Neuroscience (BA/BS)

Neuroscience is for undergraduate students interested in studying the relationship between the brain and behavior. Coursework is jointly taught by biology, human physiology and psychology faculty to provide well-rounded training. Foundational courses are in biology, chemistry, human physiology, math, physics, and psychology. Upper division coursework focuses on three main areas of neuroscience: molecular/cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. Students can also take advanced skills courses in programming or computational techniques. They may also conduct cutting-edge research in a neuroscience lab.

Neuroscience graduates will have a strong understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, demonstrate critical thinking, quantitative and analytical skills, and communicate effectively about neuroscience research.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate broad-based content knowledge and understanding of terminology and concepts in neuroscience at multiple levels of organization.
• Critically read and evaluate scientific information.
• Apply data analysis skills to understand neuroscience information.
• Communicate clearly and effectively about neuroscience information.

Neuroscience Major

As outlined below, the Neuroscience majors consists of the following components:  1) foundation courses in the natural sciences; 2) math and statistics coursework; 3) life science fundamentals; 4) a core neuroscience sequence; 5) upper-division elective courses; and 6) advanced skills courses and/or research experience.  The total number of credits is 104-107 (depending on whether majors complete the General Biology Sequence or the Biology Honors Sequence). 

Additional Requirements

• All courses counted towards the Neuroscience Major requirements must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of C or better.
• At least 34 credits of coursework applied to the major must be taken at the University of Oregon.

Criteria for Honors

To graduate with Honors in Neuroscience, the following requirements must be met:

1. A completed Neuroscience Honors application with signature of a faculty research advisor from BI, HPHY or PSY
2. Completion of all Neuroscience major requirements
3. A minimum 3.5 GPA in all courses applied to the major
4. At least three credits in BI 403, HPHY 403, or PSY 403 Thesis (These credits may be applied to the advanced skills courses and research experience requirement).
5. Completion of an honors thesis under supervision of a committee, consisting of one BI, HPHY, or PSY faculty member and at least one other committee member (Ph.D. student, postdoctoral scholar, or faculty) from BI, HPHY, or PSY.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Neuroscience Bachelor of Arts 

Neuroscience Bachelor of Science