Biology, B.S. Neuroscience

Department Contact Information:

Name of Chair: Justin W. Merry, Ph.D.

Program Description:

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system: its anatomy, its function, and its applications. It is a highly integrative discipline, requiring its students to be well-versed in fields ranging from biochemistry and cellular biology to physiology and psychology. This program prepares students for careers in this exciting and growing field.  It requires a double-major in the Psychological Sciences, B.S. Neuroscience Concentration  , and therefore reflects the interdisciplinary nature of this field. The program will appeal to students who enjoy making connections across fields of science and social science, and who are curious about the structure and function of our brain, sensory systems, and neuromuscular systems. Neuroscience students can pursue undergraduate research across the psychology and biology departments. Students completing this double-major would are eligible for positions as research laboratory technicians, and will be strong candidates for graduate programs in neuroscience at institutions around the nation.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Goal 1 - Scientific Method: Employ the scientific method, including the use of discipline-specific techniques, to discover and validate biological knowledge.
• Goal 2 - Scientific Literacy: Demonstrate scientific literacy through reading, writing, presenting, and discussing research.
• Goal 3 - Biochemistry & Cellular Biology: Demonstrate knowledge of how atoms and molecules interact to permit the function of living systems, and how cells sense, control, and respond to stimuli in their environments.
• Goal 4 - Molecular Genetics: Demonstrate knowledge of molecular genetics and how this leads to the expression and inheritance of traits.
• Goal 5 - Organismal Biology: Explain how organisms reproduce and develop, how their anatomical structure permits function, how they maintain internal conditions, and how they sense and respond to external stimuli, across the full range of biological diversity.
• Goal 6 - Ecology & Evolution: Describe how evolution by natural selection explains the unity and diversity of life on earth, and articulate how organisms interact at the population, community, and ecosystem levels.

Capstone Requirement:

BIOL 402 Evolution is the Biology Department senior capstone course.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study