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2024-2025 Catalogue

Neuroscience, Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience - Psychology Track, B.A.

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FACULTY:
Grit Herzmann, Chair
Seth Kelly
Sharon Lynn
Amy Jo Stavnezer
Alfredo Zuniga

Neuroscience is an exceptionally diverse and interdisciplinary field that incorporates aspects of biology, psychology, chemistry, philosophy, computer science, and other disciplines in the study of the nervous system. Neuroscientists seek to under- stand the function of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system at multiple levels, from the complex processes that occur in single neurons to the expansive cellular networks that ultimately give rise to all aspects of behavior like perception, emotion, problem solving, and social interactions. Though the field of Neuroscience research is broad, each individual scientist is an expert in one, or just a few, sub-disciplines and methodologies, asking pointed questions that inform the larger picture. Our Neuroscience Program, therefore, consists of two separate tracks with a common core curriculum consisting of seven required foundational courses. Majors will understand the broad reaching questions and interdisciplinarity in the pursuit of knowledge related to the nervous system, but will focus their methodological pursuits in one particular scientific discipline. Students will then choose from a variety of upper level electives and enroll in Junior and Senior IS within the department associated with their track, Biology or Psychology.

The goals of the Neuroscience Program are to provide students with the essential foundational knowledge, skills, confidence, and research experiences that will allow them to identify and meet their intellectual and professional goals. Core areas of understanding will include, but are not limited to, neuroanatomy, neuronal physiology, the neural basis of cognitive functions, the influence of development, genetics, and the environment on the central nervous system, the behavioral and physiological effects of pharmacological agents, the impact of stress, disease, and aging on brain and behavior, and the underlying cellular processes of learning, memory, and retrieval of information. In each track, students will master methodology and experimental techniques relevant to the areas of Neuroscience they find most engaging. Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills on both their specific research projects and the larger challenges facing the field of Neuroscience. The major in Neuroscience will produce liberally educated scientists who are well-versed in scientific methodology and its application, who possess a thorough knowledge of fundamental neuroscientific concepts, and who are able to express themselves with clarity, both orally and in writing.

Major in Neuroscience Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience - Psychology Track

Consists of sixteen courses:

Special Notes

  • Junior Independent Study (Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience): The College requirement of a unit of Independent Study in the junior year is satisfied by PSYC 32200 , PSYC 32300 , or PSYC 32400  (in addition to the core requirement of PSYC 32300  or PSYC 32400 ) prior to Senior Independent Study. These courses cannot be double-counted in the major.
  • Cognitive Behavioral track majors must complete two laboratory courses in Psychology before their senior year. PSYC 32300  or PSYC 32400  is required, however the one that does not count towards the major requirements can be taken as an elective and count as one of the upper level electives or Junior I.S. (see previous point).
  • See Chemistry Department information on placement exams for CHEM 11100 /CHEM 11200 .
  • First year students are advised to complete all 100-level courses and at least one 200-level course by the end of the first year.
  • The core courses (not including NEUR 38500 ) and at least one elective specific to your track must be completed by the end of the Junior year.
  • The laboratory and classroom components are closely integrated in the upper-level Biology and Psychology courses and must be taken concurrently. The course and laboratory grades will be identical and are based on performance in both components; the relative weights of the two components are stated in each course syllabus.
  • No minor in Neuroscience is offered.
  • Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the major, except for PSYC 25000  that requires a C or better.

Neuroscience Courses & Cross-listed Courses Accepted for Neuroscience Credit

Chemistry

CHEM 11100.  General Chemistry I [MNS, Q, QL]

CHEM 11200.  General Chemistry II [MNS, Q, QL]

CHEM 11200L.  General Chemistry Lab II

Philosophy

PHIL 21500.  Biomedical Ethics [AH, SJ]

PHIL 22200.  Scientific Revolutions & Methodology [AH] 

Psychology

PSYC 10000.  Introduction to Psychology [HSS]

PSYC 11000.  Child & Adolescent Development [HSS]

PSYC 21200.  Abnormal Psychology [HSS]

PSYC 21500.  Psychology of Women and Gender [HSS]

PSYC 22000.  Stereotypes & Prejudice [C, D, HSS]

PSYC 22500.  Environmental Psychology [HSS]

PSYC 23000.  Human Neuropsychology [HSS]

PSYC 25000.  Intro to Statistics & ExperimentalDesign [Q, QL]

PSYC 32200.  Memory & Cognition [W]

PSYC 32300.  Behavioral Neuroscience [W]

PSYC 32400.  Cognitive Neuroscience [HSS, W]

PSYC 32500.  Personality: Theory & Research [W]

PSYC 32700.  Developmental Psychology; Theory & Research [W]

PSYC 33000.  Social Psychology: Theory & Research [W]

PSYC 33100.  Clinical Psychology

PSYC 34500.  Drugs and Behavior

PSYC 34600.  Face Recognition [HSS, Q]

PSYC 38500.  Attachment

PSYC 39500.  History of Psychology

PSYC 45100.  Independent Study Thesis

PSYC 45200.  Independent Study Thesis

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