BA.NEUR - Neuroscience

Stephanie Fretham (program director)

Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of how the nervous system functions, from the cellular level to more complex features such as movement, perception, behavior, emotion, desires and memory.  The foundational components of the major are provided through a series of courses in the disciplines of biology and psychology that center on neuronal function and its role in biology and behavior. Students then gain a deeper understanding of neuroscience through completion of additional coursework taken from biological and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience perspectives.

The neuroscience major is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills to successfully matriculate onto the next chapter of their lives, whether it is graduate school, a career in medicine or other allied health field, or another career avenue that requires strong quantitative and assessment skills. Depending on a student's goals and interests, they may be advised to take additional preparatory coursework in chemistry, physics, mathematics (calculus and/or statistics), or computer science. Thus, it is essential that students consult an advisor when planning their curricular pathway. Students are also encouraged to seek undergraduate research opportunities and internship experiences to strengthen their career preparation.

Required for the Major:

The neuroscience major requires completion of the following core course requirements: BIO 151 and 152 (Principles of Biology); BIO 255 (Human Physiology); BIO 260 (Experimental Neuroscience); BIO 362 (Neuroscience); PSYC 130 (General Psychology); PSYC 249 (Brain and Behavior); one course in statistics (BIO 256 or PSYC 350); NEUR 485 (Neuroscience Seminar).

In addition, students must complete a total of 16 hours of supporting coursework, with at least 4 hours from each of the following categories:

Category 1

BIO 201 Genetics

BIO 301 Human Dissection and Anatomy

BIO 363 Molecular Biology*

BIO 364 Cell Biology*

BIO 367 Endocrinology

CHEM 301 Biochemistry*

CS 150 Introduction to Computer Science or DS 120 Introduction to Data Science        

Category 2

PHIL 330 Minds, Brains, and Persons or REL 231 Contemplative Studies

PSYC 244 Animal Cognition

PSYC 265 Abnormal Psychology

PSYC 452 Cognitive Processes*

PSYC 454 Learning and Behavior*

Please note that the * designates courses that have additional pre-requisite requirements not fully met by the core courses.

For students majoring in both neuroscience and psychology, only three psychology courses may be used to satisfy the requirements for both majors. For students majoring in both neuroscience and biology, only three biology courses may be used to satisfy the requirements for both majors.

No minor is offered for neuroscience. Additionally, students majoring in neuroscience may not earn a minor in either biology or psychology.