Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2013-2014 Catalog Program: Behavioral Neuroscience, BA Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Behavioral Neuroscience, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Technology.

106-109 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Behavioral Neuroscience?

Behavioral neuroscience explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought and emotion. For example, Behavioral Neuroscientists study the biological basis of normal learning and memory as well as psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia and drug abuse.

Why Consider a Behavioral Neuroscience Major? 

This interdisciplinary program provides students with the specialized preparation and technological sophistication critical for success in a variety of graduate-training programs, including neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, mental health, and neurobiology; and in health care, including medicine and dentistry. For those students who do not anticipate pursuing post-graduate education, the degree program provides an excellent platform for entry-level positions in such areas as biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry.

 Contact Information

Program Director
Janet Finlay
Academic Instructional Center 572
360-650-6717
Janet.Finlay@wwu.edu

Behavioral Neuroscience Program Coordinator
Coco Besson
Academic Instructional Center 599
360-650-2148
Coco.Besson@wwu.edu

Biology Program Coordinator
Maren Brinson
Biology 315
360-650-6165
Maren.Brinson@wwu.edu

Faculty Advisors
Biology: Roger Anderson. Psychology: Janet Finlay, Jeff Carroll, Jeffrey Grimm, Kelly Jantzen, McNeel Jantzen, Mike Mana, Jacqueline Rose.

 Sample Careers

Neuroscientist | Biomedical Researcher | Psychiatrist | Medical Doctor | Dentist | Pharmacist | Veterinarian | Physician Assistant | Pharmaceutical Sales

 Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major courses.

Requirements

Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed

Basic Requirements:

 BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
 BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
 BIOL 206 - Introduction to Organismal Biology
 BIOL 321 - Genetics
 BIOL 323 - Cell and Molecular Biology
 BIOL 432 - Evolutionary Biology
 CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
 CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
 CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
 CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry or equivalent
 MATH 114 - Precalculus I
 PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology
 PSY 220 - Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience
 PSY 301 - Overview of Research Methods
 PSY 303 - Research Methods and Statistical Analysis: Experimental Approaches
 PSY 319 - Cognitive Neuroscience
 PSY 320 - Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience
 PSY 323 - Psychopharmacology
 PSY 328 - Techniques in Behavioral Neuroscience

One course from:

    BIOL 410 - Animal Behavior

    PSY 321 - Learning
    PSY 324 - Comparative Psychology

 Seminar Requirements (3-5 credits)

    BIOL 410 - Animal Behavior   (can be applied to Basic OR Seminar requirement, not both)

    BIOL 476 - The Structural Basis of Membrane Transport Proteins 

    BIOL 486 - Topics in Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodevelopment 

    PSY 410 - Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience 

    PSY 420 - Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience 

    PSY 421 - Seminar in Learning 

    PSY 422 - Seminar in Motivation 

    PSY 424 - Seminar in Comparative Psychology 

Electives under advisement (10 credits)

    BIOL 322 - Genetics Lab
    BIOL 324 - Methods in Molecular Biology
    BIOL 325 - Ecology
    BIOL 410 - Animal Behavior
    BIOL 467 - Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
    BIOL 468 - Comparative Vertebrate Physiology Laboratory
    BIOL 471 - Biochemistry I
    BIOL 472 - Biochemistry II
    BIOL 476 - The Structural Basis of Membrane Transport Proteins
    BIOL 482 - Developmental Biology of Animals
    BIOL 484 - Cell Biology Laboratory
    BIOL 486 - Topics in Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodevelopment

    BIOL 497

    CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry
    PSY 210 - Cognition
    PSY 302 - Research Methods and Statistical Analysis: Correlational Approaches
    PSY 310 - Sensation and Perception
    PSY 322 - Motivation
    PSY 327 - Cognitive Neuroscience Lab
    PSY 410 - Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience
    PSY 420 - Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience
    PSY 421 - Seminar in Learning
    PSY 422 - Seminar in Motivation
    PSY 424 - Seminar in Comparative Psychology
    PSY 428 - Advanced Techniques in Behavioral Neuroscience

    One course from:

      BIOL 300

      BIOL 395 - Biology Research Participation

      BIOL 400

      BIOL 494 - Biology Research
      BIOL 495 - Research Communication

    One course from:

      PSY 300

      PSY 400

Additional Information

A maximum combined total of 10 credits in PSY 300, 400 or BIOL 300, 395, 400, 494, 495 can be applied to the major.

Faculty Advisors: Biology: Roger Anderson; Psychology: Jeff Carroll, Janet Finlay, Jeffrey Grimm, Kelly Jantzen, McNeel Jantzen, Mike Mana, Jacqueline Rose

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements (GURS) 
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement

Notes: