Emory's NBB Program Takes an Interdisciplinary Look at the Brain and Behavior

Emory is home to one of the largest neuroscience and behavioral biology (NBB) programs in the country, making the university a leader in this growing field. The cross-departmental undergraduate program uses the concepts of evolution as a unifying theme, and provides a breadth and focus not found in traditional biology, psychology, biopsychology, neuroscience or anthropology programs.

By using the strengths and cooperation of such traditional departments, NBB has become a model of interdisciplinary cooperation, drawing from the expertise of more than 60 faculty members from seven different Emory College departments and the schools of medicine and public health as well.

"These traditional disciplines ask similar questions about brain and behavior, but often from different points of view," says Paul Lennard, director of the program. "The interdisciplinary nature of the NBB degree brings new insights to our students." The program, started in 1997, now has more than 350 majors and NBB electives are popular among non-majors as well.

The program will soon move into a new facility, where plans call for a "Brainarium" that will serve as a public museum dedicated to the brain, neuroscience and behavior. The museum will contain human brains donated by medical schools as well as models, interactive displays and special exhibits.

Emory's NBB program also has garnered attention abroad and been approached by institutions in Scotland, Ireland and Germany interested in developing cooperative undergraduate programs. The first such initiative begins this fall with BrainStEm, a study abroad and a faculty exchange program between Emory and its sister school, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. What's noteworthy is that studying abroad often poses a curricular challenge for science students, but BrainStEm has a mutually approved course of study that will allow NBB students to smoothly acquire credits while taking advantage of new experiences.