Major

Major in Neuroscience with a Psychology Path (16 Courses)

Program

A Major in Neuroscience utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to empower students to:

Develop and refine skills of inquiry with a focus on the brain and mind;
Gain a strong understanding of classic and contemporary findings in neuroscience;
Comprehend and appreciate the dynamic, multidisciplinary nature of this field;
Ask thoughtful questions and strategically select approaches to answer questions;
Develop informed hypotheses and design/execute experiments to test hypotheses;
Critically analyze data and determine if data supports hypotheses, and
Explore philosophical questions about the nature of human life, consciousness, and free will.

Neuroscience explores the complex interactions between the distinct aspects of brain, mind, and behavior. The Major in Neuroscience engages students through a holistic, interdisciplinary approach rooted in rigorous science and augmented by philosophical perspectives that address the brain, mind, and human nature. In addition, students are encouraged to engage in activities offered by the Center for Neuroscience (CfN), which include research internships, an interdisciplinary lecture series, and community service. Students who major in neuroscience will be prepared to pursue careers in industry, health professions, and graduate studies within the field of neuroscience. The Major in Neuroscience with a Psychology Path features curriculum that explores concepts related to human neuroscience, namely:

Neuroanatomy and function of the nervous system
Neural mechanisms of human perception, thought, and behavior
How context, environment, experience, and brain function interact to influence human behavior
Developmental, neurological, and psychiatric disorders
Familiarity and experience with experimental designs and tools used to study human neuroscience
Philosophical conversations about the relationship between brain and mind, free will and human consciousness.

Advising Tips

Please note: This is one example of a course sequence for this major. There are different possibilities; planning should be done carefully in consultation with the department chair.
In order to fulfill BIO requirements in time, prerequisites for BIO 280 must be met in time for BIO 280 to be taken in the fall of Sophomore year.
BIO 372 is now offered every other fall.
In preparation for PHI 302 Person, Mind, and Behavior, it is strongly recommended that students take PHI 152 The Human Difference or PHI 153 The Book of Nature.
Students are advised to take no more than two laboratory courses in a given semester
If students elect to take three additional courses in BIO, then they will be able to add a BIO minor.
Programming (learned in CSC 117) is a valuable skill in many graduate programs and careers that explore human neuroscience.
Students may take PSY 399 Independent Study as an elective to gain more research experience.
Students may begin to explore the major by taking PSY 101 or BIO 160, which is a prerequisite to several research courses (PSY 225, PSY 391), PSY courses (PSY 250, PSY 251, PSY 252), and BIO courses (BIO 280).
Students may also begin to explore the major by taking any cornerstone course without a prerequisite (PSY 210, PSY 290, PSY 216, PSY 240).
Students must complete the research courses in the sequence of PSY 224, PSY 225, PSY 391. We recommend students take the courses in consecutive semesters, unless they study abroad.
To maintain the academic integrity of the major, transfer courses are approved under strict conditions. Students should consult with the department chair before registering for courses outside the day school of Assumption University.
Majors are encouraged to explore the offerings of our Center for Neuroscience and to get involved in the new student-run neuroscience club.

To What Careers Does a Major in Psychology Neuroscience Lead?

The websites of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for Neuroscience offer a wealth of information about the current state of the field and career paths.

Current topics:

Career paths:

Join the psychology club or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Join the Neuroscience Club or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

https://twitter.com/assumptionneuro

Required Courses (14 Courses)

All the below courses are required. It is highly recommended that interested students declare this major by the end of their sophomore year. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Psychology Department chairperson early to discuss course planning. Students must take BIO 160 during the first year. Students are advised to take additional Biology courses in their sophomore and junior year. Students are further recommended to take PSY 251: Introduction to Brain and Behavior (offered in the fall and spring) in their sophomore year, and to complete the Neuroscience Capstone in their senior year.