Neuroscience, Comprehensive Major

Liberal Arts (Code 445-001)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 445-001)

Advisors: B. Carter (Biology), D. Jewett (Psychology), D. Leland (Psychology), D. Matthews (Psychology).

This comprehensive major will ground students in current neuroscience traditions while enhancing existing neuroscience research using a multidisciplinary learning approach that is built upon a core curriculum from biology, chemistry, philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. The comprehensive major is intentionally integrative in design and encourages transformative learning via an engaging, multidisciplinary curriculum and embedded high impact practices, such as undergraduate research opportunities, and by enhancing critical thinking both inside and outside the classroom.

Sixty semester credits, including:
Core courses:
BIOL 221Foundations of Biology I4
BIOL 222Foundations of Biology II3
BIOL 223Foundations of Biological Inquiry2
Choose ONE set of the following chemistry courses:
General Chemistry I Lecture
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
and General Chemistry II with Lab
OR
Chemical Principles
IDIS 125Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience4
PHIL 343Philosophy of Mind3
MATH 246Elementary Statistics4
Choose ONE set of the following courses:
Linear Regression Analysis, with Time Series
and Experimental Design and Analysis
and Nonparametric Statistics
OR
Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory
and Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory
A minimum of four neuroscience core courses chosen from:
Systems Neuroscience
Systems Neuroscience Lab
Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience
Clinical Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Behavioral Neuroscience
Remaining credits chosen from elective courses below:
Molecular and Cell Biology
Animal Form and Function
Genetics
Genetics Inquiry
Biology of Stress
Animal Behavior
Endocrinology
Advanced Cell and Molecular Lab
Molecular Genetics
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Neurological Aspects of Communication & Cognition
Special Topics (when offered as Neurology of Music)
General Physics
General Physics
Psychology of Addictions
Statistical Methods in Psychology II
Individual Differences and Behavior Genetics
Psychology of Perception
Psychopharmacology
Cognitive Psychology
Up to three credits of approved neuroscience-related research or academic experience from the following courses may be applied to the major with the consent of the advisor:
Student Academic Experience
Independent Study - Juniors
Student Academic Apprenticeship
Senior Research Presentation
Independent Study - Seniors
Research Apprentice in Psychology
Student Academic Apprenticeship in Psychology
Independent Study - Juniors
Independent Study - Seniors

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Identify and describe the main concepts and methodologies of the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating neuroscience primary literature.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of formats (oral, written, technological).
  • Apply ethical standards to evaluate neuroscience research and applications.
  • Formulate career plans based on accurate self-assessment of abilities, motivation, and personal demeanor.

Sample Degree Plans

Neuroscience, Comprehensive Major, B.S., Chemistry Track

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core. LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work. Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements. Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 105General Chemistry I Lecture a3
CHEM 106General Chemistry I Laboratory (LE-K1) a2
MATH 109Algebra for Calculus (LE-S2)4
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 109General Chemistry II with Lab a4
MATH 112Precalculus Mathematics4
BIOL 221Foundations of Biology I (LE-K1L)4
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
IDIS 125Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience4
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (LE-K2)3
OR
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences
Total30
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
BIOL 222Foundations of Biology II3
BIOL 223Foundations of Biological Inquiry (LE-S3)2
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 246Elementary Statistics4
PSYC or BIOL- Neuroscience Core Course3-4
CHEM 326Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory4
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
PHIL 1XX or 2XX- Introductory level PHIL course b3
Total30
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC or BIOL- Neurosicence Core Course3-4
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC or BIOL- Neurosicence Core Course3-4
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives3
Total30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC or BIOL- Neurosicence Core Course3-4
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
SECOND SEMESTER
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
Electives
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD OR FOURTH YEAR
PHIL 343Philosophy of Mind (if not completed during third year)3
Total30
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits
a

CHEM 115 may be taken in place of CHEM 105, CHEM 106 (K1) and CHEM 109

b

Introductory level PHIL course may count towards one or two LE categories, depending on selected course

Note 1:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

Note 2: Neuroscience majors who plan to add pre- professional health tracks to their major should consult with their ARCC Advisor and/or Health Careers Center Advisor to select electives and create a graduation plan.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices. The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Neuroscience, Comprehensive Major, B.S., Math Track

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core. LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work. Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements. Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 105General Chemistry I Lecture3
CHEM 106General Chemistry I Laboratory (LE-K1) a2
MATH 109Algebra for Calculus4
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 109General Chemistry II with Lab a4
MATH 112Precalculus Mathematics4
BIOL 221Foundations of Biology I (LE-K1L)4
SOMETIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
IDIS 125Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience4
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
OR
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
PSYC 100Introduction to Psychology (LE-K2)3
OR
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences
Total30
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 114Calculus I4
BIOL 222Foundations of Biology II3
BIOL 223Foundations of Biological Inquiry (LE-S3)2
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 246Elementary Statistics4
PSYC or BIOL- Neuroscience Core Course3-4
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
PHIL 1XX or 2XX-Introductory level PHIL course b3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
Total30
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 441Linear Regression Analysis, with Time Series4
MATH 443Experimental Design and Analysis3
PSYC or BIOL- Neuroscience Core Course3-4
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
SECOND SEMESTER
MATH 447Nonparametric Statistics2
PSYC or BIOL- Neuroscience Core Course3-4
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives
Total30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC or BIOL- Neuroscience Core Course3-4
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
SECOND SEMESTER
Neuroscience Elective2-5
Neuroscience Elective2-5
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
Electives
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD OR FOURTH YEAR
PHIL 343Philosophy of Mind3
Total30
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits
a

CHEM 115 may be taken in place of CHEM 105, CHEM 106 (K1) and CHEM 109

b

Introductory level PHIL course may count towards one or two LE categories, depending on selected course

Note 1:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

Note 2: Neuroscience majors who plan to add pre- professional health tracks to their major should consult with their ARCC Advisor and/or Health Careers Center Advisor to select electives and create a graduation plan.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices. The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.