BA in Cognitive Neuroscience
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will:
- Have a fluent knowledge of the basic terminology and concepts underlying the study of complex behavior, neurobiology, and cognitive neuroscience.
- Be able to critically evaluate and apply the core experimental methods and analyses used in the study of complex behavior, neurobiology, and cognitive neuroscience.
- Access, understand and apply the primary neuroscientific literature with attention to both major open theoretical questions and recent empirical findings.
- Formulate in both written and oral form a complex and persuasive cognitive neuroscientific idea based on rational argument and prior evidence.
Curriculum
Total number of credits required: 60 - 65
Four introductory natural science courses, two in biology (8 credits) and two more in mathematics (6 credits):
BISC 1115 + 1125 | Introductory Biology: Cells and Molecules (plus lab: BISC 1125) |
BISC 1116 + 1126 | Introductory Biology: The Biology of Organisms (plus lab: BISC 1126) |
MATH 1120 & 1121 | Calculus with Precalculus I & II |
or MATH 1231 | Single-Variable Calculus I |
Two courses in analytical methods (6 credits) from the following:
STAT 1127* | Statistics for the Biological Sciences |
BISC 2584 | Introduction to Bioinformatics |
CSCI 1012 | Introduction to Programming in Python |
*Or equivalent
Three gateway courses (9-10 credits) that introduce the core concepts, from the following:
ANAT 2160 | Human Functional Neuroanatomy (Recommended) |
or SPHR 2106 | Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Hearing II |
ANTH 1005 | The Biological Basis of Behavior |
BISC 2320 | Neural Circuits and Behavior |
PHIL 1153 | Meaning of Mind |
PHIL 2045 | Introduction to Logic |
PSYC 2014 | Cognitive Psychology |
PSYC 2015 | Biological Psychology |
Six intermediate breadth courses (18 credits), which must include 2 courses from each of the following groups:
Cellular/Molecular/Systems Neuroscience
ANTH 3413 | Evolution of the Human Brain |
BISC 2220 | Developmental Neurobiology |
BISC 3320 | Human Neurobiology |
Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYC 3118 | Neuropsychology |
PSYC 3121 | Memory and Cognition |
PSYC 3122 | Cognitive Neuroscience |
PSYC 3124 | Visual Perception |
SPHR 2133 | Autism |
SPHR 3116 | Brain and Language |
Cognitive Science
PHIL 3121 | Symbolic Logic |
PHIL 3153 | Mind, Brain, and Artificial Intelligence |
SPHR 2131 | Language Acquisition and Development |
SPHR 2135 | Language: Structure, Meaning, and Use |
One course of research laboratory experience (3-4 credits):
BISC 2452 + 2453 | Animal Behavior (Plus lab: BISC 2453) |
PSYC 4106W | Research Lab in Sensation and Perception |
PSYC 4107W | Research Lab in Cognitive Neuroscience |
1 Semester of Guided or Independent Research in ANTH, BISC, CHEM, PHIL, PSYC, or SPHR*
* Only available to students with a 3.5 in major GPA or higher and/or the permission of the instructor.
Four advanced content electives (12 credits), chosen from the following:
ANTH 3413 ANTH 3491 ANTH 3601 ANTH 3603 ANTH 3691* BISC 2220 BISC 2452 BISC 3165 BISC 3166 BISC 3209 BISC 3320 CHEM 2151 CHEM 2152 PHIL 3152 PHIL 3153 PHIL 4196* PSYC 3118 PSYC 3121 PSYC 3122 PSYC 3124 PSYC 3180* PSYC 3198* PSYC 3199* PSYC 4997* SPHR 2133 SPHR 2135 SPHR 3116 |
Evolution of the Human Brain Topics in Biological Anthropology Language, Culture, and Cognition Psycholinguistics Topics in Linguistic Anthropology (when applicable and with Director permission) Developmental Neurobiology Animal Behavior (taken with associated lab 2453) Biochemistry I Biochemistry II Molecular Biology Human Neurobiology Organic Chemistry I (plus lab: CHEM 2153) Organic Chemistry II (plus lab: CHEM 2154) Theory of Knowledge Mind, Brain, and Artificial Intelligence Topics in Theory of Knowledge Neuropsychology Memory and Cognition Cognitive Neuroscience Visual Perception Seminar in Cognitive Science (when applicable and with Director permission) Current Research Issues (when applicable and with Director permission) Current Topics in Psychology (when applicable and with Director permission) Honors Seminar (when applicable and with Director permission) Autism Language: Structure, Meaning, & Use Brain and Language |
* When applicable and with director permission