Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system and addresses questions spanning from the cellular and molecular level to cognition and behavior. This multidisciplinary major integrates courses in biology, chemistry, health sciences, and psychology. Track A(General) provides students more flexibility in electives. Track B (Graduate Preparation) prepares students to pursue graduate school in neuroscience and requires a research project under the supervision of a neuroscience program faculty member. Students should meet with a neuroscience advisor in their first year to make a four-year plan.
Program Requirements
Core Courses I (24 hours)
| BIO 111 | Foundations of Evolution and Diversity | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 112 | Foundations of Cell Biology | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 211 | Foundations of Genetics | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 392 | Mammalian Physiology | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 487/PSY 487 | Neuroscience Seminar | 1-2(Spec) |
| PSY 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3(3-0) |
| PSY 387 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3(3-0) |
Note: For BIO 487/PSY 487, two semesters are required, for a maximum of two credits.
Core Courses II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIO 500 | Biological Statistics | 3(2-2) |
| HSC 544 | Biostatistics | 3(2-1) |
| PSY 211QR | Introduction to Psychological Statistics | 3(3-0) |
Other Requirements I: General Chemistry (8 hours)
Other Requirements II: Organic Chemistry (4-8 hours)
Select CHM 342 for 4 hours OR CHM 345, 346, and 349 for 8 hours, OR CHM 343, 348, and 349 for 8 hours:
| CHM 342 | Survey of Organic Chemistry | 4(3-3) |
| CHM 343 | Organic Chemistry I: Foundations | 4(4-0) |
| CHM 345 | Organic Chemistry I | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 346 | Organic Chemistry II | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 348 | Organic Chemistry II: Bioorganic | 2(2-0) |
| CHM 349 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2(0-6) |
Neuroscience Tracks
Select one of the following tracks:
Track A - General (6 hours)
The General Track is for students who desire more flexibility in the choice of electives.
Required Courses
Track B - Graduate Preparation (11 hours)
The Graduate Preparation Track is for students who plan to attend a professional graduate school upon graduation that will necessitate both a solid background and research experience.
Required Courses I (8 hours)
| NSC 501 | Principles of Neuroscience I | 4(4-0) |
| NSC 502 | Principles of Neuroscience II | 4(4-0) |
Required Courses II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIO 403WI | Undergraduate Research | 3-4(Spec) |
| NSC 496 | Neuroscience Directed Research | 1-6(Spec) |
| PSY 496 | Directed Research | 1-6(Spec) |
Track A Electives (12 hours)
If selecting Track A - General (above):
Select courses from the elective lists below for a total of 12 hours, with at least 3 credits from Electives I and at least 6 credits from Electives II. Students are encouraged to consult with a neuroscience advisor to select the appropriate courses for intended career path.
Electives I
| BIO 208 | Microbiology | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 325 | Biotechnology | 3(1-5) |
| BIO 403WI | Undergraduate Research | 3-4(Spec) |
| BIO 537 | Immunology | 3(3-0) |
| BIO 544 | Developmental Biology | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 545 | Molecular Genetics | 3(3-0) |
| BIO 546 | Molecular Genetics Laboratory | 1(0-3) |
| BIO 570 | Medical Cell Biology | 3-4(Spec) |
| CHM 421 | Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 520 | Introductory Biochemistry | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 521 | Biochemistry I | 3(3-0) |
| NSC 496 | Neuroscience Directed Research | 1-6(Spec) |
| PSY 496 | Directed Research | 1-6(Spec) |
Notes:
- Students who choose BIO 546 must also take BIO 545.
- Students may only count one of CHM 421 or 520 or 521. CHM 421, 520 , 521 can count for either Electives I or II, but not both.
- Up to 3 credits of NSC 496 or BIO 403WI or PSY 496 can count toward the major.
Electives II
Note: CHM 421, 520 , 521 can count for either Electives I or II, but not both.
Track B Electives (6 hours)
If selecting Track B - Graduate Preparation (above): Select 6 credits from the following courses. Students are encouraged to consult with a neuroscience advisor to select the appropriate courses for your intended career path.
Total: 56-61 semester hours