Neuroscience

What Is Neuroscience ?

Neuroscience, the study of the brain and nervous system, is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of science, exploring knowledge of the brain and behavior as a window into understanding human nature and our society. It is explicitly interdisciplinary, spanning a wide range of research topics and methods aimed at understanding basic nervous system function and causes of brain and nervous system diseases.

Success Factors

The successful neuroscience major has both a strong background in science and a strong interest in pursuing scientific research as a career. Those planning a future in academic education, medicine or law benefit from the development of foundational research skills, including statistical analysis of experimental results, experimental design and methodology and basic laboratory techniques.

Career Possibilities

Graduates with a BS in neuroscience from the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) are prepared for a wide range of career options and unlimited opportunities for graduate study. They include:

• Academic science education
• Pharmaceutical research
• Developing therapeutics or prosthetics for the brain and nervous system
• Scientific writing
• Neurolaw
• Medicine

Major Details

The neuroscience major at UC emphasizes classroom instruction in the basic sciences that make up contemporary neuroscience, laboratory instruction in research techniques relevant to the discipline, and extensive opportunities for research experience. The interdisciplinary major develops students' scientific knowledge and skills in reading, writing, laboratory methods and experimental design.

There are three areas of concentration ("tracks") for those seeking a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience: neurobiology; neuropsychology; and brain, mind and behavioral studies. Each is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths.

The neuroscience program is interdisciplinary, with neuroscientists participating from three departments within A&S (biology, psychology and philosophy), from numerous departments in the College of Medicine (cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy, molecular and cellular physiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and psychiatry), the Biomedical Engineering Program, and Children's Hospital (developmental biology, pediatrics). Majors are required to take common core courses, to attend seminars and discussion groups that integrate concepts from the fields of biology, psychology and philosophy, and will be required to take upper level courses from a track or tracks other than the one in which they specialize. The common core stresses basic scientific knowledge across the disciplines making up contemporary neuroscience.

View a video of John Bickle, head of the Department of Philosophy, discussing the new major at a recent event for prospective students.

McMicken College's flexible degree requirements allow for and highly encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Some of the most common pairings are listed below.

• Biological sciences 
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Mathematical sciences
• Psychology
• Philosophy

Minor Details

A neuroscience minor is not offered.

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Core Courses Common to All Tracks
Total credit hours in the common core = 54.

BIOL 101-102-103      Biology (or equivalent)  (9 cr. hrs.)
BIOL 111-112-113      Biology Laboratory (or equivalent) (6 cr. hrs.)
CHEM 101-102-103     First Year Chemistry (12 cr. hrs.)
CHEM 111-112-113     First Year Chemistry Laboratory (3 cr. hrs.)
PSYC 274                  Introduction to Statistical Methods (3 cr. hrs.) 
BIOL 301                   Biology Cell Structure and Function (4 cr. hrs.)
NS 201                      Introduction to Neuroscience (Neurobiology) (3 cr. hrs.)
NS 202                      Introduction to Neuroscience (Neuropsychology) (3 cr. hrs.)
NS 203                      Introduction to Neuroscience: Concepts and Methods (3 cr. hrs.)
NS 204                      Introduction to Neuroscience: Laboratory Techniques (3 cr. hrs.)
NS 111, 211, 311, 411 Neuroscience Seminars (4 cr. hrs. total. See description below.) 

I. THE NEUROBIOLOGY TRACK
NOTE:  Students on this track are required to take MATH 224 (Foundations of Applied Calculus), MATH 226 (Applied Calculus I) and MATH 227 (Applied Calculus II). This sequence will satisfy the college math requirement and will be applicable to the pre-med track. PHYS 101-102-103 and 111-112-113 are recommended for students pursuing this track and for all students in the major who intend to pursue a post-graduate MD degree.

