Primary Faculty
Professors: Tom Root (biology) (program director); Associate Professor: Marcia Collaer (psychology); Assistant Professors: Kim Cronise, (psychology), John Spackman (philosophy), Mark Spritzer (biology); Visiting Assistant Professor: Mark Stefani (psychology); Program Coordinator: Joanna Shipley.
Resource Faculty
Professor: Christopher Watters (biology); Associate Professor: Amy Briggs (computer science), Timothy Huang (computer science), Daniel Scharstein (computer science); Assistant Professors: Jason Arndt (psychology), Matthew Kimble (psychology), William Waldron (religion).
Neuroscience is a field that explores the nervous system, examines varied concepts of the human mind, multiple functions of the brain, the behavior of animals, the variety of nervous systems, the operation of nerve cells, and the role that physical and chemical processes play in all these. The study of the nervous system in animals and humans is a scientific inquiry that necessarily requires a multi-disciplinary approach. As a result, it requires a background in biology, chemistry, and psychology, an appreciation of animal and human behavior and physiology, and upper-level study in a number of more focused areas. Possibilities include: cellular/developmental biology, interactions of drugs and hormones with brain and behavior; the basis of the mind; effects of brain trauma; or learning and neural regulation. Combining study in natural science (biology, chemistry, and math), social science (psychology), and humanities (philosophy), the neuroscience major gives students a solid science background, an understanding of diverse approaches to the nervous system and brain, and opportunities to explore specific areas of neuroscience via electives and senior study.
Required for the major
The major includes required background courses, upper-level courses, and senior study. Required background courses in biology, psychology, and chemistry, establish a foundation in science necessary for upper-level study. Upper-level core courses in biology, psychology, and philosophy teach students to approach neuroscience broadly from intellectually different directions. Upper-level elective courses offer opportunities to explore a wide variety of specific topics. Senior study requires all majors to integrate their specific training through research or a senior seminar.
For students matriculating in Fall 2007 or later:
Required Background Courses
BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics
BIOL 0216 Animal Behavior (complete before end of sophomore year)
PSYC 0105 Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 0201 Psychological Statistics or BIOL 0211 Experimental Design and Analysis
CHEM 0103 Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
Optional Cognate Courses
Note: there are several optional cognates desirable for those considering post-baccalaureate study. For example, those interested in the health professions or graduate study in neuroscience may wish to take some or all of the following courses. Students should consult with their adviser for assistance.
BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution
CHEM 0104 Fundamentals of Chemistry 2
MATH 0121 Calculus 1
MATH 0122 Calculus 2
CHEM 0241 Organic Chemistry 1
CHEM 0242 Organic Chemistry 2
CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules
PHYS 0109 Mechanics
PHYS 0110 Electricity and Magnetism
Upper-Level Core Courses
BIOL 0370 Animal Physiology
PSYC 0301 Physiological Psychology (complete before end of Junior year)
PHIL 0352 Philosophy of the Mind or PHIL 0360 Consciousness
Three electives to be chosen from (BIOL 0225; BIOL 0305; BIOL 0350; [BIOL 0360]; PHIL 0352 or PHIL 0360 (both must be taken for one to count as an elective); PSYC 0302; PSYC 0305; PSYC 0309; PSYC 0311).
Senior Study
A Senior Seminar (from BIOL 0440; BIOL 0470; BIOL 0480; CHEM 0430; PSYC 0404; PSYC 0418; PSYC 0430; PSYC 0435; or a PHIL 0400-level senior seminar, if approved in advance) OR Senior Research (NSCI 0500). During winter term and as course offerings change there may be other seminars in BIOL, PHIL, or PSYC that are available for NSCI seminar credit.
Note: If students elect to pursue senior research (NSCI 0500) for their senior study, then a 0400-level senior seminar may fulfill one of the three required upper-level electives.
For students matriculating before Fall 2007:
Required Background Courses
BIOL 0195 Genetics and Evolution and BIOL 0250 Cells and Organelles
OR BIOL 0140 Ecology and Evolution and BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics
BIOL 0216 Animal Behavior
PSYC 0105 Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 0201 Psychological Statistics or BIOL 0211 Experimental Design and Analysis
MATH 0121 Calculus 1
CHEM 0103 Fundamentals of Chemistry 1
Optional Cognate Courses
Note: there are several optional cognates desirable for those considering post-baccalaureate study. For example, those interested in the health professions or graduate study in neuroscience may wish to take some or all of the following courses. Students should consult with their adviser for assistance.
