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  Academic Programs / Liberal Arts

Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior & Plasticity

Dr. Diana S. Woodruff-Pak, Director
215-204-1258
821 Weiss Hall

pak@temple.edu

Ben Schimeneck, Neuroscience Coordinator
215-204-3441
638 Weiss Hall
tua18884@temple.edu

Asim Malik, Research Coordinator

215-204-3441

638 Weiss Hall

asim.malik@temple.edu

www.temple.edu/cla/neuroscience/

A major in Neuroscience enables students to pursue a curriculum in several departments, colleges, and schools at Temple University in one of the most dynamic areas of science. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field addressing neural and brain function at multiple levels. It encompasses a broad domain that ranges from molecular genetics and neural development, to brain processes involved in cognition and emotion, to mechanisms and consequences of neurodegenerative disease. The field of neuroscience also includes mathematical and physical principles involved in modeling neural systems and in brain imaging. The undergraduate, interdisciplinary Neuroscience Major will culminate in a Bachelor of Science degree. Many high-level career options within and outside of the field of neuroscience are open to students with this major. This is a popular major with students aiming for professional careers in the health sciences such as in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and veterinary science. Students interested in graduate school in biology, chemistry, communications science, neuroscience, or psychology are also likely to find the Neuroscience Major attractive.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience includes 53-55 required credits: 19 credits in Neuroscience, 6-8 credits in electives on neuroscience topics from a variety of participating departments, and 28 credits of co-requisite courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Students majoring in Neuroscience will be strongly encouraged to participate in research by taking courses in independent study as part of their elective credits for the major. Independent study opportunities will be offered in many of the laboratories of the more than 130 neuroscientist faculty members in the various colleges and schools participating in Temple University’s Neuroscience Program.

Distinction in Neuroscience Major

Majors in Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior, Plasticity have the opportunity to be awarded departmental distinction upon graduation. Graduation with Distinction can be achieved by maintaining a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better in all Neuroscience (NSI) Courses, completing two semesters of Independent Study in Neuroscience (NSI 4182 & 4282) with an A- or better, and successfully completing a neuroscience research project based on the independent study work and described in a research paper and poster presented to Neuroscience Program faculty and students. 

 

Requirements for the Major

Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Biology 1012 General Biology II 4 SB
Chemistry 1031/1033 General Chemistry I 4 SA
Chemistry 1032/1034 General Chemistry II 4 SB
Psychology 1071 Psychology as a Natural Science 3  
Psychology 1167 Foundations in Statistical Methods 3 QB
Psychology 2168 Inferential Methods in Psychology 3  
Psychology 2196 Scientific Thinking in Psychology 4 WI
Neuroscience 1051 Fundamentals of Neuroscience 3  
Neuroscience 2121 Development/Plasticity/Repair 3  
Neuroscience 2122 Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience 3  
Neuroscience 2222 Neurobiology of Disease 3  
Neuroscience 3087 Techniques in Neuroscience 3  
 
Choose one of the following courses: 3  
Psychology
Psychology
Psychology
2102
2501
2502
Evolutionary & Comparative Psychology
Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience
Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience
   
 
Select two electives from the following list: 6-8  
CSC+DIS 3235 Human Neuroscience    
CSC+DIS 3382 Independent Study in Communication Sciences    
Philosophy 2144 Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind    
Psychology 3306 Neuroscience of Development & Aging    
Psychology 3561 Psychopharmacology    
Psychology 3566 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory    
Psychology 4182 Independent Study in Cognitive Neuroscience I    
Psychology 4282 Independent Study in Cognitive Neuroscience II    
Neuroscience 4282 Independent Study    
Biology 3082 Independent Study    
Biology 3096 Cell Structure & Function   WI
Biology 3352 Systems Neuroscience    
Biology 3354 Neural Basis of Animal Behavior    
Biology 3356 Organization & Development of the Nervous System    
Chemistry 3881 Cooperative Research    
Chemistry 4107 Drug Analysis    
Physics 3301 Electricity & Magnetism    
 
Neuroscience 4197 Capstone in Neuroscience 4 WI
Total     53-55  

The Foreign Language/Global Studies requirement does not pertain to students pursuing the B.S. in Neuroscience. Neuroscience majors under the GenEd program must complete one World Society course. Neuroscience majors under the Core Curriculum must complete two International Studies/World Society courses.

Students should check prerequisites for all courses.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses.

Neuroscience Research Minor

The Neuroscience Research Minor expands opportunities for Temple students to get research experience and to become more competitive in their applications to graduate and professional schools. The required courses in the Neuroscience Research Minor focus on basic neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, and neuroscientific techniques. In addition to formal coursework, independent study resulting in a research project is required. The Neuroscience Research Project is a unique project developed over two semesters of independent study. The project is submitted in written form (research article format) and is presented to Neuroscience faculty members and graduate students as a poster. This project may not overlap with projects for other programs (e.g., Honors).  Because of some overlap in coursework, the students must choose to minor in either the Neuroscience Research or the Cognitive Neuroscience minor.

