Tracie Paine, Chair, Associate Professor of Neuroscience
Lynne Bianchi, Pre-Medical Program Director, Professor of Neuroscience
Bradley Carter, Visiting Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Christopher Howard, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Gunnar Kwakye, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Leslie Kwakye, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Michael Loose, Professor of Neuroscience
Monica Mariani, Visiting Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Patrick Simen, Associate Professor of Neuroscience
Janice Thornton, McGregor Professor of Neuroscience
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of study that employs the tools and perspectives of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and medicine to achieve a better understanding of brain structure, brain function, behavior and the mind. The Neuroscience major is designed for students interested in the cellular, chemical, and structural organization of the brain and the relationship between the brain’s operation and perception, thought, emotion, and behavior. Opportunities are available for students to use multiple approaches at many levels of analysis including molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels.
The Neuroscience major is appropriate for any student with an interest in the field. It will also serve those students interested in graduate study or professional work in any area of neuroscience or in fields such as animal behavior, behavioral genetics, biopsychology, pharmacology, clinical psychology, biotechnology, medicine, or public health. To be well prepared for graduate or professional study in these fields, students will generally need to take additional course work over and above the minimum required to fulfill the Neuroscience major. Students should consult closely with their advisors to determine the most appropriate set of courses consistent with their interests and goals.
Advanced Placement
There is no advanced placement examination in Neuroscience. Advanced placement credit for a course within the Neuroscience major that is taught by another department will be accepted for credit toward the Neuroscience major if the relevant department accepts advanced placement credit for the course toward its major.
Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions
Students intending or considering a major in Neuroscience may wish to consult a Neuroscience faculty member during the first or second year. The following courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year: Biology 100, Chemistry 101 and 102 (or 103), Neuroscience 201 and Neuroscience 211. Additionally, completion of Biology 213 during the sophomore year is recommended. Furthermore, students should have the introductory biology and chemistry courses completed prior to taking any upper level neuroscience courses (300 level and above).