2023-2024 Catalogue
Neuroscience
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:
I. to demonstrate an understanding of the central theoretical framework of modern neuroscience;
II. to recognize and explain common patterns in the development, organization, function, and diversity of animal nervous systems;
III. 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;
IV. to interrelate and appreciate the unique contributions of the multiple scientific disciplines which contribute to the field of neuroscience and its current literature; and
V. 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.
Major requirements: Neuroscience: The major program requires a minimum of 51 hours of course work, including the following:
I. Introductory Context Courses (6 courses; 22 hours):
BIO 110 Principles of Biology I (4 hours)
BIO 112 Principles of Biology II (4 hours)
CHM 101 General Chemistry I (4 hours)
CHM 102 General Chemistry II (4 hours)
MAT 140* Precalculus (3 hours)
PSY 101 General Psychology (3 hours)
II. Intermediate Methodology Courses (any 2 courses; 6-7 hours):
BIO 203 Research Methods in Biology (4 hours)
PSY 220 Statistical Methods (3 hours)
PSY 230 Reading, Writing, and Review (3 hours)
III. Neuroscience Core Courses (any 2 courses; 7-8 hours):
PSY/NSC 207 Principles of Neuroscience (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 325 Neurophysiology (4 hours)
NSC 335 Neuronal Networks and Systems (3 hours)
IV. Neuroscience Content Electives in Biology (any 2 courses; 7-8 hours):
BIO 210 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 315 Animal Behavior (4 hours)
BIO 320 Molecular Cell Biology (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 325** Neurophysiology (4 hours)
BIO 340 Animal Physiology (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 341 Developmental Biology (4 hours)
BIO 396*** Special Topics in Biology (3, 4 hours)
NSC 396 Special Topics in Neuroscience (3, 4 hours)
V. Neuroscience Content Electives in Psychology (any 2 courses; 6-8 hours):
PSY/NSC 207** Principles of Neuroscience (4 hours)
PSY/NSC 260 Drugs and Behavior (3 hours)
PSY/NSC 310 Cognitive Psychology (3 hours)
PSY/NSC 314 Learning and Memory (4 hours)
PSY 396*** Special Topics in Psychology (3, 4 hours)
NSC 396 Special Topics in Neuroscience (3, 4 hours)
VI. Senior Capstone Course (either course; 3 hours):
BIO 440 Senior Integrative Exercise in Biology (3 hours)
PSY 402 History and Systems of Psychology (3 hours)
*May substitute any calculus course; MAT 205 recommended.
**If not used to fulfill set III - Neuroscience Core Courses requirement.
***Must be an approved Special Topics course directly relevant to neuroscience.
Research in Neuroscience (NSC 451/499), Biology (BIO 451/499), or Psychology (PSY 451/499) is also strongly recommended.
For students planning application to graduate or professional programs the following additional courses are strongly recommended:
CHM 221, 222 Organic Chemistry I & II
PHY 115/121 and PHY 116/122 College/General Physics I & II
MAT 205 Calculus I
BIO/PSY 451/499 Directed Research/Honors Research
Integrative Experience: The integrative experience requirement is met with BIO 440 Senior Integrative Exercise in Biology or PSY 441 Senior Seminar in Psychology. In these courses, students work individually to research a focused topic integrating neuroscience concepts and methods with those of another discipline. Students work collaboratively in a small group to organize oral presentations incorporation individual topics into a broader theme, question, or problem. Students present their work at the end of the semester.
Professional Development: Throughout her Wesleyan education each student is given opportunities to explore professional and career choices, and to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for professional success. Each student will complete PDE 400 Professional Development Experience and PDE 401 Professional Practice Seminar.
The neuroscience professional experience requirement can be met by involvement in any of the following related activities: internship, independent study, assisting a faculty member with the instruction of a regular teaching laboratory (teaching assistant), working with a faculty member as part of a laboratory or field research project.
Minor requirements Neuroscience: The minor program requires a minimum of 29 hours of course work, including the following:
I. Introductory Context Courses (2 courses; 7 hours):
BIO110 Principles of Biology I (4 hours)
or BIO 103 Human Biology (4 hours)
PSY 101 General Psychology (3 hours)
II. Intermediate Methods Courses (all 3 courses from one of the following two sets; 9-12 hours):
Biology Set:
BIO 112 Principles of Biology II (4 hours)
BIO 203 Research Methods in Biology (4 hours)
CHM 101 General Chemistry (4 hours)
or Psychology set
PSY 220 Statistical Methods (3 hours)
PSY 230 Reading, Writing, and Review (3 hours)
PSY 305 Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (3 hours)
III. Neuroscience Core Courses (any 2 courses; 7-8 hours)
PSY/NSC 207 Principles of Neuroscience (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 325 Neurophysiology (4 hours)
NSC 335 Neuronal Networks and Systems (3 hours)
IV. Neuroscience Elective Courses (any 2 courses; 6-8 hours)
PSY/NSC 207* Principles of Neuroscience (4 hours)
PSY/NSC 260 Drugs and Behavior (3 hours)
PSY/NSC 310 Cognitive Psychology (3 hours)
PSY/NSC 314 Learning and Memory (4 hours)
BIO 210 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 315 Animal Behavior (4 hours)
BIO 320 Molecular Cell Biology (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 325* Neurophysiology (4 hours)
NSC 335* Neuronal Networks and Systems (3 hours)
BIO 340 Animal Physiology (4 hours)
BIO/NSC 341 Developmental Biology (4 hours)
**BIO 396 Special Topics in Biology (3,4 hours)
**PSY 396 Special Topics in Psychology (3,4 hours)
NSC 396 Special Topics in Neuroscience (3, 4 hours)
*If not used to fulfill set III - Neuroscience Core Courses requirement.
**Must be an approved Special Topics course directly relevant to neuroscience.