CHEM 0104 Fundamentals of Chemistry 2
MATH 0122 Calculus 2
CHEM 0241 Organic Chemistry 1
CHEM 0242 Organic Chemistry 2
CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules
PHYS 0109 Mechanics
PHYS 0110 Electricity and Magnetism
Upper-Level Core Courses
BIOL 0370 Animal Physiology
PSYC 0301 Physiological Psychology (complete before end of Junior year)
PHIL 0352 Philosophy of the Mind or PHIL 0360 Consciousness
Three electives to be chosen from (BIOL 0225; BIOL 0305; BIOL 0340, BIOL 0350; [BIOL 0360]; PHIL 0352 or PHIL 0360 (both must be taken for one to count as an elective); PSYC 0302; PSYC 0305; PSYC 0309; PSYC 0311).
Senior Study
A senior seminar from BIOL 0440; BIOL 0470; BIOL 0480; CHEM 0430; PSYC 0404; PSYC 0417; PSYC 0418; PSYC 0430; PSYC 0433; PSYC 0435; or a PHIL 0400-level senior seminar, if approved in advance OR Senior research (NSCI 0500). During winter term and as course offerings change there may be other seminars in BIOL, PHIL, or PSYC that are available for NSCI seminar credit.
Note: If students elect to pursue senior research (NSCI 0500) for their senior study, then a 0400-level senior seminar may fulfill one of the three required upper-level electives.
Students may be exempt from some introductory courses through placement or bypass exams. For more information on placing out of a specific course, contact the chairperson of the relevant department. Seniors can do research with any faculty in the program, or with certain faculty in other departments who will act as resources.
Study Abroad
Study abroad can be a valuable experience that is encouraged, though majors must consult with the Office of Off-Campus Study and their advisor about the advisability of specific programs. Because the requirements for the NSCI major are complex, we recommend that students study abroad for a single term rather than an entire year. It is expected that the required courses listed for the major specifically by number (i.e. BIOL 0195 and BIOL 0250 [or BIOL 0145], BIOL 0216, PSYC 0105, PSYC 0201 or BIOL 0211, BIOL 0370, PSYC 0301, PHIL 0360, or PHIL 0352) would be completed at Middlebury. However, NSCI electives may be taken abroad if they are determined to satisfy program requirements and are approved by the advisor and program director. Students generally receive major credit for a maximum of one or two courses taken abroad. The NSCI program does not grant major credit for Independent Study projects completed abroad.
Program Honors
Majors are encouraged to undertake independent research (NSCI 0500, NSCI -0700) with any faculty member in the program (primary or resource). Students considering any senior research should begin conversations with faculty early in their junior year. Those eligible for high honors in neuroscience must (1) complete at least two semesters of independent research (one term of NSCI 0500 and one of NSCI 0700); (2) graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the major; (3) present a public seminar describing the background, methodology, results, and greater significance of their research; and (4) successfully defend their thesis before a committee comprised of at least two Neuroscience faculty, plus others as needed, who may recommend High Honors after considering these four components of a thesis.
NSCI 0500 Independent Research (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Individual projects involving laboratory or extensive library study on a topic chosen by the student and approved in advance by a NSCI faculty adviser. For seniors, who typically begin research in their Fall semester, there are bi-weekly meetings along with PSYC 0500 to meet the needs of advanced research students. After completing at least one semester of NSCI 0500, seniors may elect to do additional research toward a senior thesis, and should enroll in NSCI 0700 for the final term of research. (Approval required) 3 hrs. lect./disc. (Staff)
NSCI 0700 Independent Research (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Senior NSCI majors who have completed one or more terms of independent research (NSCI 0500), who have a GPA of 3.3 in their major courses, and who plan to complete a thesis should register for NSCI 0700. Students write a thesis, give a public presentation of their research, and present an oral defense of the thesis before a committee of at least two faculty members. Additional requirements may include participation in weekly meetings with advisors and/or lab groups and attending neuroscience seminars. (NSCI 0500, Approval required) 3 hrs. disc. (Staff)