more highly demanded courses (mainly anatomy and physiology).

Our Neuroscience & Biology Honours program has upper-year BIOL and CHEM courses as requirements, which guarantee that you’ll be able to take courses such as Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 2203) and Human & Comparative Physiology (BIOL 3305) so that is something to consider when deciding which program to pursue in Carleton Neuroscience. You can learn more about the Department of Biology’s anatomy and physiology courses here.

Here is some general information about med school admissions:

• A/A+ GPA (11/12). Some programs look at all your grades, some look at specific ones.
• Some require MCAT, others do not.
• Some require full course load and no gaps in study, others do not.
• Research experience not necessary, but depends on institution/program.
• Need letters of reference – typically three academic (professor) and clinical.
• Referee must be able to comment on multiple aspects of your character/abilities; must have a story to tell.

Who gets in to medical school?

• High achieving, high energy students.
• Typically nothing below an A on academic record, but again it depends on the program.
• Repeating courses does not seem to bode well in general.
• Often requires balancing full course load plus many volunteer positions; often also varsity athletes or have demonstrated proficiency in another realm (e.g., music, dance, activism)
• Resiliency is necessary. They want students who can handle a great deal of stress and still maintain their activity and academic performance level.

Research-based graduate programs tend to be quite competitive, with more applicants than there is space. A successful applicant typically has around a 10.0 GPA or above on their last two years of study, factoring in core content in 3000-level and 4000-level courses. GPA requirements for admission purposes varies from program to program, and you can usually find this information on the program’s website or by contacting the respective program advisor.

Aside from whether or not one qualifies on paper, admission decisions are also based on letters of reference and laboratory/work experience. The main component of getting into graduate school is securing a potential supervisor. Current students are encouraged to explore the “Look Ahead” modules in the Neuro Hub on Brightspace.

People who succeed in graduate school tend to exhibit these qualities:

• Are passionate about research and science.
• Have demonstrated competency in technical skills / lab skills.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills (oral, written) and time/priority-management.
• Are self-motivated with developed critical thinking, innovative, and creative skills.
• Perseverance and ability to identify goals and work independently.
• Committed to prioritizing the work and views their degree as a full-time job.

Yes! In order to submit your applications to either the MSc or PhD in Neuroscience, you need:

• Application form
• Statement of Intent (detailing your research interest)
• Resume
• References (applicants can submit up to three but should submit at least two; referees should be academic, not professional)
• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts are only required if an applicant receives an offer; transcripts from all post-secondary education institutions must be included)
• English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

A background in a related field, like Biology or Psychology is satisfactory. Students whose background is not in Neuroscience, Biology, or Psychology can still apply, and their academic background will be assessed at the application review stage to determine if it is sufficient. In cases where it is not, students may be encouraged to take Neuroscience classes at the recommendation of the department in the interim and apply again at the next admission cycle.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure a supervisor prior to applying. Applicants should review the faculty and adjunct faculty page and contact those whose research area interests them. We suggest applicants reach out during the fall prior to their application. For more assistance, please visit the Carleton Science Student Success Centre.

The MSc requires an honours Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or a related field (like biology or psychology) with a minimum of a B+ average in your last two years of study. Applicants should have completed an honour’s thesis or equivalent and have research experience.

To apply to our PhD program, applicants are required to have a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, or a related field with a minimum A- average.