Neuroscience Program Requirements

Faculty

• Russell Costa
• Anne Gibson
• Krista Todd (Chair)

View Neuroscience Courses

Program Goals

• To develop critical and interdisciplinary thinking skills.
• To enhance both oral and written communication and information literacy skills
• To acquire depth and breadth of knowledge in neuroscience.
• To gain knowledge of and respect for the varying levels of analysis in neuroscience, and to develop the ability to synthesize information across such levels.
• To develop an understanding of issues pertinent to ethics in neuroscience, as well as the ambiguity inherent in neuroscience
• To develop knowledge of and experience with a number of research methodologies employed in the field of neuroscience
• To gain an understanding of future employment and educational opportunities available to individuals majoring in neuroscience.

Objectives

Neuroscience is the scientific study of normal and abnormal development, structure, and function of the nervous system. In addition, Neuroscience seeks to better understand the role of the nervous system in behavior. The Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a breadth of coursework across Psychology and the Natural Sciences. Undergraduate research is prominent, and students are encouraged to explore relations between brain and behavior across multiple levels. The curriculum provides students with an academic and experiential background for graduate study in the neurosciences and/or employment in a research setting. The program is designed to offer both breadth of background while allowing a degree of specialization.

Requirements

Students must maintain at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA in courses required for the Neuroscience major. Students desiring further specialization are encouraged to pursue a relevant minor in combination with the major. For example, students interested in Theoretical Neuroscience may choose a minor in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science. Students interested in Clinical Neuropsychology are encouraged to pursue a minor in Psychology. Pre-Med students are strongly advised to complete applicable Chemistry and Biology coursework as needed for medical school acceptance. Consultation with program advisors is crucial in preparing the best pathway for the individual students.

Classes listed as required classes for both majors/minors may be applied to both. The Neuroscience program allows for the double-dipping of up to four credits from neuroscience-related fields (Biology, Math, Physics, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology, or Chemistry) that can be applied toward fulfilling the elective requirements of the Neuroscience major. Other than this, students choosing a double major or minor within the science program or psychology may not apply electives to more than one major or minor.

Students must meet the university-wide graduation requirements in addition to the Neuroscience major:

• 124 total hours
• 30 upper division hours
• WCore or Honors College requirements

Neuroscience Major

Recommended Plan of Study