Requirements

Concentration in Neuroscience within the Biology Major

The study of the relations between brain and behavior is one of the most exciting frontiers in biology and also an arena for cooperation among a wide range of biological, psychological and engineering/mathematical disciplines. The neuroscience concentration in biology defines a broad approach to this area. It encourages students to take courses covering the cellular and subcellular levels (molecular and genetic properties, cell and membrane physiology, neurochemistry), systemic levels (neuroanatomy, sensory and reflex function, brain disorders), and integrative levels (perception, memory, behavioral genetics, evolution of brain and behavior). The program emphasizes breadth in the arts, sciences and humanities with an understanding of the neurosciences as an integral part of a liberal arts education.

Requirements for this program include completion of

  1. general requirements of the Biology major.
  2. the two core neuroscience courses.
  3. a number of elective courses in neuroscience. The specific courses required for this program are outlined on this web page.

Students interested in the Concentration in Neuroscience as a Biology major must (in order to register) consult with the Biology Undergraduate Studies Office. Information can also be obtained from the Undergraduate Neurosciences Program Office.


Concentration in Neuroscience within the Psychology Major

The Neuroscience Concentration in the Psychology Major emphasizes an integrative understanding of brain and behavior. Students are encouraged to develop a solid grounding in the natural sciences as well as to develop a broad understanding of behavioral science. An emphasis is placed on understanding systems level processes working at the interface of brain and behavior, and on the role of the brain in behavioral and cognitive processes. The psychology program also assures breadth in the arts, sciences and humanities as a context in which to place the study of neurosciences.

The Concentration in Neuroscience within the Psychology Major requires completion of:

  1. the general requirements of a B.S. degree in Psychology.
  2. the two core neuroscience courses.
  3. five (5) elective courses in neuroscience.

Students interested in the Concentration in Neuroscience as a Psychology major should consult with the Psychology Undergraduate Studies Office. Information can also be obtained from the Undergraduate Neurosciences Program Office.


Certificate in Neuroscience (for majors other than Biology or Psychology)

For majors other than Biology or Psychology, a program of coursework can be designed that will emphasize neurosciences within the context of another discipline. Participation in this program will lead to a Neuroscience Certificate. Each student's program will be designed in consultation with a Co-Director of the Neuroscience Program and the student's major advisor.

Although there is some flexibility in this version of the program, the general requirements for the Neuroscience Certificate include successful completion of:

  1. the requirements of a B.S. degree in a major other than Psychology or Biology.
  2. the two core neuroscience courses.
  3. three (3) elective courses in neuroscience.
  4. the certificate capstone course (PSY 195: Topics in Neuroscience).

Students interested in this option should consult with a Co-Director of the Program as early in their undergraduate career as possible.