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
First Year
*English Composition	ENGL 101, 102	6
**Biology (with labs)	BIOL 101-102-103, 111-112-113	15
First Year Chemistry (with labs)	CHEM 101-102-103, 111-112-113	15
**Applied Calculus	MATH 224, 226, 227	9
Neuroscience: Freshman Seminar II (spring quarter)	NS 111	1
Total		47
Second Year
*English Composition	ENGL 289	3
Organic Chemistry (recommended)	CHEM 201-202-203, 211-212-213	16
Introduction to Neuroscience	NS 201-202-203	9
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9
*Humanities (HU)	see offerings	3
Biology Cell Structure and Function	BIOL 301	4
Genetics	BIOL 302	4
Neuroscience: Sophomore Seminar	NS 211	1
Total		49
Third Year
Introduction to Statistical Methods	PSYC 274	3
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9
Organic Chemistry for Engineers	CHEM 350, 351	8
*Literature (LT)	see offerings	3
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	9
*Social Sciences (SS)	see offerings	9
Intro to Neuroscience: Laboratory Techniques	NS 204	3
Neuroscience: Junior Seminar	NS 311	1
Total		45
Fourth Year
Animal Physiology	BIOL 571	3
Sensory Physiology	BIOL 574	3
Upper Level Biology Courses	500-600 level, see list below	17-18
*Humanities, Literature, or Fine Arts (HU, LT, or FA)	see offerings	3
*Social & Ethical Issues (if not already taken, SE)	see offerings	3
*Diversity & Culture (if not already taken, DC)	see offerings	3
Additional credits (free electives or other program)	see offerings	9
Neuroscience: Senior Seminar (capstone)	NS 411	1
Total		42-43

*Courses taken to fulfill general college requirements.
**Courses taken to fulfill general college requirements and major requirements.

NOTE:  Pre-med students should take the full year sequence of organic chemistry lecture (CHEM 201-202-203) and laboratory (CHEM 211-212-213), which will also fulfill the chemistry requirement for the Neurobiology track.

Upper Level Biology Courses
Students choose any three of the following courses and also must take 6 upper level credit hours from courses specific to either the Neuropsychology or Brain, Mind and Behavior tracks (credit hours may be taken in 1 track or split between 2 tracks):

BIOL550        Animal Behavior (3 cr. hrs.)
BIOL573        Developmental Biology (4 cr. hrs.)                                                                                            BIOL577        Evolutionary Biology (3 cr. hrs.)                   
BIOL599        Eukaryotic Genetics (4 cr. hrs.)                                                                                                       BIOL640        Introduction to Genomics (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                              
BIOL641        Introduction to Proteomics (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                        BIOL642        Advanced Cell Bioogy (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                        BIOL650        Behavioral Ecology (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                            BIOL651        Neuroethology (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                                  BIOL656        Biology of Cancer (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                              BIOL679        Comparative Endocrinology (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                             BIOL693        Physiology & Biomechanics Laboratory (4 cr. hrs.)                                                                BIOL694        Human and Comparative Anatomy (5 cr. hrs.)                                                                      BIOL695        Immunology (3 cr. hrs.)                                                                                                    CHEM601       Biochemistry (3 cr. hrs.)

II. THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY TRACK
NOTE:  Students interested in applying for admission to medical school must take PHYS 101-102-103, PHYS 111-112-113, CHEM 201-202-203, CHEM 211-212-213, and MATH 224-226-227. Pre-med students in the Neuroscience Program, regardless of the track they pursue, will work with advisors in the Pre-Professional Advising Program to ensure they have satisfied the requisite requirements for medical school or other programs in allied health.