Requirements for the Minor

Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Three required courses:
Neuroscience 1051 Fundamentals of Neuroscience 3  
Neuroscience 2122 Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience 3  
Neuroscience 3087 Techniques in Neuroscience 3  
 
Select one elective from the course offerings below: 3-4  
Neuroscience 2121 Development/Plasticity/Repair    
Neuroscience 2222 Neurobiology of Disease    
Psychology 2102 Evolutionary & Comparative Psychology    
Psychology 2501 Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience    
Psychology 2502 Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience    
Psychology 3141 Neurobiology and Evolution of Social Behavior    
Psychology 3306 Neuroscience of Development & Aging    
Psychology 3561 Psychopharmacology    
Psychology 3566 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory    
Biology 3096 Cell Structure & Function   WI
Biology 3352 Systems Neuroscience    
Biology 3354 Neural Basis of Animal Behavior    
Biology 3356 Organization & Development of the Nervous System    
CSC+DIS 3235 Human Neuroscience    
Chemistry 4107 Drug Analysis    
Physics 3301 Electricity & Magnetism    
 
Two required independent study courses:
Neuroscience 4182 Independent Study in Neuroscience 1 3  
Neuroscience 4282 Independent Study in Neuroscience 2 (3 research
credits and 1 credit for research paper and presentation)
4  
Total     19-20  

Suggested Semester-by-Semester Plans

 

Requirements For New Freshman Students Starting in the 2009-2010 Academic year

Freshman Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
English 0802, 0812, or 0902 Analytical Reading & Writing 4 GW
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Quantitative Literacy 4 GQ
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Diversity & Race 3 GD
GenEd 08xx or 09xx U.S. Society 3 GU
Subtotal      14  
   
Freshman Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
IH 0851 or 0951 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar I 3 GY
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Arts 3-4 GA
Neuroscience 1051 Fundamentals of Neuroscience 3  
Psychology 1071 Psychology as a Natural Science 3  
Biology 1012 General Biology II 4 SB
Subtotal      16-17  
 
Sophomore Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Psychology 1167 Foundations in Statistical Methods 3 QB
IH 0852 or 0952 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar II 3 GZ
GenEd 08xx or 09xx Human Behavior 3 GB
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3  
Subtotal      15  
 
Sophomore Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
GenEd 08xx or 09xx World Society 3 GG
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Elective 3  
Psychology 2168 Inferential Methods in Psychology 3  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3  
Subtotal      15  
 
Junior Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3  
Psychology 2196 Scientific Thinking in Psychology 4 WI
Chemistry 1031/1033 General Chemistry I 4 SA*
Neuroscience 2121 Development/Plasticity/Repair 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3  
Subtotal     17  
 
Junior Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3  
Chemistry 1032/1034 General Chemistry II 4 SB*
Neuroscience 2122 Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience 3  
Neuroscience 2222 Neurobiology of Disease 3  
Psychology 2102/2501/2502 One of Three Foundations Courses 3  
Subtotal      16  
 
Senior Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Neuroscience 3087 Techniques in Neuroscience 3  
See Above 2000+ One Elective From the Approved List 3-4  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3  
Subtotal      15-16  
 
Senior Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Neuroscience 4197 Capstone in Neuroscience 4 WI
See Above 2000+ One Elective From the Approved List 3-4  
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Elective 3  
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Elective 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 2-3  
Subtotal      15-17  
         
Degree Total 123  
 
*Chemistry 1031/1033 and 1032/1034 fulfill the GenEd Science & Technology requirement.
Prerequisite for Chemistry 1031 is Math 1021 with a C or better or placement into Math 1022.

 

Requirements For New Transfer Students Starting in the 2009-2010 Academic year

Freshman Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
English 0802, 0812, or 0902 Analytical Reading & Writing 4 CO/GW
Core 0800+ One Quantitative Reasoning A Course 3-4 QA/GQ
Core 0800+ One Arts Course 3-4 AR/GA
Neuroscience 1051 Fundamentals of Neuroscience 3  
Core 0800+ One Individual and Society Course 3 IN/GB
Subtotal      16-18  
   
Freshman Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
IH 0851 or 0951 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar I 3 IA/GY
Psychology 1167 Foundations in Statistical Methods 3 QB
Psychology 1071 Psychology as a Natural Science 3  
Biology 1012 General Biology II 4 SB
Core 0800+ One Studies in Race Course 3 RS/GD
Subtotal      16  
 
Sophomore Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Core 0800+ One International Studies Course 3 IS/GG
IH 0852 or 0952 Mosaic: Humanities Seminar II 3 IB/GY
Core 0800+ One American Culture Course 3 AC/GU
Psychology 2168 Inferential Methods in Psychology 3  
Chemistry 1031/1033 General Chemistry I* 4 SA
Subtotal      16  
 
Sophomore Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Psychology 2196 Scientific Thinking in Psychology 4 WI
Chemistry 1032/1034 General Chemistry II 4 SB
Neuroscience 2121 Development/Plasticity/Repair 3  
Psychology 2102/2501/2502 One of Three Foundations Courses 3  
Core 0800+ One International Studies Course 3 IS/GG
Subtotal      17  
 
Junior Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3  
Neuroscience 2122 Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience 3  
Neuroscience 2222 Neurobiology of Disease 3  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
Subtotal     15  
 
Junior Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ Humanities/CST Course 3  
Core 1000-4999 One Writing Intensive Course 3 WI
See Above 2000+ One Elective From the Approved List 3-4  
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Course 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 1-2  
Subtotal      13-16  
 
Senior Year – 1st Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Neuroscience 3087 Techniques in Neuroscience 3  
See Above 2000+ One Elective From the Approved List 3-4  
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Course 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
Subtotal      15-16  
 
Senior Year – 2nd Semester  
Department Course # Course Name Hours RCI
Neuroscience 4197 Capstone in Neuroscience 4 WI
CLA/CST 2000+ One 2000+ CLA/CST Course 3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 2-3  
Any 0800-4999 One Elective in Any School or College 3  
CLA/CST 0800-4999 Any CLA/CST Elective 3  
Subtotal      15-16  
         
Degree Total 123  
 
*Prerequisite for Chemistry 1031 is Math 1021 with a C or better or placement into Math 1022.

 

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