Admission Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Program Goals:

1. To provide students with the knowledge and skills to consider, analyze, and examine the nervous system at molecular, cellular, organismal, and social scales.
2. To develop graduates who can engage independently in scientific inquiry in order to conceive of, analyze, and interpret research questions, methods, and results from themselves or others.
3. To develop graduates skilled in collaborative teamwork who have a broad base of knowledge in the natural and social sciences who can succeed within the interdisciplinary framework of neuroscience.
4. To provide students with the requisite background in biology and investigative skills required to engage in scientific discourse that can address both long-standing and new challenges in the natural sciences, psychology, and neuroscience.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to

1. Demonstrate a broad base of knowledge within the natural sciences and psychology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field of neuroscience.
2. Appropriately and effectively apply scientific methods to solve real-world biological problems, laboratory-based research skill sets.
3. Understand the connections between structure and function at molecular, cellular, organismal, and social levels; understand and explain mechanisms whereby changes at one scale induce changes at all levels.
4. Critically evaluate, analyze, and implement the scientific method as used in published and original research.
5. Effectively communicate scientific information (both ideas and numerical data) to specialist and non-specialist audiences through writing and oral presentations. 

Curriculum

+Major Requirements

57 Credits of Required Courses and Restricted Electives

BIO143	The Cell This course is designed to provide a broad overview of current biological concepts, including cell structure, function, division, and basic genetics. Biologically important molecules also are presented. This course serves as the foundation for all upper-level biology courses. Three hours of class	3
BIO143L	Lab: The Cell Experiments to complement the material presented in BIO143. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite or Prerequisite: BIO143. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
BIO144	The Organism This course provides a general survey of animals and plants at the organismic level, with emphasis on their evolution and various physiological processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and reproduction. This course serves as the foundation for all upper-level biology courses. Three hours of class.	3
BIO144L	Lab: The Organism Experiments to complement the material presented in BIO144. Two hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BIO144. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fees.	1
BIO209	Basic Neuroscience This course is designed for wide appeal. It is an introduction to structure and function of the brain and spinal cord, and how nerves function and communicate. The basics of movement, sensation, language, emotion, and consciousness are discussed. Emphasis is placed on contrasting normal function with altered function in diseases. Three hours lecture per week. Pre-requisites Complete all 3 of the following courses: BIO143 The Cell BIO144 The Organism CHM108 Chemistry II	3
BIO209LW	Basic Neuroscience Lab Experiments and skills to compliment the material presented in BIO209. The lab course focuses on experimental procedures, scientific analysis and scientific writing. Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory Fee. Corequisite: BIO 209.	2
BIO231	Cell and Molecular Biology A lecture course covering the organelles and activities of cells. Topics include the structure of proteins and other biomolecules, bioenergetics and enzymes, membranes, the mitochondrion, the chloroplast, the endo-membrane system, the cytoskeleton, and the nucleus and cellular reproduction. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: BIO143 The Cell CHM108 Chemistry II	3
BIO319	Experimental Neuroscience With an emphasis on neuropathology, the course builds on the foundations of neuroscience to explore advanced topics in sensation, motor control. emotion, and cognition. Classical and modern methods for investigating the structure and function of the nervous system will be examined through lectures, discussions, and student projects. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: BIO209 Basic Neuroscience Complete any 1 of the following courses: BIO231 Cell and Molecular Biology BIO231W Cell and Molecular Biology	3
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BIO408	Developmental Biology A study of the embryonic and post-embryonic development of animals, with special emphasis on humans. The morphogenesis, growth and mechanisms of differentiation are stressed. Other topics include cancer, regeneration, cloning, hormones as mediators of development, and developmental genetics. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: BIO231 Cell and Molecular Biology BIO231W Cell and Molecular Biology	3
OR
BIO417	Genetics This study of the modern concepts of the gene stresses theory and experimental evidence relating to the structure of the gene, heritability of characteristics, and the behavior of genes in populations. Three hours of lecture per week. Pre-requisites Complete all 3 of the following courses: BIO231W Cell and Molecular Biology CHM205 Organic Chemistry I MTH110 Elementary Statistics	3
OR
CHM338	Biochemistry I This course covers the structure and functions of proteins, polynucleic acids, and biological membranes. Enzymes and kinetics are taught. Metabolic pathways, with emphasis on the thermodynamics of the equilibria and the storage and usage of energy, are covered. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: CHM205 Organic Chemistry I	3
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BIO490	Integrative Capstone The integrative capstone, undertaken by the student during the senior year, is an extended project that helps the student complete their transition from an undergraduate student to a world-ready professional. The study usually centers on the student's major and may be conducted, at least in part, in the context of a group experience. Such programs are crafted to meet the unique needs of each major, and could include, for example, fieldwork, theater production, creative work in the arts, independent research, or independent readings. The integrative capstone in an interdisciplinary major must have the approval of both academic programs. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: IND350W Scientific Research Methods	3
CHM108	Chemistry II This course is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide a robust foundation in the principles of chemistry. Topics include thermochemistry, phase changes, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reactions in aqueous solution, thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry. Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses: CHM105 General Chemistry CHM107 Chemistry I	3
CHM110L	Chemistry II Laboratory Continued introduction to the basic experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in chemistry. Experiments are correlated with lectures in Chemistry 108. Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: CHM 108. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	1
CHM205	Organic Chemistry I Development of the structural theory of organic compounds. Relationship of structure to reactivity, stereochemistry, types of organic reactive intermediates, and the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic compounds are covered. Co-requisite: CHM 215. Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses: CHM108 Chemistry II CHM110L Chemistry II Laboratory	3
CHM215L	Elementary Organic Laboratory Basic manipulative skills, including introduction to several chromatographic techniques, are followed by chemistry of alkenes and aromatic compounds. Four hours of laboratory per week. Additional Fee(s): Laboratory fee.	2
IND200W	Introduction to Scientific Research This course introduces students to all phases of research from conceptualization of the research question to the interpretation of results. Topics include why and how to conduct research, the scientific method, issues key to research (research design, causation, data collection). Statistical software packages and basic statistical analysis will be covered. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: ENG105 First-Year Writing	2
IND350W	Scientific Research Methods This course serves as an introduction to research literature and research methodology in the sciences. Topics include professional writing, experimental design, presentation techniques, and professional and research ethics. Credit is not given for both IND350W and EXS301W.	2
MTH151	Calculus I This is the first course in the calculus sequence. Topics include differential and integral calculus for algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications. Four hours of class per week.	4
PSY101	General Psychology An introduction to the scientific study of behavior with an emphasis on the origins of behavior, learning, social influences, physiological factors, individual differences, personality, and adjustment and maladjustment.	3
PSY307	Cognitive Psychology A survey of theories and research concerned with human cognitive processes. Topics include attention, memory, problem solving, and concept formation. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY341	Psychobiology An examination of the biological correlates of behavior. Emphasis is placed on the central nervous system and its structure, organization, and function. Specific topics considered are sleep, learning, memory, sexual behavior, motivation, and complex processes such as thought and language. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3

