Minor: Neuroscience, 17 Credits
As you are reading this description, the very act of reading (moving your eyes from side-to-side and up and down) and comprehension of what you have just read is a result of brain activity. Thus, behavior and cognitive functions are biological phenomena resulting from brain activity. The field of neuroscience examines how the brain, made up of billions of tiny neurons produces psychology. It also demonstrates that social and biological explanations of Psychology are not mutually exclusive, but rather complimentary. Social factors influence our psychology by modulating the activity of our brains similar to biological mechanisms. Neuroscience grapples with the age-old mind-body problem – how can a material structure (the brain) produce immaterial experiences like, thoughts and emotions and analyzes the havoc minute damage to the brain can cause to all aspects of behavior and cognitive processses. In summary courses will examine the nervous system with a focus on function and on how our behavior and brains interact. This program will educate students on a basic and advanced level.
Learning Goals For The Neuroscience Minor
After completing the mnor in Neuroscience students will be able to:
- Identify and differentiate between major fields of study and theoretical perspectives in Neuroscience.
- Differentiate between the major observational, correlational, quasi-experimental and experimental designs used by neuroscientist and explain the benefits and limitations of each.
- Apply their knowledge of distinct research methods and critique various studies and theories based on this information.
- Recognize and classify the organization of the brain and the nervous system.
- Identify and discuss the biological bases of behavior on both the micro (e.g. neurocellular, neurophysiological, and neurochemical) and macro (e.g. central and peripheral nervous system) level.
- Explain how brain damage and pathology have contributed to the current and growing neuroscience discipline.system.
- Read current literature (including media and peer-reviewed journal articles) related to specific neuroscience topics and analyze conclusions using critical thinking skills.
Requirements
Foundation courses: (14 credits)
Electives: (3 credits)
Take one of the following:
PLEASE NOTE:
If a course required for the Neuroscience minor is also required for the student’s major, the student must choose an alternative course outside their major. If this is the case students should consult with the neuroscience coordinator to ensure the appropriateness of the course substitution and then get approval from the Chair of the Science Division.
PSYCH 241, PSYCH 359, PSYCH 379, PSYCH 399, PSYCH 397, PSYCH 497, PSYCH 499: These courses have a prerequisite requirement of PSYCH 101 or PSYCH 102.
PSYCH 333: Theses courses have a prerequisite requirement of PSYCH 102.