The Program
Behavioral Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary area of study the study that spans the fields of Biology, Psychology and Chemistry. The emphasis of this program of study is on the biological bases of human and animal behavior, which include the study of neural functioning at the molecular, cellular, and neuroanatomical systems level. Internationally, the field is focused on a variety of topics and researchers have opportunities to study the brain from a biochemical, cellular, genetic, developmental, behavioral, or cognitive neuroscience perspective. Individuals graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience may pursue a variety of exciting careers or seek additional training in graduate programs in neuroscience, psychology, neuropsychology, pharmacology, or the allied health fields.
The Major
Behavioral Neuroscience – Requirements (64 to 67 semester hours)
- Core Requirements (49 semester hours)
- Electives (12 semester hours)
- Senior Project (3 to 6 semester hours)
The Program
Objective 1: Critical Thinking
• Attain the ability to read and analyze critically a research paper
• Attain the ability to integrate findings from a variety of scientific fields in order to address a research question
• Attain the ability to critique and develop a variety of experimental research designs with appropriate methodology
The Outcomes
Objective 2: Communication Skills
• Gain the ability to present information orally in a concise, organized, understandable manner
• Develop the ability to effectively communicate scientific information in a written format for scientific publication
• Develop the ability to communicate scientific information to the general public in both oral and written venues
The Outcomes
Objective 3: Independent Thinker/Self-Motivated Learner
• Attain competency in finding adequate answers to questions that are not necessarily addressed directly in a course
• Develop competency developing and/or defending emerging and novel theories using objective evidence
• Gain the ability to successful overcome resource or informational barriers to learning and research
The Outcomes
Objective 4: Fundamental Behavioral Neuroscience Knowledge
• Gain the ability to present information orally in a concise, organized, understandable manner
• Develop the ability to effectively communicate scientific information in a written format for scientific publication
• Develop the ability to communicate scientific information to the general public in both oral and written venues
• Gain a thorough understanding of neuronal communication at the cellular and molecular level
• Attain a knowledge and understanding of basic neuroanatomy
• Attain an understanding of the role of neurobiology in behavior and cognition neuroscience
• Gain an understanding of the neurobiology of sensory and motor systems
• Attain competency in understanding the development and plasticity of the central nervous system
The Outcomes
Objective 5: Scientific Inquiry/Research Skills
• Attain competency in developing a testable hypothesis and the ability to design experiments that would provide an adequate test of this hypothesis
• Gain competence in contemporary data collection, data analysis, and the proper interpretation of data
The Outcomes
Objective 6: Quantitative Skills
• Develop competency in the ability to analyze and interpret quantitative information including both statistics and graphs using contemporary data analysis tools
The Outcomes