Neuroscience, BS
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
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to explain the key concepts in neuroscience including, biochemical interactions, cellular mechanisms, anatomical structures, sensory and perceptual processes, animal behavior, and/or the concept of the mind.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to identify, locate, and evaluate Neuroscience-related primary literature.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to develop evidence-based arguments related to concepts in Neuroscience.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to design studies using the scientific method to address a problem in Neuroscience.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to use appropriate statistical and methodological approaches to analyze data.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to construct an organized written product that conveys scientific information at a level appropriate to the audience.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to effectively orally communicate research ideas to a cross-disciplinary audience.
- At the completion of the Neuroscience major, students will be able to work collaboratively with other students and faculty members on classwork and in the laboratory.
Degree Requirements
General College Requirements
General College Requirements, including the following requirements to satisfy the major.
- A t least 54 credit hours as specified in the following categories below (Required Courses, Statistics Course(s), Electives, St. Mary’s Project).
- A grade of C or better must be earned in all courses used to satisfy the major
- The cumulative grade point average of courses used to satisfy the major must be at least 2.00.
- Courses taken for credit/no credit may not be used to satisfy requirements.
Required Courses: (31 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L,
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
Required Statistics Course(s): (4-8 credits)
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the department chair.
OR
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 and BIOL 106L.
Students must take PSYC204 and PSYC206 or BIOL311.
Elective courses (12 Credits)
12 credit-hours of upper-level elective credits selected from the following list and not used to fulfill any other NEUR major requirement.
- Electives must originate from at least two disciplines (BIOL, CHEM, NEUR, PHIL, PSYC).
- At least two elective courses must have a laboratory component.
- *Each Topics course must be approved by the Neuroscience Program Chair for content relevance.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 271, BIOL 271L.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106, BIOL 106L, or consent of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): Some topics may have prerequisites. Check the online “Schedule of Classes” for possible pre-requisites.
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): Topics prerequisites will be listed on a case by case basis.
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.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 204 with a grade of C- or better, PSYC 301 with a grade of C- or better, or with permission of the instructor.
Capstone (8 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better; PSYC 206 or BIOL 311 with a grade of C or better; Approval of faculty mentor and program chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better; PSYC 206 or BIOL 311 with a grade of C or better; Approval of faculty mentor and program chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.
Sequence of Study
Students should work with their advisors to develop an academic plan. This sequence provides an example course progression to complete the major in four years.
First Year
Fall:
Spring:
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 105L,
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 103 with a grade of C or a 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam.
Second Year
Fall:
Prerequisite(s): LEAD 111 and LEAD 112
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101 with a grade of C- or better or with permission of the department chair.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 106 and BIOL 106L.
Spring:
Third Year
Fall:
Spring:
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
Fourth Year
Fall:
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better; PSYC 206 or BIOL 311 with a grade of C or better; Approval of faculty mentor and program chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.
Spring:
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better; PSYC 206 or BIOL 311 with a grade of C or better; Approval of faculty mentor and program chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.