Biology, Neuroscience Concentration, B.S.

Degree and Major Requirements

Concentration Coordinator: Mark Gabriele
Phone: (540) 568-6333
E-mail: gabrieml@jmu.edu

Concentration in Neuroscience

The biology department offers a concentration within the biology major for students with interests in cell and molecular, systems, and behavioral aspects of the nervous system and its functionality. Students choosing a concentration in neuroscience must meet all of the requirements for the biology major in addition to the following requirements. Courses for this concentration can also satisfy biology major requirements.

Required Courses

Choose one: 3 Credit Hours

BIO 301. Introductory Neuroscience 3.00
BIO 385. Biopsychology 3.00
or
PSYC 385. Biopsychology 3.00

Choose one: 3-4 Credit Hours

BIO 415. Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 3.00
or
CSD 415. Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 3.00
BIO 445. Neurobiology (3, 3) 4.00 ¹

Neuroscience Concentration Electives: 9-12 Credit Hours

Choose three, of which at least one must be principally a neurobiology course (BIO 375 /PSYC 375 , BIO 415 /CSD 415 , BIO 445 , BIO 446 or BIO 448).

BIO 316. Animal Development (3, 0) 3.00 with optional laboratory ¹
BIO 375. Sensation and Perception 3.00
or
PSYC 375. Sensation & Perception 3.00
BIO 415. Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 3.00 ²
or
CSD 415. Neuroanatomy and Neurogenic Communication Disorders 3.00 ²
BIO 445. Neurobiology (3, 3) 4.00 ^{1, 2}
BIO 446. Experimental Neurobiology 4.00 ¹
BIO 448. Developmental Neurobiology 4.00 ¹
BIO 480. Advanced Molecular Biology (2, 5) 4.00 ¹
BIO 481. Genomics (3, 3) 4.00 ¹
BIO 482. Human Histology (3, 3) 4.00 ¹

Total: 15-19 Credit Hours

Footnotes

¹ Meets one of the biology major requirements for a laboratory/field course.
² BIO 445 and BIO 415 /CSD 415 : The course not taken as part of required neuroscience concentration core may be used to fulfill elective requirements.

Additional Information

Students should choose additional BIO courses at the 300-400 level, including a course that fulfills the organismal diversity major requirement, and are strongly encouraged to discuss their career interests with an adviser who can help select courses best suited to their needs. With prior approval from the concentration coordinator, BIO 426 and/or BIO 427 may be substituted. It is recommended that students participate in independent research (BIO 497 /499) with a faculty mentor.