Neuroscience

The neurosciences investigate the molecular, cellular, and genetic aspects of nervous system functioning as well as their influences on behavior. The minor in the neurosciences will allow the exploration of the brain from a biological, chemical, and psychological perspective. The understanding of the neurosciences requires knowledge about the function of neurons, the function of various brain regions and their relation to behavior, as well as a grasp of the methodology behind neuroscientific research, including development, analysis, and interpretation of experimental studies.

The goal of the neuroscience minor is to create a cross-disciplinary approach to the neurosciences with each student gaining experience and perspectives from the disciplines of biology, chemistry, and psychology. The minor places a strong emphasis on direct research experience within the neurosciences. In addition, the neuroscience minor creates an environment where faculty and students work collaboratively and discuss issues of neuroscience.

Any student with an interest in pursuing the cross-disciplinary minor in the neurosciences should consult with the coordinator of the minor. Students are encouraged to declare their participation in their sophomore year but no later than the end of the junior year. Students also should seek an adviser, whether formal or informal, from participating faculty.

Degree Requirements for the Neuroscience Minor

General College Requirements

General College requirements.

Must include CHEM 101 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 105 (no longer offered). CHEM 106 is strongly recommended. (Meets Core Curriculum requirement Natural Sciences with Laboratory.)
Must take PSYC 101 (Meets Core Curriculum requirement in Social Sciences.)

Major Discipline of Study

All requirements in a major discipline of study.

Course Requirements

At least 18 credit hours in courses approved for the neurosciences, with a grade of C or above, including:

Required courses: six credit hours

NEUR 201: Introduction to the Neurosciences (4S)
NEUR 301: Seminar in the Neurosciences (1E)
NEUR 303: Advanced Seminar in the Neurosciences(1E)

Elective courses

12 credit hours of upper-level elective credits selected from the following list. Electives must originate from at least two disciplines (BIOL, CHEM, NEUR, PSYC).

BIOL 305: Animal Behavior
BIOL 330: Human Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 387: Sensory Biology
BIOL 419: Neurobiology
BIOL 436: Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOL 438: Cancer Cell Biology
CHEM 420: Biochemistry I
CHEM 425/BIOL 425: Biochemistry II
NEUR 302: Directed Research in the Neurosciences
PHIL382: Meditation and the Mind
PSYC 312: Sensation and Perception OR PSYC 326: Perception with Laboratory
PSYC 314: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior
PSYC 322/422: Biological Psychology
Upper-level Special Topics Courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology, or other disciplines, specifically approved for the Neurosciences

A completed neuroscience St. Mary’s Project or neuroscience internship may be substituted for NEUR 302 with approval of the Coordinator.