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The mission of ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥'s Neuroscience program is to produce independent, self-motivated learners who have acquired the analytical and research skills that will help them to think creatively while integrating complex ideas. This training prepares them to help solve the critical challenges facing our society and to contribute to the furthering of human knowledge. We accomplish this using a variety of experiential and engaged learning techniques to provide a foundation in the concepts and methodologies of the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience at the cellular, molecular, cognitive systems, and behavioral levels.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major offered by faculty from various schools and colleges with expertise in neuroscience. The neuroscience curriculum offers students an opportunity to explore the structure and function of the nervous system. The major requires a general science background, a number of courses specifically devoted to the brain and nervous system, and an in-depth experience that explores the limits of knowledge in at least one aspect of neuroscience. The major allows considerable flexibility for students to develop the last two years along the lines of individual preferences and interests, with potential foci in areas of cellular/molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, or cognitive science. The majority of students who graduate with a degree in Neuroscience enter graduate or professional programs culminating with careers in medicine/health care, research, and/or education.

Students that have completed CHE 150/CHE 150L - University General Chemistry I may substitute the course for the CHE 110/CHE 110L - General Chemistry I requirement. Students that have completed CHE 310/310L - Fundamentals of Biochemistry may substitute the course for CHE 211 - Organic Chemistry II requirement.

Electives

Each student will choose three elective courses. No more than two may be chosen from either list A or B. No course counted as an elective may simultaneously satisfy program requirements.

List A

List B

Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.

A grade point average of 2.25 is necessary to be approved to add a major in Psychology, Animal Behavior, or Neuroscience, and to add a minor in Psychology, Animal Behavior, Neuroscience, Art Therapy, or MHRT/C. Double majoring or majoring and minoring within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences may be possible for a student. However, students interested in this option should do so with close consultation of their academic advisor to ensure that a substantial degree of overlap between the two areas does not occur. Given the significant overlap between the Med Bio major and the Neuroscience major, this double major combination will not be approved.

A minimum grade of "C-" must be achieved in all courses used to fulfill the requirements for the Neuroscience major. Students must also complete the University Core mathematics requirement by the end of the first year. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences strongly recommends that students take PSY 225 or MAT 150 in their sophomore year. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences requires that PSY 225 or MAT 150 be completed by the end of the junior year. See Undergraduate Academic Policy also.

Students who graduate with a B.S. in Neuroscience from ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ will be able to

1. Demonstrate a broad foundation in the concepts and methodologies of the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience at the cellular, molecular, cognitive, systems, and behavioral levels.
2. Demonstrate research skills including the ability to design experiments, and collect, analyze, and interpret data through research projects, lab work, internships, and coursework.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating neuroscience primary literature.
4. Communicate in written and oral format scientific information in an organized and clear manner.

A student with a GPA of at least 2.25 and a major at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ may minor in Neuroscience with the approval of the assistant academic director. Declarations must occur prior to the completion of the first semester of the junior year. Major programs of study with significant course overlap with Neuroscience minor requirements may be disallowed by the chair. Students declaring a minor in Neuroscience will not be allowed to double-dip credits across the minor and either major or core requirements (unless no other options are provided by the major, minor, or core requirements).

A minimum of 25 hours of approved course credit with a minimum grade of "C-" in each course is required for the minor in Neuroscience as follows:

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five years. Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

See Undergraduate Admissions.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.