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Undergraduate Neuroscience Research and Thesis

Research and Thesis

Guide to Finding a Lab
Thesis Requirements
Thesis Guide and Resources
Thesis Documents and Deadlines
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  • Thesis Requirements

    Neuroscience Thesis Requirements

    1. The research must provide mechanistic insight into how the brain (or nervous system) works. Data should involve measuring, manipulating, or modeling some structure or activity in the brain.

      Typically, this involves working directly with brain cells (e.g. network/cellular/molecular/genetics research on neurons or glia) or using non-invasive techniques in humans (e.g. fMRI, MRI, DTI, EEG, TMS, fNIRS, etc.)

    2. The thesis must describe an original research experiment using STEM methods. You must analyze primary data rather than conducting a meta-analysis or literature review, though you do not have to collect the data yourself.

      i.e. no literature reviews, clinical case studies, epidemiological studies, etc.

    3. You must work with a Harvard-affiliated principal investigator (PI) at the College, HMS, or one of the Harvard affiliated hospitals (e.g. MGH, Boston Children’s, McLean), or you must have a Harvard Faculty co-sponsor your thesis.

    For Joint concentrators:

    1. All joint concentrators must have a coherent, integrated thesis project that combines research in neuroscience and research in their joint field to address a single research question. Both the question and the lab must be determined and approved by the start of the 6th semester (typically junior spring).

    If you are unsure whether your research project fits all of the criteria above, discuss it with your academic advisor ASAP.

  • Research Opportunities Fellowships