Psychological science is traditionally defined as the study of behavior, neuroscience as the study of the nervous system. Psychology studies observable behavior and develops models of underlying cognitive, affective, and physiological processes, while neuroscience examines questions on how the brain gives rise to the mind, how and where are memories stored, and other topics involving the brain and nervous system.
Dartmouth's Department of Psychological and Brain Science offers majors and minors in both psychology and neuroscience. Psychology coursework includes classes in social interaction, sensation and perception, the physiological basis of behavior, cognition, learning, and behavioral disorders. Students in Neuroscience gain experience with ever-changing neuroscience research methods through laboratory work, and they also have the opportunity to engage in independent research with faculty.