Neuroscience Program
Director: Patti Simone (Psychology)
Assistant Director: Christelle Sabatier (Biology)
Faculty: Laura Cocas (Biology), Lindsay Halladay (Psychology)
Neuroscience examines the bidirectional relationship between the nervous system and behavior from the perspective of a variety of disciplines including biology, psychology, chemistry, computer science, philosophy, and engineering. The neuroscience curriculum at Santa Clara is structured so that students learn to analyze the complexities of human and non-human behavior using multiple approaches. Students learn how individual neurons produce and process electrochemical signals required for cellular communication (cellular and molecular neuroscience). Students study neural circuits that process sensory information from the environment and produce motor behavior and other adaptive output (systems neuroscience). Students study thought, emotion, and behavior by looking at the structure and function of brains in normal and diseased states (behavioral and cognitive neuroscience). Majoring in neuroscience prepares students for graduate work and careers in a variety of fields that seek to better understand and impact the nervous system, cognition, and mental health.
Requirements for the Major
In addition to fulfilling the Undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements for the bachelor of science degree, students majoring in neuroscience must complete the following requirements:
NEUR 1, 10, 150, 190
BIOL 21, 24, 25 (or 1A, 1B, 1C), 122, 160
CHEM 11, 12, 13, 31, 32
MATH 11 or 35 (35 recommended)
MATH 12 or 36 or CSCI 10
PHIL 32 (recommended)
PSYC 1, 165, 169
One from BIOL 110, 120, 123, 165, 174, 175
One from PSYC 130, 138, 166, 167, 196
One additional course from: BIOL 110, 119, 120, 123, 124, 165, 171, 174, 175; CHEM 141
One additional course from: COMM 100A, 176A; PHIL 113, 117, 153, 158, 160, 161; PSYC 166, 167, 196
Recommended Pre-Health courses: PHYS 11, 12, 13 or PHYS 31, 32, 33 and CHEM 33, 141
Lower-Division Courses
1. Introduction to Neuroscience
This course introduces fundamental concepts in neuroscience. Students will consider the importance of biological and environmental factors on brain function and behavior. Students will examine interdisciplinary approaches to problems in neuroscience and engage with important ethical and societal issues in neuroscience (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, cognition, addiction). (4 units)
10. Explorations in Neuroscience
A course with a focus on foundational knowledge essential to the field (e.g., neurons, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology) with an introduction to research methodologies to be able to understand and conduct neuroscience research. Prerequisite: NEUR 1. (4 units)
Upper-Division Courses
150. Neuroscience Research Seminar
Junior-level course using journal readings and invited neuroscientists from on- and off-campus to discuss research from several disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, engineering, ethics, psychology). An opportunity for majors to develop a high level of scientific literacy and quantitative, analytical skill so as to competently judge the scientific merit of original research and its representation by popular media and be introduced to neuroscientists in a variety of fields and professions. Course may be repeated multiple times. Prerequisite: NEUR
- Recommended but not required: ENVS 110/BIOL 160. (2 units)
190. Neuroscience Capstone
This senior-level capstone experience engages students in research experience, literature reviews, and/or collaborations with neuroscience professionals to pursue their own interest in the field. Prerequisites: NEUR 150 and ENVS 110/BIOL 160. (5 units)