2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Neuroscience, BS


Banner Code:  LA-BS-NEUR

Web: psychology.gmu.edu

The bachelor of science in neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program emphasizing the relationship between the biology and chemistry of the nervous system and behavior of an organism. The BS in neuroscience prepares students for graduate-level study in both medical school and doctoral and master’s-level programs in neuroscience and other health-related fields, and work in the neuroscience field.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Psychology .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


In addition to satisfying general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students receiving a BS in Neuroscience must complete the following course work. 

The program requirements meet the university general education requirements in quantitative reasoning, social and behavioral science, and natural science. 

Foundation courses


Two courses in biology (7-8 credits)


Students must earn a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in each of these courses.

One required course (4 credits)

One course (3-4 credits) chosen from:

The course chosen to fulfill this requirement cannot be applied to the 24 credits of approved neuroscience electives.

Two courses in chemistry (8 credits)


One course in mathematics (3 or 4 credits) chosen from:


Students intending to pursue a doctorate in neuroscience or a medical degree are advised to take MATH 114.

One course in statistics (3 or 4 credits) chosen from:


Four courses in physics (8 credits)


Students should take one of the following sequences.

Three courses in psychology (9 credits)


Students must earn a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in each of these courses. Transfer students who have earned transfer credit for PSYC 372 may substitute this course for PSYC 375.

One course in computer science (3 credits)


Two core courses in neuroscience (6 credits)


Students must earn a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in each of these courses.

One course in technical writing (3 credits)


 Students must earn a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in this course.

One required psychology lab course (1 credit)


Students must earn a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in this course.

Electives (24 credits)


Students should consult with an advisor to choose appropriate elective courses, which must be approved by the director of the program. A sample of possible electives is given below. Students may apply no more than 6 credits of courses with D to this requirement.

Students intending to pursue a doctorate in neuroscience or a medical degree are advised to take CHEM 313 and 315.

Total: 75-78 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above.  Students majoring in neuroscience may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing NEUR 410.