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
First Year
*English Composition	ENGL 101, 102	6
**Biology (with labs)	BIOL 101-102-103, 111-112-113	15
First Year Chemistry (with labs)	CHEM 101-102-103, 111-112-113	15
**Applied Calculus	MATH 224, 226, 227	9
Neuroscience: Freshman Seminar I (winter quarter)	NS 110	1
Neuroscience: Freshman Seminar II (spring quarter)	NS 111	1
Total		47
Second Year
Organic Chemistry (recommended)	CHEM 201-202-203, 211-212-213	16
Introduction to Neuroscience	NS 201-202-203	9
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9
*Introduciton to Psychology (SS)	PSYC 101-103	9
Biology Cell Structure and Function	BIOL 301	4
Neuroscience: Sophomore Seminar	NS 211	1
Total		48
Third Year
English Composition	ENGL 289	3
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9
Introduction to Statistical Methods	PSYC 274-275	6
Research Methods in Psychology	PSYC 280-281	6
*Humanities (HU)	see offerings	3
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	9
*Literature (LT)	see offerings	3
Intro to Neuroscience: Lab Techniques	NS 204	3
Neuroscience: Junior Seminar	NS 311	1
Total		43
Fourth Year
Upper level major electives	300 level or above	24
*Humanities, Literature, or Fine Arts (HU, LT, or FA)	see offerings	3
*Social & Ethical Issues (if not already taken, SE)	see offerings	3
*Diversity & Culture (if not already taken, DC)	see offerings	3
Additional credits (free electives or other program)	see offerings	8
Neuroscience: Senior Seminar (capstone)	NS 411	1
Total		42

*Courses taken to fulfill general college requirements.
**Courses taken to fulfill general college requirements and major requirements.

Upper Level Psychology Courses
PSYC220        Cognition and Learning                                                                                                     PSYC230        Sensation and Perception                                                                                                  PSYC270        Psychobiology                                                                                                                  PSYC320        Cognitive Neuropsychology                                                                                               PSYC321        Memory                                                                                                                           PSYC322        Lifespan Brain Development                                                                                              PSYC323        Test and Measurements                                                                                                    PSYC325        Cognitive Science                                                                                                             PSYC326        Broken Brains                                                                                                                  PSYC342        Cognitive Development                                                                                                     PSYC362        Effects of Drugs on Behavior                                                                                             PSYC379        Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology                                                                         PSYC459        Research Methods in Neuropsychology                                                                               PSYC519        The Remembering Brain
                                                               

III. THE BRAIN, MIND AND BEHAVIOR TRACK

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
First Year
*English Composition	ENGL 101, 102	6
**Biology(with labs)	BIOL 101-102-103, 111-112-113	15
First Year Chemistry (with labs)	CHEM 101-102-103, 111-112-113	15
**Applied Calculus	MATH 224, 226, 227	9
Neuroscience: Freshman Seminar I (winter quarter)	NS 110	1
Neuroscience: Freshman Seminar II (spring quarter)	NS 111	1
Total		47
Second Year
Organic Chemistry (recommended)	CHEM 201-202-203, 211-212-213	16
Introduction to Neuroscience	NS 201-202-203	9
*Foreign Language	see checklist	9
*Introduction to Philosophy (HU)	PHIL 104-106	9
Biology Cell Structure and Function	BIOL 301	4
Neuroscience: Sophomore Seminar	NS 211	1
Total		48
Third Year
English Composition	ENGL 289	3
*Foreign Language (if necessary)	100 or 200 level	9
*Literature (LT)	see offerings	3
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	3
*Introduction to Psychology (SS)	PSYC 101-103	9
Introduction to Statistical Methods	PSYC 274	3
Upper Level Philosophy Courses	PHIL 307, 308, 341	9
Intro to Neuroscience: Lab Techniques	NS 204	3
Neuroscience: Junior Seminar	NS 311	1
Total		43
Fourth Year
Upper level major electives	300 level or above	21
Cognitive Psychology	PSYC 535	3
*Historical Perspectives (HP)	see offerings	6
*Social & Ethical Issues (if not already taken, SE)	see offerings	3
*Diversity & Culture (if not already taken, DC)	see offerings	3
Additional credits (free electives or other program)	see checklist	5
Neuroscience: Senior Seminar (capstone)	NS 411	1
Total		42

*Courses taken to fulfill general college requirements.
**Courses taken to fulfill general college requirements and major requirements.

Upper Level Electives
Students must complete 15 credits from the following courses, and also must take 6 upper level credit hours from courses specific to either the Neuropsychology or Neurobiology tracks (credit hours may be taken in 1 track or split between 2 tracks).

