Neuroscience, Minor
Liberal Arts (Code 081-401)
Advisor: B. Carter (Biology).
Neuroscience is devoted to the understanding of the brain and the nervous system. The brain is the control system for the body and therefore has a central role in determining human health and disease. Neuroscience is interdisciplinary, intersecting with many other fields of study and thought including psychology, biology, philosophy, and medicine. Students who major in these areas should find the Neuroscience Minor a desirable complement to their major studies. Additionally, the Neuroscience Minor curriculum provides valuable preparation for students who intend to enter postgraduate programs related to neuroscience and medicine.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Twenty-four semester credits required, including: | ||
| Foundation Courses: | ||
| IDIS 125 | Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience | 4 |
| BIOL 221 | Foundations of Biology I 1 | 4 |
| A minimum of three core courses chosen from: | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Systems Neuroscience Lab | ||
| Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience | ||
| Clinical Neuroscience | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Electives: | ||
| Molecular and Cell Biology | ||
| Animal Form and Function | ||
| Genetics | ||
| Genetics Inquiry | ||
| Biology of Stress | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Advanced Cell and Molecular Lab | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Neurological Aspects of Communication & Cognition | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| 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 minor with 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 | ||
- 1
Biology majors may not count BIOL 221 toward this minor.
Note: A maximum of 12 credits from the minor may count toward the Biology or Psychology majors.
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.