Program overview
Neurobiology is the science of the structure and function of the nervous system—simply put, understanding how the brain works. At the graduate level, you will delve into core courses such as neuroanatomy, neuroelectrophysiology, neurochemistry, and molecular neurobiology, while also getting hands-on with cutting-edge techniques like brain imaging and optogenetics. This major is ideal for students with a strong curiosity about the brain and nervous system, who enjoy conducting experiments and aren't intimidated by complex data. Chinese universities are advancing rapidly in neuroscience—for example, the Institute of Neuroscience at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University all have strong research teams, with particular strengths in non-human primate models, brain-computer interfaces, and mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. The curriculum typically includes literature review and project discussions. You'll need a background in biology or medicine, and good English skills are a plus, as many cutting-edge papers are in English.