Neuroscience, Minor

Neuroscience explores the structure and function of the nervous system and its roles in human and animal behavior, perception, development, and physiology. As an interdisciplinary field, neuroscience combines the theoretical foundations and methodologies of experimental psychology, biology, physiology, pharmacology, biophysics, and mathematics. A neuroscience major prepares the student for graduate programs in neuroscience itself and as a double major or minor enhances the competitive position of students for graduate programs in any of the contributing fields, as well as medical, veterinary, dental, and allied health professions.

The student learning objectives for students majoring in neuroscience are:

1. to demonstrate an understanding of the central theoretical framework of modern neuroscience;
2. to recognize and explain common patterns in the development, organization, function, and diversity of animal nervous systems;
3. to develop and demonstrate proficiency in some of the central methodologies and experimental techniques of modern neuroscience, including electrophysiology from cells, nerves and networks, biobehavioral recording, neurohistology, and neuropharmacology;
4. to interrelate and appreciate the unique contributions of the multiple scientific disciplines which contribute to the field of neuroscience and its current literature; and
5. to apply knowledge about the nervous system to exploring and understanding related fields in biology and psychology, such as development, anatomy, physiology, behavior, cognition, and learning.