Neuroscience represents an emerging integrative scientific discipline that seeks to better understand nervous system structure and function and use this knowledge to better understand mental processing and behavior. In addressing these goals, neuroscience borrows from an array of disciplines including: physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, computer science, philosophy, anthropology, mathematics, pharmacology, and education. In turn, the knowledge gained through neuroscience research can advance the fields of medicine, biology, pharmacology, psychology, education, social work, forensics, marketing, and computer science, among others.
Students participating in the minor program will be introduced to a variety of perspectives on the field of neuroscience. These perspectives include: neurobiology, evolution of mind/brain, theories of mind, behavioral neuroscience, psychopharmacology, cognitive science, computational neuroscience, animal behavior, linguistics, and perception. The neuroscience minor may be an attractive addition to a major in natural science, mathematics and computer science, social science, or humanities, and should enable students to address issues and dilemmas in their major field from a neuroscience perspective. It may also better prepare students who are considering graduate study in fields impacted by neuroscience; for example, medicine, psychology, education, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, computer science, philosophy, and social work.
The minor requires a minimum of 22 hours of coursework. These include 10 hours of required courses and an additional 12 hours in electives. Students would be required to take PSY 311, PHI 345, NEU 400, and one of three core electives. Students would choose four other elective courses. Three of these electives must come from outside of the student's major. Students are strongly encouraged to take BIO 150-151 prior to or at the beginning of their coursework in the minor. Students will be required to carry a 2.0 GPA in program courses to earn the minor. Students can not take CSC 325 after taking CSC 425. Psychology majors may only apply six hours of minor coursework to their major. Students must earn a C grade or better in all courses applied toward certification of the minor.
Required Courses
PSY 311 Biopsychology PHI 345 Philosophy of Mind NEU 400 Cognitive Neuroscience Seminar
One of the following:
BIO 245 Neurobiology CSC 325
Introduction to Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence
PSY 338 Cognitive Processes
Elective Courses
ANT 202
Physical Anthropology ANT 275 Language and Culture BIO 245 Neurobiology BIO 251 Genetics, Molecular, and Cell Biology I BIO 252 Genetics, Molecular, and Cell Biology II BIO 440 Animal Behavior BIO 467 Endocrinology CSC 325
Introduction to Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence CSC 425 Artificial Intelligence CSC 485
Theory of Computation ENG 381 Introduction to Linguistics PHI 165 Introduction to Logic PHI 306
Philosophy and Science PHI 302 Ethics and Science PSY 309 Psychology of Perception PSY 333 Abnormal Psychology PSY 337
Animal Learning PSY 338 Cognitive Processes
Other acceptable elective courses upon consent of the minor director
ANT 394
Special Topics: PsychologicalPSY 494 Special Topics: Drugs and Behavior
Anthropology
HNR 301/
PHI 394Special Topics: Androids, Zombies and Brains HNR 303 The Dream of a Perfect Language PHI 315 Knowledge and Reality PHI 340 Contemporary Anglo-American
Philosophy
ANT 499, BIO 492, CHE 492, CSC 499, HNR 491, PHI 499, PSY 492
Directed Research/Independent Study
Contact: Dr. Mark Bardgett
(859) 572-5591
bardgettm@nku.edu
