Behavioral Neuroscience, BS

Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

107-118 credits

Introduction

Behavioral neuroscience explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. This major emphasizes an understanding of nervous system structure and function from the molecular/cellular level to the systems level. For example, behavioral neuroscientists study the neurobiological basis of normal learning and memory, psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Why Consider a Behavioral Neuroscience Major?

This interdisciplinary field 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 574 360-650-2148 Coco.Besson@wwu.edu
Faculty Advisors 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):

To declare, a student must have completed the following requirements:

• Complete at least 75 undergraduate credits.
• MATH 114 or higher.
• Complete the following courses with an average grade point of 2.9 or higher: CHEM 121, CHEM 122, CHEM 123; BIOL 204, BIOL 205, BIOL 206; PSY 101, PSY 220.
• After completing the above, submit an application to Coco Besson in AI 574. Application materials are available at the Behavioral Neuroscience Program website and AI 574. This is a competitive application process.

Application deadlines: The deadline for this application is the end of the 2nd full week of classes fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters.

Grade Requirements

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