Neuroscience Major
Why study neuroscience at CMU?
CMU has the first and only neuroscience undergraduate degree program in Michigan. A wide range of neuroscience-related course work and activities helps students develop a sound academic background, technical skills, and hands-on research experience. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Courses in biology, chemistry, rehabilitation and medical sciences, and psychology that prepare students for a variety of neuroscience-related careers or professional or graduate study
- Expert and award-winning faculty who serve as mentors and advisors
- Professional development, resources, and contacts through student organizations such as the Student Neuroscience Society
- Undergraduate research opportunities, including on-campus grant and fellowship programs
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow 18 to 26 percent as the volume of laboratory tests increases with both population growth and the development of new types of tests.
- Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 18 to 26 percent because of increased demand for psychological services.
- People with bachelor's degrees who are seeking careers in psychology may find jobs as assistants in rehabilitation centers or in other jobs involving data collection and analysis.
Career options
Graduates of the neuroscience program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Behavioral Neuroscientist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Neurologist
- Neuropharmacologist
- Neurochemist
- Neuropychologist
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Neuroscience Major
This multidisciplinary major integrates courses from four departments: biology, chemistry, rehabilitation and medical sciences, and psychology. The major is designed to provide students with the requisite academic background, technical skills, and hands-on research experience to successfully compete for either neuroscience-related jobs in the private and public sectors or for admission to graduate or professional schools. The major consists of 27 credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of electives from courses in biology, health promotion and rehabilitation, and/or psychology. In addition, a minimum of 12 credit hours of chemistry will be required.
( Total: 51-62 semester hours
For additional information, see the list of advisors in the Class Schedule Booklet. )
(19 hours)
Required Courses I
3
BIO 101 General Biology
The study of living organisms. Fundamental principles of biology are integrated with local and global issues of current interest. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. No credit toward Biology major or minor. May be used toward satisfying the requirements of Integrated Science major or minor for students seeking certification in Elementary Education only. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: BIO 101, BIO 105, or BIO 110. (University Program Group II-A)
4
BIO 392 Mammalian Physiology
The functioning of the mammalian body and its component parts, with an emphasis on human systems. Prerequisites: 45 credits completed; BIO 208; One of: CHM 132, 161, 342.
3
BIO 591 Neurophysiology
Principles of nervous system function: cytology, electrophysiology, ion channels, membrane potentials, neurochemistry, synaptic function and its modification, sensory physiology. Prerequisites: BIO 392.
3
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
Survey of concepts, methods, and fields of psychology. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group III-A)
3
PSY 387 Behavioral Neuroscience
Overview of the neurological processes underlying organismic behavior. Surveys neurobiological explanations of sensation, movement, motivation, emotion, sleep, learning, neurological disorders, recovery mechanisms. Prerequisites: One of the following: PSY 100, BIO 101, BIO 105, BIO 110, BIO 151, HSC 211(Subgroup IV-A)
3
PSY 588 Functional Neuroanatomy
Function of the nervous system in behavior. Emphasis is on how various CNS structures function to mediate behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 387 or graduate standing.
(2 hours)
Required Courses II
Select one of the following:
( two semesters, for a maximum of two credits )
1-2
BIO 487/PSY 487 Neuroscience Seminar
Analysis of current research in specified areas of neuroscience; critiquing and discussing primary literature and the students' current research relating to specific topics. Students will repeat this course for a maximum of 2 credits. Identical to PSY 487. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: Signed Neuroscience Major and prior or concurrent neuroscience research experience through BIO 403 or PSY 496.
1-2
PSY 487/BIO 487 Neuroscience Seminar
Analysis of current research in specified areas of neuroscience; critiquing and discussing primary literature and the students' current research relating to specific topics. Students will repeat this course for a maximum of 2 credits. Identical to BIO 487. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: signed neuroscience major and prior or concurrent neuroscience research experience through BIO 403 or PSY 496.
(3 hours)
Required Courses III
Select one of the following:
3
BIO 500 Biological Statistics
An introduction to biological statistics; emphasis on concepts of descriptive statistics and central tendency, inferential statistics, one-way ANOVA and correlation/linear regression. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or twelve (12) hours of biology.
3
HSC 544 Biostatistics
Computation of vital statistics' rates and other statistical methods applicable to problems in public health.
3
PSY 211 Introduction to Psychological Statistics
Basic descriptive and inferential statistics are considered, including measures of central tendency and variability, the normal distribution, the t-test, correlation, and chi-square. Prerequisite: PSY 100. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
(3 hours)
Required Courses IV
3-4
BIO 403 Undergraduate Research
Research experience for biology majors with 20 hours in biology and a B average. Requires planning with an advisor the semester prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: Permission of department chairperson; 20 credit hours of BIO courses completed with a B average.
1-6
PSY 496 Directed Research
For students who desire to investigate a research problem in psychology. Prerequisite: must file written proposal approved by faculty sponsor in departmental office prior to registration.
(5-8 hours)
Other Requirements I
Students must select one of the following options:
4
CHM 120 Survey of Chemistry
Elementary concepts in chemistry. For students on curricula needing minimal chemical background or students with no or weak chemistry background who need additional preparation for CHM 131. Cannot be counted on a Chemistry or Biochemistry major or Chemistry minor. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. (University Program Group II-B) Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 105 (preferably with a B or better).
1
CHM 127 Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
Elementary laboratory experiments which parallel syllabus in CHM 111 and CHM 120. Recommended for students in dietetics, sports medicine, health education, and elementary/middle school education. Pre/Co-Requisites: CHM 111 or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry I
Fundamental concepts of chemistry including stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and molecular structure. CHM 131 and 132 are recommended to constitute the standard one-year course for science majors. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B)
4
CHM 132 Introduction to Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 131 including solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, weak acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 131. Recommended: a grade of C or better in CHM 131.
5
CHM 161 Principles of Chemistry
Intensive introduction to chemical principles for the well-prepared, motivated student. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirements. Recommended: High school Algebra II or MTH 107 (preferably with a B or better); high school chemistry or CHM 120. (University Program Group II-B).
4
CHM 211 Quantitative Analysis
Analysis and interpretation of quantitative chemical information from volumetric, electrochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. Prerequisite: CHM 132 or 161. Recommended: MTH 107.
(4-8 hours)
Other Requirements II
Select one of the following options:
4
CHM 342 Survey of Organic Chemistry
Elementary course covering the field of organic chemistry. Course meets the needs for entrance to some professional schools. No credit toward chemistry major or minor. Prerequisites: One of: CHM 120, 127, or CHM 132 or CHM 161.
3
CHM 345 Organic Chemistry I
Overview of common organic reactions. Reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides, Ultraviolet/Visible, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry. Prerequisite: CHM 132 or 161.
3
CHM 346 Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 345. Overview of common organic reactions of aromatic compounds, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, and amines. Prerequisite: CHM 345.
2
CHM 349 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Lab
Fundamental laboratory techniques in organic chemistry. Methods of synthesis, separation and purification of organic compounds. Introduction to applications of infrared and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHM 345. Co-requisite: CHM 346.
(3-6 hours)
Other Requirements III
Select one of the following options:
3
CHM 421 Survey of Biochemistry
Introductory one-semester Biochemistry course. Intended for students in allied health fields, dietetics, and some biology programs. No credit toward Chemistry/Biochemistry major, Biology/Biomedical Sciences major or Chemistry minor. Prerequisites: CHM 342 or 346.
3
CHM 425 Introductory Biochemistry
Structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Prerequisites: CHM 346.
3
CHM 521 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Prerequisites: CHM 346.
3
CHM 522 Intermediate Biochemistry
Continuation of CHM 521. Material covered will include in-depth exploration of metabolism of biomacromolecules and biochemical processes requiring their use. Prerequisites: CHM 521.
selected in consultation with and the approval of your advisor.
3
BIO 218 General Zoology
A general survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on phylogeny, taxonomy, structure, physiology, and ecology of type examples of the major phyla. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or BIO 105.
3
BIO 324 Cell Biology
Cellular structure and function, including biological molecules, membranes, signaling, bioenergetics and metabolism, the cell cycle, information flow, and other cellular processes. Prerequisites: BIO 203 or 218; 208; One of: BIO 101, 105, 110; One of: CHM 120, 127, 342 or CHM 131, 132 or CHM 161.
4
BIO 326 Genetics
The principles of heredity dealing with the location, transmission, structure and function of genes and the results of modern genetic techniques. Prerequisites: BIO 208; One of BIO 101, 105, 110.
4
BIO 337 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Anatomical survey illustrating major morphological characteristics within phylum Chordata emphasizing vertebrates. Ontogenetic and evolutionary trends are developed within the framework of functional morphology and adaptation. Prerequisites: BIO 218.
3
BIO 534 Endocrinology
Hormones, their synthesis, secretion, and their mode of action. Prerequisites: BIO 392 or graduate standing.
4
BIO 552 Scanning Electron Microscope Technique
Principles, practices and techniques of SEM, includes methods of specimen preparation and instruction in generating electron micrographs. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or BIO 330.
3
BIO 554 Advanced Electron Microscopy
Routine maintenance, alignment and optimization of a TEM and an SEM for high resolution micrographs, as well as advanced techniques in specimen preparation. Prerequisites: BIO 550, BIO 552.
4
HSC 214 Human Anatomy
A comprehensive course in the structure of the human body organized by systems. Laboratory work includes identification of fundamental anatomical structures on models and cadavers. Prerequisites: HSC 211 or college level natural science course.
3
BIO 518 Animal Behavior
Behavior in invertebrate and vertebrate organisms related to genetics, morphology, and the ecology of animal populations. Prerequisites: BIO 218 or graduate standing.
3
HSC 235 Psychoactive Drugs
The study of psychoactive drugs: what they are; how they work; and why people use and/or abuse them. Not open to students with credit in HSC 528, HSC 529, or HSC 530. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
PSY 382 Perception
Perception as the result of psychological and physiological processes. Some of the topics covered are vision, audition, pain perception, illusions, pattern recognition and perceptual development. Prerequisites: PSY 100; a University Program Group II course; competency in written English and mathematics. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
PSY 383 Learning and Memory
Introduction to the major theoretical-empirical views that characterize the area of learning and memory. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
3
PSY 384 Behavior Analysis
Study of empirically-derived principles of learning and their application to the treatment of the developmentally disadvantaged, and to parenting, education, therapy, and self-management. Students will demonstrate an understanding of behavior analysis in an animal laboratory. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
3
PSY 585 Psychophysiology
Introduction to psychophysiological methods, measures, and applications. Topics include: basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology; electrophysiological recording; inference using brain, cardiovascular, somatic measures; biofeedback; ergonomic, and other applications. Prerequisite: PSY 387 or graduate standing.
3
PSY 587 Physiological Psychology
Physiological events which underlie human and animal behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 387 or graduate standing.