Neuroscience (B.S.)

Neuroscience explores the nervous system from molecules and cells to circuits and cognition. This interdisciplinary major brings together Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Cognitive Science, and Psychological & Brain Sciences—plus the Krieger Mind/Brain Institute—to give students both a broad foundation and depth in a chosen focus area.

Why this program

• Interdisciplinary training: Biology, chemistry, physics, math, computing, and psychology all in one curriculum.

• Early lab experience: A dedicated neuroscience laboratory course with hands-on methods.

• Research for credit: Join active labs and earn research credits; present at campus symposia.

Curriculum snapshot

Students complete a core neuroscience sequence, supporting coursework in math/statistics and the natural sciences, at least one biology course with a lab, and advanced electives within a focus area.

Core sequence

• Cognitive Neuroscience

• Neuroscience: Cellular & Systems I

• Neuroscience: Cellular & Systems II

• Neuroscience Laboratory

Math, statistics & sciences

• Calculus I & II

• Probability & Statistics (life or physical sciences track)

• General Chemistry I & II with labs + Organic Chemistry I

• General Physics I & II with labs

• One biology course with a laboratory (e.g., General Biology I/II with lab; or Biochemistry/Cell Biology with associated lab)

Advanced electives (12+ credits)
Choose a focus area and complete approved 300-level or higher electives:

1. Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (NEUR-CM)

2. Systems Neuroscience (NEUR-ST)

3. Cognitive Neuroscience (NEUR-CG)

4. Computational Neuroscience (NEUR-CP)

Plus at least one upper-level neuroscience elective outside your focus area.

Research & communication

• 6 credits of supervised neuroscience research (taken over multiple terms)

• Two semesters of Scientific Communication & Mentoring (satisfies part of the program’s writing/communication requirement)

Note: Students planning for medical school typically add a second organic chemistry semester, its lab, and biochemistry (admissions requirements vary).

Focus-area notes

• Computational Neuroscience: Additional math/programming courses are required alongside the focus electives.

• Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience: Cell Biology with its lab must satisfy the biology-with-lab requirement.

Writing & communication requirement

Students entering in Fall 2024 or later complete 6 credits of writing/communication within the major. The two-semester Scientific Communication & Mentoring sequence counts toward this; remaining credits come from designated advanced courses.

Suggested 4-year flow (example)

• Year 1: Calculus I–II; Chemistry I–II + labs; introductory cognitive/brain course; start biology + lab

• Year 2: Cellular & Systems I–II; Organic Chemistry I; Statistics; begin research; communication seminar

• Year 3: Physics I–II + labs; Cognitive Neuroscience; upper-level electives; continue research & communication

• Year 4: Neuroscience Laboratory; remaining upper-level electives (in and outside focus); complete research

Honors in the Major

For students entering Fall 2022 and beyond:

• 3.8+ GPA across major requirements

• 6 research credits (overlaps with the major)

• Present at the DREAMS research showcase

• Mentor recommendation

Optional: Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Designed for students pursuing in-depth research and scientific writing.

• Conduct an original experiment under faculty mentorship

• Apply with proposal and mentor letter (spring prior to graduation year)

• Earn 9 credits of independent research

• Write and defend a thesis before a faculty committee (by mid-April of graduation year)

• Present at DREAMS and attend an Honors Thesis Seminar in the final spring

• Maintain a 3.5+ GPA in all required neuroscience courses

Who should apply

Students excited by brain science who enjoy both quantitative work (calculus, statistics, physics, computing) and the life sciences (chemistry, biology), and who want early, sustained research experience.

Notes for applicants

• All major courses must be taken for a letter grade with C- or higher.

• Approved advanced-elective lists and POS-tagged courses are published each term by the department.