Majors and Courses

Neuroscience

The major in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program of 16 courses (maximum) designed to provide students with an appreciation of diverse approaches to understanding the function of nervous systems, as well as the ability to conduct investigations within a particular subfield of interest.  Students majoring in Neuroscience complete:

  • A common core program,
  • A sequence of four electives determined in consultation with an adviser in Neuroscience, and
  • A two-semester thesis on a topic related to the four course sequence.

The major provides good preparation for graduate work in biology, neuroscience, and a variety of other programs including medical school or other graduate health professions programs.  Admission to particular advanced degree programs may require additional course work.

  1. Common Neuroscience Core (10 courses)
    1. First Tier
      • Introductory Biology (two semesters: Biology 43L-44L JS or equivalent or AISS 1a,b and 2a,b).
      • Basic Principles of Chemistry (two semesters: Chemistry 14L-15L JS or equivalent or AISS 1a,b and 2a,b).
      • Foundations of Neuroscience (Neuro 95 JT or approved substitute).
      • Neuroscience 2: Systems: Biology 149 JS.
      • Neuroscience 1: Cell, Molecular: Biology 161L JS.
    2. Second Tier—Choose 3 courses from the following:
      • General Physics: two semesters of Physics 30L-31L JS or 33L-34L JS or equivalent or AISS 1a,b and 2a,b).
      • Mathematics:  Math 31 (Calculus II), statistics (Biology 175 JS or Psychology 91 PZ, 103 SC or 109 CM), or approved equivalent course.
      • Computer science: Biology 133L, Physics 100, or approved equivalent course.
      • Research Methods: Psychology 92 PZ, 104/104L SC, 110 CM, 111L CM or approved equivalent course.
  1. Neuroscience Sequence (4 courses)
    1. A coherent grouping of four elective courses to be determined in consultation with an adviser in Neuroscience and approved by the Coordinator of the Intercollegiate Neuroscience Program.  Areas in which a student may elect to specialize include, but are not limited to,
      • Behavioral Neuroscience,
      • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience,
      • Cognitive Neuroscience,
      • Computational Neuroscience,
      • Motor Control, or
      • Philosophy of Neuroscience. 
      • Developmental Neuroscience
  1.     Senior Thesis (2 courses)
    1. A two-semester Senior Thesis on a topic related to the student’s selected Neuroscience Sequence.
      • Biology 188L, Senior Research and
      • Biology 190L, Senior Experimental Thesis or equivalent for dual majors or
      • Biology 189L, Senior Thesis Summer Research Project and
      • Biology 190L, Senior Experimental Thesis