Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Neuroscience Major

Major Requirements

The requirements for a major in neuroscience are 37 credits:

Neuroscience Courses
NEU 109Introduction to Neuroscience4
NEU/CHEM 475Neurochemistry4
NEU/BIOL 400Neurobiology4
CHEM 142Survey of Organic and Biochemistry4
or CHEM 373 Biochemistry I
MATH 205Introduction to Statistics4
or PSYC 230 Statistics and Psychology Measurement
NEU 406Senior Seminar1
Select one of the following:4
Drugs and Behavior
Human Neuropsychology
Perception
Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience Electives
Select 4 credits from the following neuroscience electives:4
Physical Neuroscience
Human Neuropsychology
Independent Study
Directed Research
Behavioral Neuroscience
Perception
Drugs and Behavior
Cognitive Psychology 1
Special Topics
Elective Courses
Select 8 credits from the following (at least 4 credits must be in a lab science):8
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Histology 2
Animal Behavior 2
Immunology and Parasitology
Embryology 2
Advanced Cell Biology
Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II
Advanced Topics in Genetics
Research Seminar (with approval, topic rotates)
Analytical Chemistry I
Biochemistry II
Introduction to Data Analytics
Data Mining
Probability and Mathematical Statistics
Applied Statistical Models
Learning and Behavior 1
Health Psychology 1
Abnormal Psychology 1
Total Hours37
1

PSYC 111 Introductory Psychology or equivalent is a prerequisite.

2

NEU 109 Introduction to Neuroscience and junior or senior standing may be used as the prerequisite.

The following courses are recommended but not required:

BIOL 121Cell Biology4
BIOL 222Genetics and Molecular Biology4
CHEM 127General Chemistry I4
CHEM 128General Chemistry II4
MATH 121Calculus I4
PHYS 111General College Physics I4
PHYS 112General College Physics II4
PSYC 111Introductory Psychology4

The neuroscience major can be completed in 39 credits; however depending on course selection and whether a student chooses to double major or complete a minor in a related program, it may take up to 71 credits. To have flexibility in course selection, it is recommended that students take BIOL 121 and PSYC 111, which are prerequisite courses for many of the elective course options. Advisors and students are encouraged to review the policies about unique credits required for majors and minors as detailed in the requirements for majors and minors. Students pursuing a major in neuroscience are encouraged to contact the chair of the neuroscience program early in their studies to discuss the complexity of the program.

The following courses have prerequisites offered in complementary majors:

BIOL 222Genetics and Molecular Biology4
BIOL 306Human Anatomy and Physiology4
BIOL 352Immunology and Parasitology4
BIOL 406Advanced Cell Biology4
BIOL 411Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 412Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIOL 416Advanced Topics in Genetics4
BIOL 497Research Seminar4
CHEM 128General Chemistry II4
CHEM 330Analytical Chemistry I4
CHEM 373Biochemistry I4
CHEM 374Biochemistry II4
CHEM 431Analytical Chemistry II4
MATH 315Probability and Mathematical Statistics4
MATH 316Applied Statistical Models4
DATA 316Applied Statistical Models4
PHYS 112General College Physics II4

Degree and Graduation Requirements
In addition to the program-specific requirements listed above, all students must complete the graduation requirements specified for their degree.  See the Degree and Graduation Requirements section for more information.