Liberal Arts
introduction |
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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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