+Electives

2 PSY3XX Electives

PSY326	Psychology of Learning An overview of the principles and research associated with modern learning theory. Topics include classical conditioning, operant learning, reinforcement theory, and stimulus control of behavior. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY333	Abnormal Behavior A study of definitions of normality and abnormality, functional and organic syndromes, theories of causation, and procedures for the diagnosis and modification of disturbed behavior. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY331	Social Psychology An examination of human social behavior with an emphasis on social influences that people have upon the beliefs or behaviors of others. Representative topics include conformity, persuasion, social cognition, prejudice, aggression, and interpersonal relationships. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY230	Animal Behavior A general introduction to the study of animal behavior from evolutionary and sociobiological perspectives. Emphasis is on social behaviors and interactions. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY340	Psychopharmacology The influence of drugs on behavior and psychological state. Topics include neuron morphology, neurochemistry, principles of pharmacology, and the action and effects of psychotropic drugs. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY351	Childhood and Adolescence A general introduction to theories and methods of developmental psychology. The course covers patterns and possible mechanisms of behavioral development from conception through adolescence. Audio- and videotapes of infants, children, and their families supplement lectures, discussions, and written exercises. The life-span perspective is continued in PSY 352. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3
PSY352	Adult Development The periods of adolescence and adulthood are examined through current theories of development. A life cycle perspective is adopted to study physical, cognitive and social/emotional development. Questions of qualitative changes, continuity/discontinuity stages, individual differences and the impact of biological, environmental and cultural factors throughout adulthood are addressed. This course is designed to follow PSY 351, but may be taken as a stand-alone course. Pre-requisites Complete the following course: PSY101 General Psychology	3