Program Codes:
BAPSYCHNC
Bachelor of Arts
The Neuroscience Concentration is an interdisciplinary program that combines classes from the Departments of Biology and Psychology. The multifaceted field of neuroscience applies basic knowledge about structure, organization, and function of the nervous system to the human experience. it is one of the fastest growing disciplines, with a high demand for graduates who understand how the brain relates to human emotional and cognitive functions. This is an exciting field of study with great potential for new discoveries and rewarding careers.
Students in the Neuroscience Concentration must have a major GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students are required to complete all Neuroscience Concentration core courses and five elective courses. Additionally, there are a number of optional cognate courses that students can use to bolster learning from allied fields. Because the concentration resides within the Psychology Major, students must fulfill both the major and concentration requirements. PSYC 101 is a core requirement for both the Psychology major and the Neuroscience Concentration, and PSYC 252 will fulfill Cluster 4: Biological and Health requirements. It is strongly recommended that students take PSYC 211 to fulfill Cluster 3: Applied and Clinical requirements and PSYCH 352 to fulfill the advanced-level (300-400) major course.
Students in the Neuroscience Concentration must have a major GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Introduction to the physiological and molecular techniques and methodologies for studying cells, organelles and macromolecules in relation to cellular activities and maintenance of life.
BIO 142
BIO 147
A laboratory course that elucidates concepts taught in BIO 146 from a largely experimental perspective.
BIO 146
A general introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes. Topics considered include learning, memory, perception, motivation, personality, psychopathology and social interaction.
This course explores the biological basis of behavior and experience, including the role of the brain in emotions, learning, memory, motivation, sleep, perception, consciousness, and psychological disorders. The course also considers how the brain recovers from damage.
This seminar course will provide depth to the neurosciences through student and instructor discussion. Primary source research will be presented and discussed in great detail. Topics may include, but are not limited to the following: electrophysiology, neuropharmacology, drug abuse, systems level analysis, neurology, specific psychological disorders, and biostatistics.
PSYC 252
Five courses required
A comparative study of the organ systems of the vertebrate animals from an evolutionary and developmental perspective.
BIO-146
BIO 321
The detailed dissection of representative vertebrates.
BIO 320
The study of the molecular control mechanisms regulating the dynamics of integrated metabolism in cells and organ systems. The structural and functional aspects of genes and the importance of their products as exogenous and endogenous controls of integrated cellular metabolism are emphasized.
BIO-142 CHEM-240
BIO 371
Study of the procedures and methodologies applied in the investigation of cellular biochemical activities of prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells and organelles.
BIO 370
The major forms of psychopathology that appear in childhood and adult life. Topics include the symptomatology of mental disorders; their etiology from psychological, biological, and sociocultural perspectives; and issues pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, ethics, and the legal system.
This course focuses on the relationship and interaction of the mind and body. That is, how psychological functioning relates to illness and disease; treatment and outcome; and recovery and cure. In addition, the student will be introduced to the impact of age, gender and ethnicity on the availability of, use of, and access to health care. The relationship of stress and lifestyle on the immune system, wellness and disease will be discussed. The psychological and physical interaction of some of today's major health issues such as eating, smoking, drinking, cancer and heart disease are presented with a discussion of treatment and outcome. Also, lifetime accommodation to chronic illness/disease based on psychological adjustment is reviewed. Other topics include: response to terminal illness, adjustment to trauma and the current industrialization of health care.
This course provides an overview on the behavioral and neurobiological bases of learning, motivation and memory. Lessons are conveyed through discussion of clinical studies on amnesia and other abnormalities with humans, as well as through discussion of experimental results obtained by behavior analytic, anatomical, electrophysiological and biochemical techniques using non-human models.
This course provides a survey of research into such human mental processes as perception, attention, memory, language, decision making and creativity. It explores the domain of cognitive psychology (part of an active interdisciplinary approach known as cognitive science), a vibrant sub-field in psychology that emphasizes people's mental processes and knowledge.
This course covers basic principles of psychopharmacology, including the effects of stimulants, depressants, opioids, psychedelics, cannabis, as well as alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Also considered is the nature of addiction and modalities of treatment and prevention of drug abuse.
PSYC 101
This is a special topics seminar in which students lead discussion on the latest findings regarding such substances as the psychedelics, cannabinoids, or emerging psychotherapeutic agents. We read journal articles and screen scientific conference presentations. Participants in the seminar enhance their critical thinking skills as we collaborate to examine closely the methodology employed by the researchers. Students prepare and present a grant proposal at a "mini-conference" to further our knowledge of the substances considered.
PSYC 211, or PSYC 252, or PSYC 253 or Instructor Permission.
These courses are optional, but recommended.
Experimental work corequisite to General Chemistry I.
CHEM 121
Experimental techniques corequisite to CHEM 240. Crystallization, distillation and other methods used for the isolation and purification of organic compounds. Corequisite: CHEM 240. 1 credit.
CHEM 132
CHEM 240
This course is an algebra-based physics course designed both for students with science majors and as a laboratory science course in the core curriculum. A working knowledge of algebra and the basics of trigonometry are required. The major topics that will be covered include: Newtonian mechanics, circular motion, energy, momentum, rotational motion and Fluid mechanics. Though concepts of physics will be discussed in detail, the focus of the course will be problem-solving techniques.
MATH 112 OR MATH 118 OR MATH 170
PHYS 103
Laboratory experience to accompany Principles of Physics I.
PHYS 101
Whereas epidemiology is the science of public health, biostatistics is the "toolkit" of the epidemiologist and public health practicitioner with many applications across clinical, evaluation and research settings. Public health scientists must collect and use data to answer key questions about the effectiveness of interventions, monitor the health of populations and make decisions based on evidence. Buidling on a foundation of basic statistics, the course uses real-world health data and simulations to practice applying the same tools used by professional epidemiologists in the field and medical researchers investigating the causes of disease.