ANTH379 Medical Anthropology II (prereq: ANTH279)                                                                               ANTH510 Biocultural Anthropology                                                                                                             ANTH594 Human Origins
ANTH595 Origins of Homo Sapiens 
ANTH630 Language and Linguistics                                                                                                           PHIL303 Philosophy of Psychology                                                                                                            PHIL305 Epistemology                                                                                                                               PHIL307 Philosophy of Mind                                                                                                                      PHIL308 Philosophy of Science
PHIL309 Philosophy of Language 
PHIL342 Symbolic Logic II
PHIL352 Problems of Consciousness                                                                                                         PHIL365 The Darwinian Revolution                                                                                                           PHIL366 Neo Darwinism                                                                                                                          PHIL367 Philosophy and Cognitive Ethology                                                                                           PHIL372H Why We Suffer: The Philosophy of Science and Pain                                                                   PHIL381 Science, Philosophy and Society                                                                                                PHIL390H The Evolution of Cognition                                                                                                      PHIL398H Scientific Philosophy of Color
PHIL407 Philosophy of Mind II
PHIL531 Topics in Philosophy of Mind                                                                                                        PHIL533 Philosophy and Cognitive Science                                                                                                PHIL540 Philosophy and Evolutionary Biology                                                                                            PHIL554 Perceptual Representation
PHIL573 Contemporary Philosophy of Mind                                                                                               PHIL574 Philosophical Psychology                                                                                                            PHIL579 Philosophy and Neuroscience                                                                                                       PHIL587 Philosophy of Science: Experiment
PSYC305 Cognitive Development
PSYC379 Research Methods in Cognitive Psychology 
PSYC383/455 Research Methods in Perception and Action 
PSYC385 Research Methods in Learning 
PSYC418 Human Performance 
PSYC510 Psycholinguistics                                                                                                                      PSYC535 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology                                                                    

Special Opportunities

Students in the UC McMicken College of Arts & Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Undergraduate Research
Neuroscience is a major area of research strength and academic excellence at the University of Cincinnati. Many of our neuroscience faculty are world-recognized bench researchers in cognitive/computational neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, functional brain imaging, motivation and reward, neuroendocrinology, neuroplasticity and regeneration, sensory physiology, and sensation and perception. The neuroscience community at UC also includes leading clinical researchers working on neurological and psychiatric disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, substance abuse, bipolar disorder and obesity. There is research strength, as well, in animal behavior and its physiological mechanisms.

Undergraduate neuroscience research opportunities will be enhanced by the contributions of faculty on two campuses: the medical campus and the west (main) campus. Students will be able to choose between more applied clinically-oriented research to more basic scientific research. This combination provides opportunities not available to neuroscience majors at smaller colleges and universities, and often not capitalized on at larger research universities.

Interdisciplinary Capstone Project
The interdisciplinary core capstone project required of each student is unique in that it requires a collaboration of at least two of the program curricular tracks. The capstone involves a research project under the mentorship of two of the program's faculty whose research and teaching interests lie in different program tracks, or acceptable faculty and labs in other colleges or departments (e.g., the neuroscience graduate program, biomedical engineering). The program director and the laboratory and research experience coordinator will assist each student in finding appropriate mentors for his or her capstone project. The goal of the capstone experience for each student is a poster suitable for presentation at a scientific conference. Selected capstone posters will be posted around the neuroscience (or related departmental) offices.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA. Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following State of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social science (2 units)
• Foreign language (2 units)*
• Fine arts (1 unit) 
• Additional college-prep subjects (2 units)

*McMicken College of Arts & Sciences does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to the UC McMicken College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants who have received an associate degree from an accredited college or university and whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

Although midyear off-campus transfer students are not able to participate in early registration in the quarter prior to their enrollment, they are included in the summer registration period prior to their fall quarter enrollment.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree-seeking student in one of UC's other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other  institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English Composition or its equivalent, and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

Further details on individual programs are available online or in the A&S Office of Undergraduate Student Affairs and Advising (102 McMicken Hall).

Graduation Requirements

In addition to meeting the university's General Education requirements, the requirements listed in the McMicken College Core Requirements are common to all potential graduates of the college, whether they are pursuing the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science or bachelor of interdisciplinary studies degree.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to A&S who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in McMicken 102). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).