What is a Neuroscientist? 

The term “neuroscience” has only been around since the 1960s, but the field has grown tremendously over the past 60 years. Developments in technology have provided cognitive neuroscientists with innovative and exciting ways to perform their valuable work. 

But what is a neuroscientist? And what knowledge, skills, and tools do they use in their work? 

The simplest explanation is that cognitive neuroscientists are specialized biologists that focus on the nervous system. They rely on a range of other sciences, like molecular biology, chemistry, and psychology to investigate the inner workings of the human brain.

Interested in learning more about this exciting field? Keep reading for more information, plus the steps you can take to become one. 

What Does a Neuroscientist Do? 

Neuroscientists are medical scientists who work to understand the nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells, all of which are paramount to basic human functions. 

Neuroscientists perform clinical research with the goal of learning more about the human nervous system. In practical terms, the typical daily responsibilities of a neuroscientist include:

• Developing and carrying out clinical trials
• Preparing and studying cell samples
• Utilizing specialized equipment to monitor brain activity
• Reading and writing in academic journals

While very similar to neurology, modern neuroscience covers a vast array of topics relating to the central nervous system. Discover more about the differences in neurology vs. neuroscience to decide which field is best for you.

What Skills Do Neuroscientists Rely On? 

Neuroscientists study complex systems and often make groundbreaking discoveries. As such, they need a diverse set of science-centric knowledge. Nearly every branch of science is required to fully understand the nervous system on a mechanistic level. 

In other words, neuroscience is a multidisciplinary science that incorporates:

• Chemistry
• Biology (molecular, developmental, and otherwise)
• Physiology
• Anatomy
• Psychology
• Mathematics

In addition to grasping these disciplines, a behavioral neuroscientist should also possess a high degree of computer literacy and critical thinking skills. They should also be able to communicate effectively through writing and have a strong aptitude for logic and rationale. 

What are the subfields of neuroscience?

If you are considering pursuing a career in neuroscience, there are some specialties you may want to look into. These include:

• Developmental neuroscience: Focuses on how the brain develops and changes over time.
• Molecular and cellular neuroscience: Focuses on the study of the molecules, proteins, and genes that influence how neurons work.
• Neurogenetics: Researches on inherited neuron changes, including certain genetic diseases
• Sensory neuroscience: research on how the nervous system processes sensory information and interprets it.
• Neurophysiology: This field describes the study of the nervous system itself and how it functions.
• Behavioral neuroscience: This field focuses on how the brain processes behavior in animals and humans.
• Cognitive neuroscience: This field explores how the brain controls thought, language, memory and how it solves problems.
• Clinical neuroscience: This focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders and injuries and the rehabilitation of affected patients.

How Do I Become a Neuroscientist? 

Neuroscience is an exciting field. It requires a comprehensive understanding of complex scientific concepts, extensive schooling, and a medical residency if you’re entering clinical neuroscience. 

What Kind of Education is Required? 

The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree from a reputable college. Chron notes that a neuroscience degree is ideal, though fields like biochemistry or psychology are also relevant. Bachelor’s degrees usually take four years to finish. 

Usually, those who want to become a cognitive neuroscientist or behavioral neuroscientist pursue higher education, so enrolling in a graduate program can increase your chances of landing a job. A master’s degree in neuroscience can take two to three years, while a Ph.D. program can take four to six years in graduate school—that’s on top of the four years you’ll have already spent on your bachelor’s degree.

If you plan to work in the medical field, an M.D. is also worthwhile. Having a medical degree in addition to your neuroscience program doctorate will allow you to augment your research with clinical work and may make you a more competitive employment candidate.