Programs

Neuroscience Major

The neuroscience major is designed for students who wish to pursue a career or graduate studies in the field of neuroscience. This major provides a foundation for pursuing graduate studies in neuroscience with a potential goal of conducting neuroscience research in academia or industry. Included in the major is a choice of two concentrations: cellular and molecular neuroscience; or behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. This major also prepares students for other employment opportunities in neuroscience, such as entry-level research positions in the pharmaceutical industry or at research institutions. Students are required to choose among three options for minor: integrative science minor; pre-professional minor; or chemistry, physics, or mathematics minor with the requirement that students take an additional eight credits from outside of the minor department. Students will be assigned advisors within the department where their concentration resides. Neuroscience majors in either concentration may take courses that require BI 112 as a prerequisite, without having taken BI 112, with the permission of instructor. This program will be administered by a joint advisory committee consisting of members from both the Biology and Psychological Science Departments.

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For course description, click on the course.

• Total Credits Required for Degree

  121-126
• General Education

  30-40

• Core Courses

  32
• BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles [SCII]

  4
• BI 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

  4
• BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology [SCII]

  4
• BI 420 Neuroscience

  4
• PSY 100 Introduction to Psychological Science [SCII]

  4
• PSY 230 Learning and Cognition

  4
• PSY 250 Brain and Behavior [SCII]

  4
• PSY 450 Methods in Psychophysiology

  4
• Choose a Concentration:
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Concentration

  31-36
• BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity

  4
• BI 215 Principles of Evolution

  4
• BI 312 Genetics

  4
• BI 406 Advanced Cell Biology

  4
• BI 417 Comparative Vertebrate Neuroanatomy

  4
• BI 425 Endocrinology

  4
• BI 488 Advanced Research in Biology or

  1-4
•      BI 499 Internship (1-6 cr.)
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Concentration Electives

  6-8
•      BI 208 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 cr.)
•      BI 221 Comparative Anatomy (4 cr.)
•      BI 327 Animal Physiology (4 cr.)
•      BI 391 Laboratory Experience (1-2 cr.)
•      BI 412 Biostatistics (4 cr.)
•      BI 413 Biochemistry of Development (4 cr.)
•      BI 418 Molecular Biology (4 cr.)
•      BI 419 Biology of Cancer (4 cr.)
•      BI 426 Human Histology (4 cr.)
•      PSY 350 Neuropsychology (4 cr.)
•      PSY 457 Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
•      PSY 451 Sensation and Perception (4 cr.)
•      PSY 453 Affective Neuroscience (4 cr.)
•      SL 459 Cognitive Neuroscience (4 cr.)
• Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration

  30
• PSY 201 Psychological Research I: Statistical Applications [QUAR]

  4
• PSY 202 Psychological Research II: Experimental Design and Methodology

  4
• PSY 350 Neuropsychology

  4
• PSY 451 Sensation and Perception or

  4
•      PSY 457 Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
• PSY 453 Affective Neuroscience

  4
• PSY 498 Directed Research/Directed Study (1-4 cr.)

  2-4
• Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration Electives

  8
•      BI 215 Principles of Evolution (4 cr.)
•      BI 221 Comparative Anatomy (4 cr.)
•      BI 312 Genetics (4 cr.)
•      BI 406 Advanced Cell Biology (4 cr.)
•      BI 417 Comparative Vertebrate Neuroanatomy (4 cr.)
•      BI 425 Endocrinology (4 cr.)
•      PSY 240 Abnormal Psychology (4 cr.)
•      PSY 343 Causes and Control of Aggression (4 cr.)
•      PSY 451 Sensation and Perception (4 cr.)
•      PSY 457 Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
•      SL 459 Cognitive Neuroscience (4 cr.)
• Other Required Courses

  10
• CH 111 General Chemistry I [SCII]

  5
• CH 112 General Chemistry II

  5
• Minor

  16
• Select one of these options: 1) integrative science minor; 2) pre-professional minor; 3) chemistry, physics, or math minor. If option 3, it is recommended that the student take 8 additional credits from science areas outside of the selected minor.