Frequently Asked Questions

Neuroscience

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I declare neuroscience as a major?

See the Multidisciplinary Programs website first (http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary-studies.cfm). You must meet the general requirements for declaring a major first (e.g., earn enough credit hours) and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. For neuroscience, it is 3.0 minimum, not 2.0 as indicated for multidisciplinary programs in general. It is also in your best interest to examine the program checksheet so that you take the proper initial courses before declaring the major. Once you have met credit hour and GPA requirements, contact Dr. Tran for an interview and the paperwork for declaring neuroscience as a major can be initiated then.

2. When and how do I find a faculty member who will mentor me?

You should start seeking out a mentor as soon as you declare the major (earlier, if you are on task). Do not procrastinate until your senior year - this is a turn off to faculty, as they must put forth much labor and devotion into training you and mentoring you. They reserve the right not to admit you in their lab; consider lab research to be a privilege, not a right. See the faculty page for names and contact information. Note that you are required to register for courses that require lab work and courses that require completion of a senior thesis (see below). Thus, seeking out a mentor and working with the same mentor consistently would be highly recommended. You may also contact Dr. Tran for advice on finding a mentor that matches your interests.
3. What form do I use for the required Lab and/or Literature courses (NEUR 4201, PSYC 4312, PSYC 4315)?

a. Use the Contract for Directed Readings/Research form. The form is fillable, so enter the information directly.
b. Have your mentor enter the required information regarding course description, your duties and/or requirements, and how you will be evaluated. This can be done in 1-2 paragraphs or in outline form if the mentor chooses. Preferably, the form should be signed by you and the mentor, and submitted to me before the registration period ends. In the event that the mentor cannot sign the form before registration ends, a simple email from the mentor to Dr. Tran would be acceptable; have the form turned in to Dr. Tran as soon as possible afterwards.
c. Keep a copy for yourself and your mentor.
d. Your mentor will need to submit Dr. Tran your final grade when grades are due at the end of the semester.
4. What form do I use for the senior thesis and what does this involve?

a. Use the Senior Thesis Application Form. It is fillable, so you can type the required information directly in the form; instructions are provided on that form.
b. See the information/instructions by clicking here.
5. What if a required course(s) is not offered during any semester of your college career?
If this happens, then contact Dr. Tran for possible course substitutes. Finding, being approved of, and taking a substitutable course requires forethought and planning - do not procrastinate to ask or seek information. You will need to meet with Dr. Tran or contact him via email first. At this meeting or via email communication, formal documentation will need to take place so that your individualized need(s) is on record. Once it comes time for constructing your senior summary, official application for course substitution(s) can then be initiated (by Dr. Tran).
6. What is a senior summary and when will you need it constructed?
This policy may change as Banner changes. You should arrange to meet with Dr. Tran at least two semesters prior to graduation. During this meeting, your credit hours earned/transferred, minimum GPA for graduating, general/core courses taken, and general/core courses that still need to be taken, are reviewed in detail to ensure that you are on track for graduating. If you meet all requirements, then Dr. Tran will sign the senior summary form and have you walk it over to the Registrar's Office. At that point, you can also apply for graduation through the Registrar's Office. Note that any arrangements for course substitutions (#5 above) with Dr. Tran can also be filed in this meeting as well.