A neuroscientist is a scientist who has specialized knowledge in neuroscience, a branch of biology that deals with the physiology, biochemistry, psychology, anatomy and molecular biology of neurons,
What do neuroscientists do?
Neuroscientists may have different responsibilities depending on what area they specialize in and where they work. Some neuroscientists work in a hospital or clinical setting to treat patients, but others work in laboratories or offices conducting research.
What do you have to do to become a neuroscientist?
program must complete clinical rotations, medical school courses, graduate courses in neuroscience and a thesis to earn both degrees. The program requires about eight years of study to graduate with a medical degree and a Ph. D. in neuroscience.
Is a neuroscientist a doctor?
Neuroscientists are doctors because they have a Ph. D in Neuroscience. But, not all neuroscientists are medical doctors. The nervous system is the biological basis of behavior, and of life itself.
Below are steps to Become A Neuroscientist In South Africa
Education is the primary path to a career in neuroscience. Follow these steps to complete the education requirements to become a neuroscientist:
Earn a bachelor’s degree
The first step to becoming a neuroscientist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Common subjects for neuroscientists to major in are neuroscience or biology.
Some schools offer undergraduate degrees in neuroscience, which focus on the anatomy and functions of the nervous system. This degree program also teaches you mathematical skills and allows you to take part in undergraduate research.
Earn a master’s degree
After completing your undergraduate studies, you can consider earning a master’s degree in neuroscience. Most graduate schools allow neuroscience majors to specialize in an area like cognitive neuroscience, developmental neuroscience and more.
This is an opportunity to consider what type of neuroscientist you want to become. Graduate-level neuroscience programs include courses about data analysis, mathematical models and brain and nervous system disorders.
Earn a Ph.D. and M.D.
To work as a clinical neuroscientist, you will need to achieve a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Besides this degree, clinical neuroscientists must complete a medical residency and pass the South Africa s Medical Licensing Exam (SAMLE) in order to diagnose and treat patients. Neuroscientists pursuing an M.D. may work in research before then, and they may gain experience through supervised clinical work.
Areas of applied specialty for neuroscientists
There are many fields that neuroscientists can specialize in, including:
Developmental neuroscience: This is the study of how the brain forms, grows and changes throughout the stages of life.
Cognitive neuroscience: This is the study of how the brain creates, uses and stores language, problem-solving and memory.
Molecular and cellular neuroscience: This is the study of the specific molecules and cells that determine how neurons function.
Neurogenetics: This is the study of how inherited changes to neurons affect the brain and body.
Behavioral neuroscience: This is the study of how the areas of the brain and their processes may affect the behaviors of humans and animals.
Clinical neuroscience: This field includes the medical diagnoses, treatment and management of brain and nervous system disorders.
Neurophysiology: This is the study of the nervous system and how it functions.
Sensory neuroscience: This is the study of how the nervous system processes sensory information in the body.
Job Description of a Neuroscientist
According to Eric Chandler of the University of Washington, the term Neuroscientist “is actually a general word that describes someone who studies the nervous system. Many neuroscientists wear several hats and your tasks may vary depending on the type of neuroscientist you become. For example, a neurosurgeon may also have a Ph.D. in physiology.
He or she may work in the operating room but also have time to perform experiments. There are many career paths that neuroscientists can take.”
Some career paths listed include neuroanatomist, neurobiologist, neurochemistry, neurological surgeon, neurologist, neuropsychologist, neuropharmacology’s, neuropsychologist, neurophysiologist, physiological psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychophysicist.
Neuroscientists try to discover new facets of the brain every day. They test theories using scientific methods to try and solve their theory and study the brain. Since they can be found in various fields, most specialize on a certain area of research.
Neurologists with a medical school background may focus on the prevention and reversal of diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s or study effective ways of preventing or repairing a brain injury.
Jobs for neuroscientists
If you’re interested in finding a job as a neuroscientist or other profession in a related field, there are several options you can consider. Here’s a list of 8 jobs for neuroscientists:
1. Neuropsychologist
2. Clinical psychologist
3. Audiologist
4. Research scientist
5. Physical therapist
6. Neuroimaging technician
7. Occupational therapist
8. Speech-language pathologist
How long does it take to become a neuroscientist in South Africa?
Neuroscience The Bachelor of Health Sciences with Honours in the field of Neuroscience is a 1 year full-time degree, which introduces students to multiple neuroscience topics and research fields within the Faculty of Health Sciences, Science and the Humanities.
How much do neuroscientists make in South Africa?
R686,248 (ZAR)/yr.
How many years does it take to become a neuroscientist In South Africa?
If you want to be a neuroscientist and do research on the brain, you’ll most likely need a PhD, which will take you four years of college and at least 5 years of graduate school, sometimes 6 or more.
What do you have to do to become a neuroscientist In South Africa?
program must complete clinical rotations, medical school courses, graduate courses in neuroscience and a thesis to earn both degrees. The program requires about eight years of study to graduate with a medical degree and a Ph. D. in neuroscience.
Is a neuroscientist a doctor In South Africa?
Neuroscientists are doctors because they have a Ph. D in Neuroscience. But, not all neuroscientists are medical doctors. The nervous system is the biological basis of behavior, and of life itself.
Do neuroscientists go to medical school In South Africa?
Neuroscientists are basic scientists who may or may not have a degree in medicine. Most of them, however, are doctorates in neuroscience. Neurologists on the other hand have an undergraduate degree with four years at medical school and a year of internship.
Are neuroscientists in demand?
According to Learn, the S.A Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a huge spike in demand for occupations related to neuroscience.
Can a neurosurgeon be a neuroscientist In South Africa?
Hi, Neurosurgeons are the specialized physicians in neurosurgery. If you do M.Sc or higher studies in Neuroscience technology, you cannot become a neurosurgeon. You can become lecturer, researcher etc