2016-2017 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience
Behavioral neuroscience is an interdisciplinary area of study where the area of interest is the relationship between physiological and psychological systems. This major is administered by the department of psychology, and offers students who are interested in issues in the emerging field of neuroscience and behavior. Study focuses on the neural mechanisms of behavior and cognition, evolutionary development of the nervous system, and mechanisms of nervous system and their application to the treatment of disorders.
The Behavioral Neuroscience major prepares students for graduate study in neuroscience, neuropsychology, or related fields, and for careers requiring a solid foundation in science. Many students with a Behavioral Neuroscience degree may also pursue professional degrees in health related fields such as clinical psychology.
**Students wishing to pursue graduate or professional studies are strongly advised to speak with their major advisor regarding additional courses in which to enroll.
** Pre-Med students are also strongly advised to speak with their major advisor regarding additional courses in which to enroll.
Requirements for a major in Behavioral Neuroscience
Students majoring in behavioral neuroscience are required to take 50-58 credit hours.
Required Courses:
- BIO 120 - General Biology I Credits: 4
- BIO 352 - Animal Behavior Credits: 3
- BIO 355 - Human Genetics Credits: 3
- BIO 376 - Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1
- BMS 250 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 4
- PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 300 - Research Methods in Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 330 - Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience Credits: 3
- PSY 400 - Advanced Research in Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 435 - Physiological Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 492 - Advanced General (Capstone) Credits: 3
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics Credits: 3
Chemistry
Choose one of the following:
- CHM 109 - Introductory Chemistry Credits: 4
- CHM 115 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 4 AND CHM 116 - Principles of Chemistry II (5 credits)
*Pre-Med students are advised to take CHM 115 and CHM 116 instead of CHM 109 towards the fulfillment of the chemistry requirement.
Psychology
Choose one of the following:
- PSY 370 - Cognitive Neuroscience Credits: 3
- PSY 375 - Comparative Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 431 - Introduction to Neuropsychology Credits: 3
- PSY 432 - Psychopharmacology Credits: 3
Additional Course Requirements
Two additional courses must be taken from the following. Each course must be taken from a different department.
- BIO 121 - General Biology II Credits: 4
- BIO 302 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Credits: 4
- BIO 329 - Evolution of Social Behavior Credits: 3
- BIO 432 - Comparative Animal Physiology Credits: 4
- BMS 251 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 4
- CHM 230 - Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Credits: 4
- CHM 231 - Introductory Organic Chemistry Credits: 4
- PHY 200 - Physics for the Life Sciences Credits: 4
- PHY 220 - General Physics I Credits: 5 **
- PSY 301 - Child Development Credits: 3
- PSY 303 - Psychopathology Credits: 3
- PSY 357 - Psychology of Language Credits: 3
- PSY 361 - Perception Credits: 3
- PSY 364 - Life Span Developmental Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 365 - Cognition Credits: 3
- PSY 420 - Theories of Personality Credits: 3
**Pre-med students are advised to take PHY 220 instead of PHY 200
B.A. or B.S degree
Students may earn either a B.A. or B.S degree.
B.A. degree requirements:
Third semester proficiency in a foreign language
B.S. degree requirements:
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics Credits: 3
- PSY 300 - Research Methods in Psychology Credits: 3
- PSY 435 - Physiological Psychology Credits: 3
Suggested Pattern of Course Work
This pattern of course work is suggested for those who wish to pursue a B.S. degree.
Fall Semester - Year One
PSY 101: Introductory Psychology
BIO 120: General Biology I
Gen Ed Course
Winter Semester - Year One
STA 215: Introductory Applied Statistics (BS Degree Requirement)
WRT 150: Strategies in Writing
CHM 109: Introductory Chemistry or CHM 115: Principles of Chemistry I
Gen Ed Course
Fall Semester - Year Two
PSY 300: Research Methods in Psychology
PSY 330: Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience
BMS 250: Anatomy and Physiology I
CHM 116: Principles of Chemistry II (only if CHM 115 was completed)
Gen Ed Course
Winter Semester - Year Two
BIO 352: Animal Behavior
BIO 355: Human Genetics (students should take this course only if they do not plan on taking BIO 375)
Theme Course
Gen Ed Course
Fall Semester - Year Three
PSY 430: Advanced Neuroscience and Behavior
BIO 375: Genetics (Students who have taken BIO 355 should not take this course)
BIO 376: Genetics Laboratory
Additional Major Course
Gen Ed Course
Winter Semester - Year Three
Additional Major Course
Issues Course
Elective
Fall Semester - Year Four
PSY 400: Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
Issues Course
Elective
Elective
Elective
Winter Semester - Year Four
PSY 492: Advanced General (Capstone)
Elective
Elective
Elective