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Neuroscience Minor

The Minor in Neurosciences will give the highly qualified and motivated undergraduate an opportunity to study Neuroscience. The emphasis includes study in systems, cognitive, and computational neuroscience in a manner that crosses the traditional boundaries of Psychology, Biological Sciences, and other related disciplines. The minor is most appropriate for students who already have a background in the Biological Sciences or Psychology.

All majors are eligible for the minor except students in the Physiology & Neurobiology (PHNB) track in Biological Sciences (BSCI).

There are a number of science course prerequisites for the required and elective classes. Students should carefully review the prerequisites for all courses listed for the Neurosciences minor. A student without a sufficient science background may not be able to complete the minor in the allotted credits. Students may only count a maximum of two courses (6-8 credits) toward both their major degree requirements and the Minor in Neurosciences.

Eligibility and Application to the Minor

In order to apply for the Minor in Neurosciences, a student must have:

1. Completed at least 30 college credits and at least 15 credits at UM.
2. Earned at least a C (2.0 GPA) in BSCI105 and CHEM131&132 or have AP equivalents.
3. Earned at least a C (2.0 GPA) in PSYC301 or BSCI330.
4. Be in good academic standing.

Applications for the Minor in Neurosciences will be considered three times each year on October 1, March 1, and June 1. Students will be notified via email regarding the status of their application within three weeks of the submission deadline so that students will know whether or not they are accepted to the minor prior to early registration for the next semester. Applications are available on the Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences (NACS) Program website or in the Psychology Undergraduate Office (1107 Biology-Psychology Bldg).

Interested students should meet with the Neuroscience advisor in the Psychology Undergraduate office several weeks prior to the application deadline. The application process includes completion of the application, development of a personal statement explaining your interest in neuroscience, an updated academic plan, and a final meeting with one of the neuroscience faculty members.

Course Requirements

There are five required courses (11- 14 credits) and two elective courses (6-8 credits) for a total of 17-22 credits to complete the minor. The five required courses and their prerequisites are listed below. A list of eligible electives can be found on the NACS website.

Required Courses Course Prerequisites
(5 courses, 11-14 credits)

PSYC301 or BSCI453 PSYC301 Biological Basis of Behavior (3) BSCI105, PSYC100
BSCI453 Cellular Neurophysiology (3 ) BSCI330, CHEM231/232, PHYS122

PSYC401 or BSCI454 PSYC401 Biological Basis of Behavior Lab (4) BSCI105, PSYC200, PSYC301 or equiv.
BSCI454 Neurophysiology Lab (1) BSCI330, CHEM231/232, PHYS122

PSYC406 or BSCI446 PSYC402 Neural Systems (3) PSYC206 or PSYC301
BSCI446 Neural Systems (3) BSCI330

PSYC403 or BSCI360 PSYC403 Animal Behavior (3) PSYC206 or PSYC301
BSCI360 Principles of Animal Behavior (3) BSCI105, BSCI106, BSCI222

PSYC409 Topics in Neuroscience Seminar (1) Permission of Instructor & Department