Neuroscience and Behavior (BS or BA)

Program Requirements:

Majors must complete nine core courses plus five track- specific courses spread throughout their four years.

9 Core Courses

BIOL 113General Biology

4

OR

BIOL 115Advanced General Biology

4

 

PSYC 101Introduction to Psychological Science

4

 

CHEM 111Introduction to Chemistry: Inorganic

4

OR

CHEM 113Principles of Chemistry

4

OR

CHEM 115Advanced General Chemistry

4

 

STAT 118Introductory Statistics

4

OR

MATH 227Statistical Design and Analysis

4

OR

MATH 229Regression Models

4

 

PSYC 201Biological Psychology

4

PSYC 203Research Methods in Psychology

4

One additional 200-level or higher Biology course

PHIL 237Philosophy of Mind

4

NB 347Seminar in Neuroscience

4

MATH 227, MATH 229: if a student places out of MATH 118

CHEM 111, CHEM 113, CHEM 115: see note**

PHIL 237: PHIL prerequisite waived for Neuroscience and Behavior majors

NB 347: Capstone

5 Courses for the Neurobiology track:

CHEM 112Introduction to Chemistry: Organic

4

OR

CHEM 224Organic Chemistry I

4

 

BIOL 225Cell Biology

4

BIOL 334Neurobiology

4

BIOL 337Molecular Biology

4

 

BIOL 350Independent Laboratory Research

4

OR

BIOL 370Internship

Variable

BIOL 370: 4 credits

BIOL 334 is offered every other year. Take care to plan course sequence accordingly.

CHEM 112, CHEM 224: see note**

5 Courses for the Cognitive Behavioral track:

BIOL 342Behavioral Biology

4

One Psychology course chosen from the Basic Processes

PSYC 243Cognitive Psychology

4

PSYC 244Drugs and Behavior

4

PSYC 245Learning and Conditioning

4

PSYC 247Sensation and Perception

4

One Upper Level Research course

PSYC 301Research in Biopsychology

4

PSYC 303Research in Cognitive Processes

4

PSYC 304Research in Personality

4

Two additional courses from the Neuroscience List

Courses cannot double-count for both this requirement and other core/track requirements.

PSYC 231Abnormal Psychology

4

PSYC 232Health Psychology

4

PSYC 243Cognitive Psychology

4

PSYC 244Drugs and Behavior

4

PSYC 245Learning and Conditioning

4

PSYC 247Sensation and Perception

4

PSYC 301Research in Biopsychology

4

PSYC 303Research in Cognitive Processes

4

STAT 227Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis

4

STAT 229Regression Models

4

CS 112Introduction to Computer Science

4

IT 225Health Informatics

4

BIOL 222Animal Physiology

4

BIOL 225Cell Biology

4

BIOL 231Anatomy and Physiology I

4

BIOL 246Foundations of Exercise and Health

4

BIOL 334Neurobiology

4

BIOL 335Developmental Biology

4

BIOL 336Genetics

4

CHEM 112Principles of Organic Chemistry

4

CHEM 224Organic Chemistry I

4

CHEM 223Principles of Biochemistry

4

CHEM 225Organic Chemistry II

4

NUTR 111Fundamentals of Nutrition Science

4

NUTR 112Introduction to Nutrition Science

4

PHIL 136Philosophy of Human Nature

4

SOCI 241Health, Illness & Society

4

Independent Learning in Neuroscience and Behavior

Independent learning experiences enrich a student’s education in Neuroscience & Behavior and can distinguish a student’s qualifications when applying for employment and admission to graduate school. Students in the Neurobiology track are required to complete at least one semester of BIOL 350 Independent Laboratory Research or BIOL 370 Internship. However, Neuroscience & Behavior majors in both tracks are strongly encouraged to speak with their advisors about integrating one or more of the following into their plan of study:

BIOL 350Independent Laboratory Research

4

BIOL 370Internship

Variable

BIOL 355Thesis

4

PSYC 350Independent Study

4

PSYC 380Fieldwork in a Psychological Setting

Variable

PSYC 355Thesis

8

PSYC 381Thesis in Psychology

4

In all cases, students should make arrangements for independent learning with their Neuroscience and Behavior advisor and/or the course instructor before the end of their junior year.
** Chemistry requirements for the major include one introductory semester; which course depends on placement exam results (CHEM 111, CHEM 113, or CHEM 115). The Neurobiology track requires one additional semester of organic chemistry, typically CHEM 112. (Please note, if you are completing premedical requirements you need one introductory course plus: CHEM 216 Quantitative Analysis and CHEM 224 & CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry I & II).
In all cases, students should make arrangements for independent learning with their Neuroscience and Behavior advisor and/or the course instructor before the end of their junior year.