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 Psychology Departments.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biochemists-and-biophys…

Total Credits Required 120
Liberal Studies
30-40
Health Promotion Requirements 2
Core Courses33
PY 100S Psychology as a Natural Science [Div II] or4
     PY 100L Psychology as a Natural Science with Laboratory (4 cr.) [Div II] or
     PY 100H Honors Psychology as a Natural Science (4 cr.) [Div II]
BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles [Div II] 4
BI 207 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 4
PY 204 Physiological Psychology [Div II] 4
PY 211 Learning 4
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology 4
PY 404 Advanced Physiological Psychology 4
BI 420 Neuroscience 4

Choose a Concentration:

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Concentration31-33
BI 112 Introductory Biology: Diversity [Div II] 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 3
BI 488 Advanced Research in Biology (1 - 4 cr.) or
     BI 499 Internship (1 - 6 cr.)
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Concentration Electives6-8
BI 208 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 cr.)
BI 221 Comparative Anatomy (4 cr.)
BI 225 Physiology of Aging (3 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.)
PY 303 Human Neuropsychology (4 cr.)
PY 309 Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
PY 311 Thinking and Cognition (4 cr.)
PY 410 Sensation and Perception (4 cr.)
PY 441 Individual Differences in Development (4 cr.)
SL 459 Cognitive Neuroscience (4 cr.)

Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration26
PY 303 Human Neuropsychology 4
PY 311 Thinking and Cognition 4
PY 309 Psychopharmacology or4
     PY 410 Sensation and Perception (4 cr.) or
     PY 441 Individual Differences in Development (4 cr.)
SL 459 Cognitive Neuroscience 4
PY 498 Directed Research/Directed Study (1 - 4 cr.) 2
Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration Electives8
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 (3 cr.)
PY 205 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4 cr.)
PY 302 Causes and Control of Aggression (4 cr.)
PY 305 Psychological Statistics (4 cr.) [Div V]
PY 309 Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
PY 355 Abnormal Psychology (4 cr.)
PY 410 Sensation and Perception (4 cr.)
PY 441 Individual Differences in Development (4 cr.)

Other Required Courses10
CH 111 General Chemistry I [Div II] 5
CH 112 General Chemistry II [Div II] 5

Minor20-24
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.