Psychiatry and Neuroscience Academy

Psychiatry and neuroscience play an integral role in modern medicine and are at the forefront of research to find solutions to some of the world’s most vexing health problems today. The comprehensive curriculum addresses topics such as the biology of mental illness, psychopharmacology, and the ethical considerations involved in treating patients with mental health disorders. Through a hands-on and interactive learning approach, students participate in guided simulations to apply conceptual frameworks to real-world examples. Interactive learning techniques may involve role-playing exercises, case studies, and laboratory sessions that will help students refine skills in patient communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Whether you decide to pursue a career in psychiatry and neuroscience or decide another health science is more up your alley, you’ll hone durable skills that are essential for success in your professional future. By providing a well-rounded curriculum that balances theory with practical application, students will leave the course prepared for the path to a successful career in health science.

*Supplemental course fee of $195 for lab and course materials.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the biological mechanisms underlying mental health disorders and their implications for psychopharmacological treatments. 
2. Apply basic principles of neuroscience and pharmacology to outline appropriate treatment plans for patients with mental health disorders. 
3. Consider principles of medical ethics and historical cases involved in the treatment of patients with mental health disorders. 
4. Hear and hopefully value stories from the lived experiences of current health professionals and students in several health professional schools.
5. Identify aspects of careers in healthcare and envision their own personal journey trajectories towards becoming future “brain science” health professionals (e.g. psychiatry, neurology, psychology, neuroscience, etc.).

Capstone Project

• All students must complete a capstone project focused on developing an innovative strategy to address a significant mental health issue. This project will integrate neuroscience, psychotherapy, medical ethics, emerging technologies, and psychopharmacology. Students will choose either a specific mental health condition (e.g., PTSD, schizophrenia, etc.) or a mental healthcare challenge (e.g., accessibility, stigma, etc.). They will research the biological basis of their topic, evaluate existing treatments and limitations, and propose a novel solution (e.g., AI integration, new psychotherapy techniques, etc.). Additionally, students will create a case study demonstrating how their model can be applied in practice. An ethical analysis using medical ethics principles is encouraged. The project may be presented as a PowerPoint or a poster.

Information is subject to change as instructors finalize course content and syllabi.