Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2023 - 2024 College Catalog Degree Requirement: Neuroscience Minor Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Neuroscience Minor

View the Neuroscience Program website

Neuroscience investigates the molecular, cellular, and genetic aspects of nervous system functioning as well as their influences on behavior. The major in neuroscience allows for the exploration of the brain from primarily a biological, chemical, and psychological perspective. The understanding of neuroscience requires knowledge about the function of neurons and the function of various brain regions and their relation to behavior. It also requires a grasp of the methodology behind neuroscientific research, including development, analysis, and interpretation of empirical studies. The major places a strong emphasis on scaffolded, directed research experiences within neuroscience. In addition, the neuroscience major creates an environment where faculty and students work collaboratively on neuroscience-related research questions.

Any student with an interest in pursuing the neuroscience major should consult with the program chair. Students are encouraged to declare their major by the end of the sophomore year. Students should also seek an adviser, whether formal or informal, from participating faculty.

Degree Requirements

General College Requirements

Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
CHEM 101 - Contemporary Chemistry with Laboratory Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 106 - General Chemistry II is strongly recommended. (Meets Core Curriculum requirement Natural Sciences with Laboratory.) Credit Hours: 4
  • CHEM 105 (no longer offered)
  • PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology (Meets Core Curriculum requirement in Social Sciences.) Credit Hours: 4

    Course Requirements

    All requirements in a major discipline of study. At least 18 credit hours in courses approved for the neurosciences, with a grade of C or above, including:

    Required courses (8 Credits)

    Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
    NEUR 201 - Introduction to Neuroscience (4S) Credit Hours: 4
    NEUR 310 - Special Topics in Neuroscience (4S) Credit Hours: 4

    Elective Courses (12 Credits)

    12 credit hours of upper-level elective credits selected from the following list. Electives must originate from at least two disciplines (BIOL, CHEM, NEUR, PHIL, PSYC).

    A completed neuroscience St. Mary’s Project or neuroscience internship may be substituted for NEUR 302 with the approval of the Coordinator.

    Course NameCredit Hours:Term TakenGradeGen Ed
    BIOL 305 - Animal Behavior Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 330 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 387 - Sensory Biology Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 419 - Neurobiology Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 436 - Comparative Animal Physiology Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 438 - Cancer Cell Biology Credit Hours: 4
    CHEM 420 - Biochemistry I Credit Hours: 4

     

    CHEM 425 - Biochemistry II Credit Hours: 4
    BIOL 425 - Biochemistry II Credit Hours: 4

     

    NEUR 302 - Neuroscience Research and Seminar. Credit Hours: 4
    NEUR 310 - Special Topics in Neuroscience (cannot take the same topic more than once) Credit Hours: 4
    PHIL 382 - Meditation and the Mind Credit Hours: 4

     

    PSYC 322 - Biological Psychology plus Laboratory Credit Hours: 5

    OR

    PSYC 323 - Laboratory Seminar in Biological and Sensory Processes Credit Hours: 4
    PSYC 414 - Drugs, Brains, and Behavior Credit Hours: 4
  • Upper-level Special Topics Courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology, or other disciplines, specifically approved for Neuroscience
  • Notes: