Neurology researchers study the brain’s anatomy and physiology, investigating chemical activity, disorders, and reactions to medication. A bachelor’s degree is required, and high school students can prepare by excelling in advanced science courses. A master’s or doctoral degree is necessary for prestigious positions, and graduates may find fellowships at research institutions.
Specialists in the field of neurology research study the anatomy and physiology of the brain. Researchers may investigate chemical activity, brain development, evolutionary issues, neurological disorders, or reactions to various medications. To begin neurology research, a person typically must earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited university or college and acquire an internship or fellowship at a research institution.
An individual who wants to conduct research in neurology can start preparing while still in high school. A student who performs well in several advanced science courses has the best chance of being admitted to a university degree program. High school guidance counselors can help hopeful searchers find schools that meet their goals, obtain scholarships or grant money, and prepare application materials.
Undergraduate students usually major in psychology or one of the major biological sciences such as chemistry or biology. An individual preparing for research in neurology will usually take several statistics and laboratory courses to learn about different research techniques and equipment, as well as how to manipulate data and write scientific papers. A student may choose to become involved in a university research program, working as an intern or assistant and gaining valuable first-hand experience in the field.
A bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient to find paid work as a research assistant in private research facilities and university laboratories. Research assistants perform a variety of tasks, such as setting up experiments, interviewing clinical trial participants, monitoring trials, entering data, and analyzing results. An assistant can also perform administrative and janitorial tasks at a facility, such as answering phones, scheduling appointments for participants, preparing test equipment, and cleaning up after an experiment.
Individuals who want to obtain more prestigious positions in neurology research institutes often pursue master’s or doctoral degrees. Post-baccalaureate studies involve extensive classroom and laboratory work, where students gain specialized knowledge about a specific area of neurology research. Most schools require individuals to conduct independent research in order to write a thesis or dissertation and earn their degrees.
Many neurology universities help graduates find graduate or postdoctoral fellowships at research institutions. A colleague often works alongside experienced scientists to gain a detailed understanding of neurology research. He or she may be involved with writing grant proposals, facilitating clinical trials, and publishing scientific articles. After a period of one to two years, a new researcher may have the opportunity to begin conducting independent research and experiments.
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