Behavioral Neuroscience

Major

Psychology Department

The bachelor's degree in Behavioral Neuroscience at NDMU explores the complex and intriguing relationship between the brain and behavior. Core courses in biology, chemistry, and psychology combine to cover topics including neurobiology, sensation and perception, cognition, genetics, and animal behavior. The program prepares graduates for the growing field of neuroscience. Career pathways can include graduate, medical, or veterinary school as well as immediate opportunities in research.

Program Location

Main Campus

Features of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program

Research – opportunities to actively design and implement research projects
Applied Learning – clinical courses feature a skills component to apply concepts learned
Preparation for Professional Programs – specialized advising offered to prepare for graduate, medical, or veterinary school
Professional Development – emphasis on leadership, communication, and soft skills valued by employers
Social Responsibility – current topics explored through the lens of psychology as a discipline (advancement of women, addiction, etc.)

Four-Year Plan

The behavioral neuroscience program provides a core of biology, chemistry, psychology and neuroscience courses.

Below is a sample program of study for the behavioral neuroscience major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor. Careful attention to course sequencing is required since courses are offered on rotating years and to ensure that prerequisites are taken.

Fall		Spring
First Year
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education	4	General Education/Electives	6
PSY-101 Introduction to Psychology	4	BIO-239 Genetics	4
BIO-111 Fund of Biology	4	CHM-111 General Chemistry II	4
CHM-110 General Chemistry I	4	MAT-215 Basic Statistics	3
[15 credits]		[17 credits]
Second Year
PSY-210 Research Methods	4	PSY-340 Quantitative Methods	4
BIO-230 Unity & Diversity of Life	4	PSY-325 Learning & Motivation	4
CHM-210 Organic Chemistry I	4	PSY-223 Biopsychology	3
PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy	3	PHY-101 General Physics	3
PSY-212 Cognition	3
[18 credits]		[14 credits]
Third Year
BIO-341 Vertebrate Anatomy	4
MAT-110 Discrete Mathematics	4
PSY-220 Introduction to Neuroscience	3	PSY-323 Sensaation & Perception	4
BIO-413 Neurobiology	4	PSY-461 Practicum or PSY-463 Independent Research	4
General Education/Electives	3	General Education/Electives	3
[18 credits]		[15 credits]
Fourth Year
PSY-420 History & Systems of Psychology	3	MAT-243 Linear Algebra	3
General Education/Electives	12	General Education/Electives	12
[15 credits]		[15 credits]

Note: Students interested in medical school should take Organic Chemistry II, Physics 102, and Calculus I and II.

Professional Program Advising

If you are interested in pursuing a professional program after graduation, NDMU offers specialized advising to help you prepare.

Types of Professional Programs

Health Professions (Medical, Dental, Veterinary & More)
Law School
Pharmacy School
Veterinary School

Pre-professional coordinators can help you:

Choose a profession that aligns with your interests and goals
Select a bachelor’s degree program that will meet required prerequisites to apply to a professional school
Monitor your academic progress through in-depth, one-on-one advising sessions
Explore experiential learning opportunities and secure internships
Connect with alumni who currently work in the field
Prepare for the application process

Learn More About Professional Program Advising

http://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate-catalog/school-of-arts-and-sciences/behavioral-neuroscience

Research & Internship Opportunities

One of the hallmarks of the rich educational environment at NDMU is the opportunity to participate in research in your field of interest. Our annual Nancy Kreiter Student Research Day provides the perfect forum to showcase your hard work with a formal research presentation to the NDMU community.

Practicum Experience

In the third or fourth year, behavioral neuroscience majors take everything learned and apply it through a supervised field placement. Practicum placements are selected based on your specific area of interest.

Examples of Practicum Placements

Behavioral Neuroscience Careers

The behavioral neuroscience major prepares graduates for medical and professional schools, masters or doctoral graduate work in the growing field of neuroscience, and immediate career opportunities in research.