Courses & Requirements

Neuroscience Catalog Listing | Course / Exam Schedule

The Neuroscience Program is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the nervous system.  It examines varied concepts of the 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.  Combining study in natural science (biology, chemistry and math), social science (psychology), and the humanities (philosophy), the major gives students a solid science background, an understanding of diverse approaches to the nervous system and brain, and opportunities to explore more focused areas of neuroscience via electives and senior study.

The neuroscience major involves 12 required courses including background and cognate courses, upper-level courses,andsenior study. Students complete background coursesin biology and psychology, along with cognate courses in chemistry and math, to establish the scientific foundation necessary for upper-level study.  Required upper-levelcourses in biology, psychology, and philosophy teach students to approach neuroscience broadly from intellectually varied perspectives. Elective upper-levelcourses provide the opportunity to explore more specialized topics of interest.  Senior study requires majors to integrate their specific training through research or seminars.

1.  BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics
2.  BIOL 0216 Animal Behavior (complete before end of Junior year)
3.  PSYC 0105 Introduction to Psychology
4.  PSYC 0201 Psychological Statistics or BIOL 0211 Experimental Design and Analysis
5.  CHEM 0103 Fundamentals of Chemistry

Note:  there are several optional cognate courses desirable for those considering post-baccalaureate study. Students should consult with their advisor 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

1.  BIOL 0370 Animal Physiology
2.  PSYC 0301 Physiological Psychology (complete before end of Junior year)
3.  PHIL 0352 Philosophy of the Mind or PHIL 0360 Consciousness
4.  Three electives to be chosen from (BIOL 0225; BIOL 0305; BIOL 0350; [BIOL 0360]; PHIL 0352, PHIL 0360, or PHIL 0362 (at least one must be taken as a required course); PSYC 0302 (formerly PSYC 0207); PSYC 0305; PSYC 0309; PSYC 311).

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).

Students may be exempt from some introductory courses through placement or bypass exams. For information on placing out of a specific course, contact the chairperson of the relevant department. 

Seniors can do research with any faculty member of the program or with certain faculty in other departments who will act as resources.

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.