The novel Neuroscience Bachelor Program in the UNAM: lessons learned

Abstract

An innovative B.S. in Neuroscience was approved in 2016 by the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Faculty of Medicine, after 8 years of growing up programs and maturing administrative matters. This Neuroscience career gives students academic formation in disciplines of the brain worldwide with an integrative approach. Thus, B.S. in Neurosciences grows insights to learn about and investigate brain at multiple levels, from molecules to behavior with an interdisciplinary perspective, including two broad ways: preparation for on-going science-oriented programs in a standard research field to be engaged in, at a postgraduate stage, and development of skills and competencies that apply to a range of postgraduate areas, including health, diagnosis, clinical and behavioral therapy, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and education. To do so, a variety of challenges were raised in the newly born neuroscience program leading to a wealth of experiences both academic and operative in several ways as expected and, to some extent, unexpectedly. Mayor concerns, however, arose from the students in emotional adaptive behavior to a new environment in a demanding program. On the other hand, teaching neuroscience, even by connoted scientists, was a matter of concern in bridging the gap from postgraduate to undergraduate programs with much scaffolding and divergences to work out. Finally, we gladly though no easily learned how every effort or arrangement might convey both, properly and accurately, to ensure progress in every neuroscience direction to really overcome difficulties. At present, we look for and follow improved ways in continuous feedback and evaluation of the instruments that are crucial in all educational process.