Behavioral Neuroscience

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Prerequisites: 16 credit hours

STAT 1602 - Introduction to Data Science with Python Credits: 3
PSYC 2005 - Research Methods and Data Analysis I Credits: 3
BIOL 2100 - Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics Credits: 4
Students must select one of the following:
PSYC 2200 - A Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior Credits: 3
BIOL 3050 - Introduction to Neurobiology Credits: 3
Students must select one of the following:
APMA 1090 - Single Variable Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 1190 - A Survey of Calculus I with Algebra Credits: 4
MATH 1210 - A survey of Calculus I Credits: 3
MATH 1310 - Calculus I Credits: 4

Requirements for Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

Required Courses: 16 credit hours

Students must complete each of the following:

PSYC 3006 - Research Methods and Data Analysis II Credits: 4
PSYC 3160 - Cognitive Neuroscience Credits: 3
PSYC 3200 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience Credits: 3
PSYC 3235 - Introduction to Epigenetics Credits: 3

Advanced Research Requirement: 3 credit hours

Students are required to take 3 credit hours of coursework in advanced research from the following:

PSYC 3210 - RM: Psychobiology Laboratory Credits: 3
PSYC 4260 - RM: Genetic and Epigenetic Research in Behavior Credits: 3
PSYC 4420 - RM: Brain Mapping with MRI Credits: 3
PSYC 4215 - RM: Computational Methods in Psychology and Neuroscience Credits: 3
PSYC 5270 - RM: Computational Neuroscience Credits: 3

Advanced Topics Requirements: 6 credit hours

Students are required to take two courses (6 credit hours) in advanced topics in behavioral neuroscience from the following:

PSYC 3100 - Learning and the Neuroscience of Behavior Credits: 3
PSYC 3240 - Animal Minds Credits: 3
PSYC 4200 - Neural Mechanisms of Behavior Credits: 3
PSYC 4265 - Developmental Neurobiology Credits: 3
PSYC 4245 - Development of Sensory Systems Credits: 3

Psychological Science Foundations Requirement: 3 credit hours

Students are required to take an additional 3 credit hours of coursework in psychological science from the following:

PSYC 1010 - Introductory Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 2150 - Introduction to Cognition Credits: 3
PSYC 2410 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 2600 - Introduction to Social Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 2700 - Introduction to Child Psychology Credits: 3

Science Foundation Requirement: 6 credit hours

Students are required to complete two courses (6 credit hours) of foundational scientific coursework from the following:

ASTR 2110 - Introduction to Astrophysics I Credits: 3
BIOL 2200 - Introduction to Biology w/Laboratory: Organismal & Evolutionary Biology Credits: 4
CHEM 1410 - Introductory College Chemistry I Credits: 3
CS 1110 - Introduction to Programming Credits: 3
EVSC 1010 - Introduction to Environmental Sciences Credits: 3
MATH 2310 - Calculus III Credits: 4
PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers Credits: 3
STAT 1100 - Chance: An Introduction to Statistics Credits: 3
STAT 1120 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 3
STAT 2020 - Statistics for Biologists Credits: 4

Electives: 6 credit hours

Students must complete two of the following courses. Student’s who did not take a 4000-level Advanced Topics course must select at least one 4000-level elective.

PSYC 3210 - RM: Psychobiology Laboratory Credits: 3
PSYC 3260 - Hidden Figures: Brain Science Through Diversity Credits: 3
PSYC 3559 - New Course in Psychology Credits: 1 to 4
Approved Topic: How to Build a Healthy Human Brain
PSYC 4155 - Autism: From Neurons to Neighborhoods Credits: 3
PSYC 4215 - RM: Computational Methods in Psychology and Neuroscience Credits: 3
PSYC 4245 - Development of Sensory Systems Credits: 3
PSYC 4250 - Brain Systems Involved in Memory Credits: 3
PSYC 4255 - Behavioral Epigenetics Credits: 3
PSYC 4260 - RM: Genetic and Epigenetic Research in Behavior Credits: 3
PSYC 4290 - Memory Distortions Credits: 3
PSYC 4420 - RM: Brain Mapping with MRI Credits: 3
PSYC 4607 - Uniquely Human Social Cognition Credits: 3
PSYC 5270 - RM: Computational Neuroscience Credits: 3
NESC 4245 - Neuroscience through the Nobels Credits: 3

Distinguished Majors Program: 8 credit hours

Students in the Distinguished Majors Program are required to complete each of the following courses.

PSYC 4970 - Distinguished Major Thesis I Credits: 3
PSYC 4980 - Distinguished Major Thesis II Credits: 3

Description of Thesis

Students enrolled in the Distinguished Majors Program will be required to complete a thesis paper based on two semesters of empirical or theoretical research. Honors students will prepare a thesis paper of approximately 25 pages. The thesis or research project will require students to demonstrate a high level of independent research and analysis. Throughout their fourth year, each Honors student will work closely with a chosen Psychology faculty advisor to sharpen the student’s guiding research question; construct and adhere to a timeline to completion; compile/synthesize research literature; and receive regular feedback on drafts of the thesis. Upon completion of the thesis/project, the faculty advisor will assign the work one of the following awards: Highest Distinction, High Distinction, Distinction. A student who does not earn an award will graduate without distinction.