Neuroscience – Major
For information, contact Dr. Audrey Ettinger.
The goal of neuroscience is to gain an understanding of basic brain function and
its relationship to complex processes of behavior and cognition, as well as to
the mechanisms of neurological and mental illness. The neuroscience program at
Cedar Crest College reflects the multidisciplinary nature of this exciting and
growing field and provides a multilevel approach, from molecular mechanisms to
the study of the mind.
The neuroscience major is appropriate for students with a strong interest in the
biological sciences with an interest in the workings of the nervous system and
its relationship to behavior. It prepares students for admission to graduate
and professional programs in neuroscience, medicine and related fields as well
as for immediate employment in research laboratories. A student completing this
course of study will earn a BS degree in Neuroscience.
Neuroscience majors are subject to all policies of the Department of Biological
Sciences. Students may not declare multiple majors in any combination of:
Biology, Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Genetic Engineering, or
Neuroscience.
Participation in independent research is encouraged. Students wishing to
complete the thesis option should refer to the thesis requirements listed under
the Biology Major.
Program Admission and Retention
Admission and retention in the neuroscience program requires a minimum
cumulative grade-point average of 2.250, and no less then a C- in required
courses. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses
before proceeding to subsequent courses. Attendance at all laboratory sessions
is mandatory. An internship in the student’s area of interest is strongly recommended.
Requirements for the Neuroscience Major
BIO 121 Principles of Biology I 4 credits
BIO 122 Principles of Biology II 4 credits
(Students with Advanced Placement credit for BIO 121 and/or 122
are required to take the BIO 121 and 122 Labs.)
BIO 235 Ecology, Evolution and Genetics 4 credits
BIO 236 Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
Students who have previuosly taken BIO 222 or BIO 231 should consult their
advisors
or the department website to determine the courses needed to complete the
major.
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 355 Science, Ethics and Society 2 credits
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PSY 100 General Psychology 3 credits
PSY 317 Learning
or 4 credits
PSY 336 Cognitive Psychology
PHY 101 Introductory College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 102 Introductory College Physics II 4 credits
NEU 200 Introduction to Neuroscience 3 credits
NEU 220 Sensation and Perception 4 credits
NEU 330 Neuropharmacology 3 credits
NEU 340 Neuroscience Methods 4 credits
Plus choose two additional courses from the following:
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 3 or 4 credits
BIO 217 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
BIO 224 Animal Behavior 4 credits
BIO 332 Developmental Biology 4 credits
BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
BIO 336 Molecular Genetics II 4 credits
NEU 348 Diseases of the Nervous System 4 credits
PSY 250 Life-Span Development 3 credits
PSY 309 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
PSY 317 Learning 4 credits
PSY 336 Cognitive Processes 4 credits
CIS 135 Introductory Programming in C++ 3 credits
CIS 136 Advanced Programming using C++ 3 credits
Transfer Students
Transfer students majoring in neuroscience must take the following courses at
Cedar Crest College:
NEU 200 Introduction to Neuroscience 3 credits
NEU 220 Sensation and Perception (lab only) 1 credit
NEU 330 Neuropharmacology 3 credits
NEU 340 Neuroscience Methods 4 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 355 Science, Ethics and Society 2 credits
PSY 317 Learning 4 credits