Core Competencies for Neuroscience Undergraduates

SfN’s Neuroscience Training Committee has developed Core Competencies in Undergraduate Neuroscience Training for:

• Faculty and programs to assist in developing and evaluating the training they provide to undergraduate students
• Undergraduate students to assess the skills they have acquired throughout their undergraduate neuroscience program, track their progress, or provide awareness of the requirements for potential future undergraduate training opportunities

I. CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE:

• Basic understanding of the development, structure, and function of the nervous system
• Basic understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of the nervous system
• Basic understanding of systems and behavioral approaches to neuroscience
• Broad-based and integrated knowledge acquisition in fields that intersect with neuroscience

II. ANALYTIC AND SCIENTIFIC THINKING:

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative information
• Abilities in scientific inquiry, such as hypothesis development, experimental design, and data analysis and interpretation
• Ability to read and critically analyze a primary research paper

III. RIGOROUS AND RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH:

• Basic understanding of scientifically rigorous experimental design and execution, as well as data analysis and interpretation
• Basic understanding of research ethics, such as:
• Research misconduct and research integrity, including data falsification or manipulation
• Policies regarding human subjects, live vertebrate animal subjects in research, and safe laboratory practices
• Responsible authorship, peer review, and publication processes

IV. COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Ability to present scientific information orally in an organized and coherent manner
• Ability to communicate scientific information in written format for scientific publication
• Ability to communicate scientific information to the lay public in both oral and written formats
• Listening carefully and asking pertinent questions
• Visual presentation of data and preparation of figures

V. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONALISM:

• Responsible and ethical behavior
• Teamwork and professional interpersonal skills
• Exposure to the cultural diversity of the neuroscience community
• Advocacy and community outreach
• Awareness of career opportunities and the paths to achieve career goals