Major in Neuroscience

The major in Neuroscience provides an opportunity for students to focus their studies on the interdisciplinary connections between biology and psychology, preparing them for careers in health care or graduate work.

Students will obtain a strong foundation in core life and natural sciences, complemented with courses in behavioral science, to provide broad collaborative training across fields, allowing students to be prepared for future careers and keeping up with the direction of the field.

Major Requirements

Neuroscience majors must complete courses in the Biology Core, Neuroscience Core, plus four electives – two Behavioral Science elective courses at the 300/400 level and two elective biology courses at the 300/400 level from the list below.

Biology Core (required)

BIO 200 General Biology I
BIO 201 General Biology II
BIO 315 Genetics
BIO 498 Capstone Seminar
CHM 211 Principles of Chemistry I
CHM 212 Principles of Chemistry II
CHM 311 Organic Chemistry I
CHM 312 Organic Chemistry II
MTH 132 Elementary Functions or MTH151 Calculus I
PSY 355 Statistics for Scientific Research or MTH345 Elementary Statistics or MTH346 Statistics for Scientists

Neuroscience Core (required)

PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science
BIO 444 Neurobiology
CS 220 Computer Science I

Behavioral Science Electives (two required)

PSY 313 Cognitive Neuroscience
PSY 314 Psychopharmacology
PSY 424 Physiological Psychology
BID 300 Neuroethics

Biology Electives (two required)

BIO 331 Developmental Biology
BIO 410 Bioinformatics
BIO 413 Molecular Genetics
BIO 430 Principles of Anatomy
BIO 442 Principles of Physiology
BIO 443 Advanced Cell Physiology

All students must earn a minimum grade of C- and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 across all courses that are required for the major in order to successfully complete the degree.

Neuroscience students are allowed to repeat any major-required course taken at Elmhurst University in which they received a grade of D, F, P, NP, W or Audit no more than one time for each course.

Minor in Neuroscience

A minor in neuroscience provides a strong foundation for a career in graduate work or health care. This minor is an excellent complement to majors including psychology, sociology, or philosophy for students who desire deeper knowledge of the science behind behavior.

Required Courses

The minor consists of six courses with a grade of C- or better in each course:

BIO 200 General Biology I
BIO 201 General Biology II
BIO 315 Genetics
BIO 444 Neurobiology
PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science
One course from the Behavioral Science Elective category (PSY 313, 314, 424, or BID 300)