Chapter 6 The Nevrous System 231
very short in both speed- and power-trained
athletes. Neuroscientists and neurologists often
collaborate on research projects—each bringing
a different, specialized perspective to the work.
Becoming a neuroscientist requires a four-
year bachelor’s degree in an area of science,
followed by a PhD in neuroscience. It typically
takes four to six years to complete the PhD
program. This education is often followed by an
optional postdoctoral fellowship that lasts two to
four years. A neuroscientist is typically employed
as a university professor or research scientist.
Neuroscientists working as researchers are often
employed by a hospital or private company.
Planning for a Health-
Related Career
Do some research on the career of a
neurologist or neuroscientist. Note that both
neurologists and neuroscientists may have dual
careers. A neurologist, for example, may practice
medicine and teach at a college or university.
Likewise, a neuroscientist may teach in addition
to performing research.
Alternatively, select a profession from
the list of Related Career Options. Using the
Internet or resources at your local library, fi nd
answers to the following questions:
1. What are the main tasks and responsibilities
of a neurologist or neuroscientist?
2. What is the outlook for this career? Are
workers in demand, or are jobs dwindling?
For complete information, consult the
current edition of the Occupational Outlook
Handbook, published by the US Department
of Labor. This handbook is available online
or at your local library.
3. What special skills or talents are required?
For example, do you enjoy research? Do you
need to be good at problem solving—a skill
that would be useful when developing a
complicated diagnosis?
4. What personality traits do you think are
necessary for success in the career you
have chosen to research? For instance,
neurologists must work closely with their
patients. Do you enjoy working with others?
5. Does the work involve a great deal
of routine, or are the day-to-day
responsibilities varied?
6. Does the career require long hours, or is it a
standard, “9-to-5” job?
7. What is the salary range for this job?
8. What do you think you would like about
this career? Is there anything about it that
you might dislike?
Related Career Options
• Neuroanatomist
• Neurochemist
• Neuroscience Nurse
• Neurosurgeon
• Pathologist
• Psychiatrist
Figure 6.26 This graph shows electrical activity (EMG)
in a quadriceps muscle during tension development
and the corresponding force output from the leg.
Notice that the onset of electrical activity clearly
precedes the onset of force production, demonstrating
electromechanical delay (EMD). EMD has been
found to be longer in elderly individuals and shorter
in athletes, particularly those who specialize in speed
and power events. Graph courtesy of Dr. Chris Knight,
University of Delaware.
Force
(%MVC)
EMG
(
μ
V)
100
75
50
25
400
300
200
100
0 200 400 600 800 1000
EMD
Time
Force EMG