What is neuroscience?
The goal of neuroscience is to understand the mechanisims by which we perceive, move, think, remember, etc. These activities can be studied at the molecular, cellular, anatomical and behavioral levels.  A comprehensive understanding of higher cognitive processes depends on the integration of information obtained at all of these levels.

What are the requirements of the neuroscience minor?
The neuroscience minor is open to any student who completes the required courses listed below. This minor will be most accessible to biology majors because of the prerequisites for some the courses. However, exceptional students from other majors like psychology, chemistry, or biochemistry may gain access to the program by special petition.

To obtain a neuroscience minor, students will need to complete five of the courses listed below. One of these courses must be BIO 425 or BIO 435 and its lab.

  • BIO 425 Cellular Neurobiology/BIO 425L Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory
  • BIO 435 Developmental Neurobiology/BIO 435L Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory
  • BIO 345 Functional Neuroanatomy
  • BIOPSY 355 Behavioral Neuroscience
  • BIOPSY 325 Reproductive Biopsychology
  • PSY 397 Neurobiology of Mental Disorders
  • BIO 300 Experimental Lab Techniques and Design (1 semester) or PSY 495 Research Seminar (1 semester) Must be completed in a research laboratory with a neuroscience focus.
Note: Some of the courses available within the neuroscience minor can also be used to satisfy requirements for the biology major.  Specifically, BIO425 or BIO435 can satisfy the major requirement for the cellular & molecular biology track; and any of the BIO or BIOPSY courses will satisfy the major requirement for BIO free electives.

Who would benefit from a minor in neuroscience?
Students interested in a post baccalaureate degree (MS or PhD) in any of the biomedical sciences or plan to attend medical school.  The minor is particularly useful to students interested in academic or professional careers in neurobiology, psychology, neurology, or psychiatry. Although most employment opportunities in neuroscience require training beyond the bachelor's degree, it is also possible for college graduates with a BS in biology to go directly into careers with this emphasis.  Probably the largest source of such jobs is the pharmaceutical industry. Other jobs may be found in fields as diverse as animal science, biomedical technology and science education.

Faculty
Elizabeth Hogan, PhD, Program Coordinator
Michael Noonan, PhD
Susan Putnam, PhD