header Westmont College


Program in Neuroscience

 

Description of the Major.

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary and multifaceted approach to the study of the brain and its relationship to the behavior of humans and other animals. The discipline comprises empirical and theoretical research from the disciplines of biology, psychology, mathematics, computer science, physics and chemistry. Once a student demonstrates competence in a subset of courses in these foundational disciplines, s/he may apply to be admitted to the Neuroscience Program (download application). Once admitted, the student would complete an agreed upon selection of distribution courses and the neuroscience core courses. Additionally, a major research project is required.

Distinctive Features.

A major in Neuroscience provides a broad background in the sciences, the flexibility to develop depth of knowledge in an area of interest within the neuroscience field, and intensive experience in developing research skills. As part of the neuroscience program at Westmont College, students confront a number of historical and contemporary issues involving brain-behavior research and its relation to Christian faith. Such issues include those of an ethical, theological, moral, and philosophical nature. Pursuing such issues is an important feature of the program, and it is an integral part of Neuroscience Core courses.

Career Choices.

This major prepares students for a number of potential careers, as well as for further study in a wide variety of fields. Some careers at the undergraduate level include educator, technical writer, editor, laboratory assistant, and film producer in these areas. Graduate work allows an even wider range of choices, including artificial intelligence, biophysics, psychobiology, physiological psychology, cognitive science, medicine, clinical psychology, pharmacology, sensory sciences and brain development.

Major Advisors.

Dr. Ayoub (Biology) and Dr. Fikes (Psychology) co-direct this program. Questions about the major should be addressed to one of these professors.

Requirements for a major: 64 units

A. Required Basic Core: 40-42 units

Psy 1 General Psychology
Psy 13 Experimental Psychology
Bio 5 General Biology I
Bio 6 General Biology II
Math 5 Statistics
Chem 5 General Chemistry I
Chem 6 General Chemistry II
Math 9 Calculus

One of the following sequences: 8-10 units
Phys 11, 13 Physics for Life Science Majors I and II
Phys 21, 23 General Physics I and II
Chem 101, 102 Organic Chemistry I and II

B. Required Neuroscience Core Courses: 14 units

Psy 125 Physiological Psychology
Bio 162 Neuroscience
Psy/Bio 198 Research (6 units)

C. Distribution courses: 12 units

In consultation with a Neuroscience advisor, choose three coordinated courses from the list below:
Bio 100 Developmental Biology
Bio 102 Physiology
Bio 113 Biochemistry
Bio 114 Genetics
Bio 130 Cell Biology
Bio 132 Molecular Biology
Chem 121 Analytical Chemistry
Chem 122 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Chem 135 Introductory Physical Chemistry
CS 10 Introduction to Computer Science
CS 20 Data Structures and Algorithms
Phys 142 Circuits
Psy 120 Cognitive Psychology
Psy 121 Psychology of Learning
Psy 124 Sensation and Perception
Psy 150 Topics in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Psy 150 other relevant topics courses as available, e.g., Psycholinguistics, Cognitive Development)

Recommended Existing Courses in Other Departments: Students may petition to use relevant existing courses from other departments to meet Distribution requirements.

 

Application for the Program in Neuroscience

Neuroscience Catalog Information


Departmental home pages:

Biology

Psychology