Behavioral Neuroscience is the study of behavior by understanding the functioning of the brain. As such, the major is designed for students interested in the physiology, ranging from neurons and neural networks to whole brain systems, mediating cognition and behavior. Building on a foundation in basic psychology, biology, and chemistry, coursework in behavioral neuroscience will provide students in-depth understanding of neurons and the nervous system, and their roles in cognition and behavior.
Courses include hands-on laboratory and directed research experiences for students to gain competency and skills within Behavioral Neuroscience, culminating in a senior capstone course.
The major is suitable for students interested in traditional academic, government and industrial settings or professional applied areas such as health care and its subspecialties, and consultation in industry.
The Following Three Courses in Psychology
- PY 101 - General Psychology
- PY 105 - Behavioral Neuroscience
- PY 406 - Behavioral Neuroscience Capstone
The Following Two Courses in Biology
- BI 103 - General Biology I
- BI 104 - General Biology II
FIVE additional courses in Psychology or Biology
ONE of the following courses:
- PY 316 - Sensation and Perception
- PY 322 - Behavioral Pharmacology
TWO of the following courses:
- PY 206 - Health Psychology
- PY 304 - Cognitive Psychology
- PY 307 - Abnormal Psychology
- PY 313 - Psychology of Learning and Motivation
- PY 314 - Childhood Psychopathology
- PY 317 - Research Methods in Cognition and Developmental Psychology
- PY 321 - Clinical Neuroscience
TWO of the following courses:
- BI 315 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- BI 318 - Microbiology for Majors
- BI 327 - Genetics
- BI 331 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BI 332 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- BI 333 - Cell Biology
- BI 334 - Animal Physiology
- BI 335 - Animal Behavior
- BI 336 - Biochemistry
- BI 338 - Invertebrate Zoology
- BI 344 - Nutrition
- BI 346 - Pharmacology
- BI 348 - Immunology
- PY 324 - Neuroethology
- PY 325 - Brain, Aging, and Dementia
TWO courses in Chemistry
- CH 130 - General Chemistry
- CH 150 - Structure and Reactivity
ONE course in Math:
- MA 170 - Calculus I
- MA 180 - Calculus II
- PY 301 - Behavioral Statistics
- BI 345 - Biostatistics
Note:
A student can only count EITHER PY 322 Behavioral Pharmacology OR BI 346 Pharmacology towards the major, but not both