Computation and Neural Systems
Why Study Computation and Neural Systems?
Caltech's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computation and Neural Systems degree program unites neuroscience, computer science, and engineering at the frontier of understanding the brain and brain-like systems. It advances biomedicine and technology alike, addressing questions of how AI systems can be inspired by neural architecture, innovating neural repair treatments, using computer vision to analyze cardiac MRIs, and developing brain-machine interfaces. Through this major, you'll explore how humans and computers think today, paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding human thought and computer capabilities.
Why Computation and Neural Systems at Caltech?
The field of computation and neural systems was pioneered by Caltech scientists in the 1980s, bringing together thinkers from around the world to explore the intricate workings of information processing in both the brain and computer systems. This has opened up possibilities for addressing neural and information processing challenges and employing bio-inspired computer design to develop advanced machine learning algorithms across various functions.
Our bachelor's degree program stands out for its span across fields—explore neuroinformatics one quarter and computational chemistry the next. With access to the renowned Chen Institute for Neuroscience, at Caltech, you're at the cutting edge of where neuroscience meets computer science and beyond.
What You'll Learn
Building on Caltech's core curriculum, the computation and neural systems major combines computer science and biological sciences with a strong emphasis on machine learning, bioengineering, and computational techniques. You'll take foundational math and physics courses, then take on biology and computer science projects in advanced classes, capturing theoretical understandings and practical coding skills. In classes like "Human Brain Mapping: Theory and Practice," you'll learn brain imaging techniques and apply theory to design your own experiments.
The CNS degree program curriculum is highly flexible to your specific interests, whether that's neural engineering, artificial intelligence, or biological device research. Pursue electives spanning advanced neuroscience, physics, engineering, and machine learning to deepen your expertise. Many students participate in research at the intersection of neuroscience and computation, like using biophysics models to design proteins for use in vaccines or new biomolecules for medical applications.
View the Caltech catalog for degree requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
Learning from leading scientists in the CNS field means that in the classroom, you may build robotic biosensors out of DNA or discuss the fundamentals of computational tools. Work alongside our 60+ interdisciplinary faculty who conduct groundbreaking research in cognitive neuroscience, decision neuroscience, computer vision, computational neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and more. These mentors provide access to research and internship connections and recruit students to gain direct experience investigating research questions via cutting-edge methods.
Our brains are the most fascinating and powerful computers that exist on Earth. Being able to take knowledge from that and make computers that are equally as robust is a useful skill and really fascinating given where technology, especially computer science, is going right now.
Career Possibilities
With the skills to apply concepts found in neural models to complex problems, students can pursue diverse career paths in research, medicine, and industry. A strong theoretical foundation prepares students to attend medical school, earn graduate degrees to perform academic research, or enter industry roles in software engineering, bio-inspired design, and other emerging fields. Graduates also excel as research specialists, data scientists, computational biologists, and bioengineers in settings including:
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Neurotechnology
- Pharmaceutical research
- Biomedical devices and prosthetics
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
After completing Caltech's core curriculum, students enter the computation and neural systems major program in the third quarter of the first year of study. The curriculum investigates the interdisciplinary nature of computational neuroscience through:
- Core requirements in differential equations, statistics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics
- Computer programming courses
- Biological sciences and bioengineering courses, including lab courses
- Advanced computational courses in areas like machine learning and biocomputation
- Electives from advanced physics, math, engineering, and science offerings
Pursue a Bachelor's in Computation and Neural Systems at Caltech
In Caltech's undergraduate computation and neural systems program, real research experience informs how our students develop tomorrow's neural technologies. Whether you are intrigued by how neurons process information or aspire to create new brain-inspired computing systems, this major allows students to combine theoretical rigor with practical application to prepare for advanced study or research and industry positions.