Neuroscience Minor

An understanding of the mind is one of the most important and fascinating human quests.

About Our Neuroscience Minor

General Information

Neuroscience is a central topic of contemporary scientific inquiry, with many large research initiatives underway in the United States and international settings. It is an exciting field that attempts to study the basic structure and characteristics of human mental processes; the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system; and how mental and physical processes relate to each other. The field of neuroscience is both fascinating and complex, as it draws on insights from many different fields including bioengineering, cognitive science, computer science, experimental and clinical psychology, linguistics, and philosophy.

Students entering many research and professional careers, including artificial intelligence, clinical neuropsychology, medicine (especially neurology and psychiatry), neurolinguistics, and philosophy (especially philosophy of mind), will find a background in neuroscience to be helpful or even essential. Integral to the program is a set of learning objectives that orient faculty and students toward the acquisition of critical knowledge and skills necessary for understanding, appreciating, and using the tools of modern neuroscience.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 16 credit hours is required for the neuroscience minor.

Minor Requirements for Forensic Science
Core Courses		10 credits
BIO 370	Human Neuropsychology	3 credits
Take four credits of the following course:		4 credits
NSCI 393	Neuroscience Seminar	2 credits
Elective Courses		6 credits
Choose 6 credits from two different departments from the following options:
BIO 380	Principles of Human Physiology	3 credits
BIO 493	Seminar in Biology (with committee approval)	1 credit
ENGL 343	Introduction to Linguistics	3 credits
PHIL 315	Philosophy of Mind and Language	3 credits
PSY 245	Physiological Psychology	3 credits
PSY 345	Sensation and Perception	3 credits
PSY 346	Laboratory in Sensation and Perception	1 credit
PSY 350	Cognitive Psychology	3 credits
PSY 351	Laboratory in Human Cognition	1 credit
PSY 376	Laboratory in Neuropsychology	1 credit

Capstone Course		0-1 credit

NSCI 499	Neuroscience Capstone Project	0-1 credit

Core classes should be completed during the sophomore or junior year if possible, while electives may be taken at any time. The capstone experience will usually be taken in the senior year. Prerequisite courses are required prior to registration in core classes and are typically completed during the freshman or sophomore year of study. In addition, the core program courses require a significant background in the biological and psychological sciences to allow full engagement with the technical aspects of neuroscience. Students are encouraged to consult with a neuroscience advisor to assist in selecting courses that will support their professional goals.