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.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to evaluate connections between biochemical interactions, cellular mechanisms, anatomical structures, sensory and perceptual processes, animal behavior or the concept of the mind to the structure and function of the nervous system.
- Students willbe able to analyze the hypotheses, method, results, and conclusions from primary literature in the neurosciences.
- Students will be able to effectively orally communicate research ideas to a cross-disiplinary audience.
Degree Requirements
General College Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of the Core Curriculum requirement in Mathematics.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Course Requirements
All requirements in a major discipline of study. At least 20 credit hours in courses approved for the neurosciences, with a grade of C or above, including:
Required courses (8 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
Elective Courses (12 Credits)
12 credit hours of upper-level elective credits selected from the following list with the following stipulations:
- 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.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 271, BIOL 271L.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106, BIOL 106L, or consent of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 and BIOL 106L, or NEUR 201.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106, BIOL 106L.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106, BIOL 106L, CHEM 106; PHYS 122, or PHYS 142, or PHYS 152 recommended.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 270, BIOL 270L. CHEM 420 recommended.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 312 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 420 with a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 420.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 323 without consent of the department chair.
OR
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 206 with a grade of C- or better or PSYC 303 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for PSYC 322 without consent of the department chair.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 or consent of the instructor.
*Upper-level Special Topics Courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology, or other disciplines must be specifically approved for Neuroscience