Neuroscience, B.S.

The Neuroscience major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system, considering both the structural and functional aspects at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Reflecting the broad and interdisciplinary field of neuroscience, majors are required to take specific introductory support courses in biology, chemistry, data science, and psychology. Upper division elective courses in the major primarily include courses from biology and psychology; as a Jesuit institution with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity, majors are also expected to take major elective courses from other affiliate areas including, for example, philosophy, theology and religious studies, computer science, and/or physics. Majors can work with academic advisors to plan an elective path that best suits their post-baccalaureate plans. Post-degree pathways for Neuroscience students may include professional school (e.g., medical school), graduate programs (e.g., MS, JD, PhD), or the workplace. Students may not double major in Neuroscience and any of Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology. 

Grade Policy

1. Students must earn a D- or higher in all courses required for each major or minor unless indicated otherwise. Students earning a C- or lower (including withdrawal) in a course can opt to retake the course, subject to the university’s Course Attempt Policy.

2. Students must complete all of the major or minor requirements with an average GPA of at least 2.0.

3. Students who earn an average GPA below 2.0 in all courses required for each major or minor at the conclusion of a semester will be placed on departmental academic warning.

4. Students must earn a C- or higher in DATA 2600 to be eligible to enroll in PS 3010 and PS 3011.

Dismissal Policy

Students may be dismissed from the major after being placed on departmental academic warning for three semesters.

Program Learning Goals

Students will:

1. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge base in the core areas of neuroscience, including the nervous system, considering both the structural and functional aspects at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels.

2. Engage in effective communication consistent with professional expectations.

3. Apply analytic and scientific thinking to solve problems in neuroscience.

Major Requirements

A minimum of 54 credit hours are required, including 33 credits of required coursework, and 21 credits of electives.

Required Courses

Subtotal: 33 credits

Electives

21 Credits. At least one course must be completed in each of the ‘Biology Affiliate’, ‘Psychology Affiliate’ and ‘Other Affiliate’ elective categories. Though not required, students may also elect to take one or more research courses from the ‘Neuroscience Electives’ category.

Biology Affiliate Electives

Choose at least one from the following (which may include laboratory co-requisite or other course pairing, as indicated below):

Psychology Affiliate Electives

Choose at least one from the following:

Other Affiliate Electives

Choose at least one from the following, though no more than 3 may count toward major elective credits:

* These courses have prerequisites that are not part of the neuroscience major or Undergraduate Integrative Core. Plan accordingly.

Neuroscience Electives

Students may petition for CS, PH, or PL capstone courses to count toward the Neuroscience major. Discuss this with the program director and affiliated faculty before planning for this.