The nervous system is the most amazing organ of the body – and you’ll find out why as a neuroscience major. You’ll learn how the nervous system senses and processes information and guides the organism to respond in an adaptive manner.
After your initial five-semester core sequence of introductory neuroscience courses, you’ll take at least two courses from each of the two advanced neuroscience course blocks, plus at least one semester of Neuroscience Capstone (NRSC 320).
Classes range from large lecture sections to small group discussions and intensive laboratory-oriented courses. Average class size is 15-30 students.
For more about coursework, see the degree requirements and suggested plan of study.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
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BIOL 339:
Animal Communication
Communication mediates most interactions between individuals and the brain dedicates much of its resources to generating and processing these signals. This course examines why and how animals communicate, the physiological mechanisms involved in generating / sensing communication signals, how evolution shapes communication, and how communication signals can influence decision making.
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BIOL 439:
Neuroethology
Explores the way sensory systems process information to mediate behavior in a wide variety of animals in order to understand similarities and differences in neural mechanisms.
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BIOL 475:
Neurobiological Diseases
The physiological mechanisms of neurobiological diseases. Impact of neurobiological diseases on society. Standard and experimental treatments. Current research.
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BIOL 478:
Sensory Neural Systems and Behavior
This course explores how brains acquire information about the external world and process this information to produce sensory perceptions. Students gain a deep understanding of sensory transduction and neural processing at the cellular, network and systems levels. Additionally the class is aimed at enhancing science communication.
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BIOL 479:
Principles of Systems Neuroscience
Fundamental principles of nervous system organization with an emphasis on interactions between neurons and the consequences for behavior. There will be a focus on recent advances in our understanding of each organizational principle.
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PSYC 302/302L:
Behavior Principles
Principles of behavior and learning and the significance of these principles for psychological theory and application; laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
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PSYC 425:
Perception
Survey of the structure and function of human sensory systems (primarily visual and auditory), perceptual issues and theories.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:
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Behavioral Neuroscience
Focuses on the role the nervous system plays in generating behaviors
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Cellular, Molecular and Systems Neuroscience
Focuses on the cellular and molecular basis of nervous system function and development
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
