Major Requirements
The neuroscience studies major consists of three primary components: 1) completion of 5 foundation courses, 2) completion of a 7 course core curriculum required for all neuroscience studies majors, and 3) a 5 or 6 course emphasis (described below) in mathematics, computer science, philosophy, or psychology, or a disciplinary or interdisciplinary minor or major approved by the neuroscience studies faculty for inclusion in place of an emphasis in the neuroscience studies major depending on the interests and future goals of the student*. The core curriculum for neuroscience studies draws from introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in biology, mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and psychology, as well as prerequisite courses. The senior capstone experience in neuroscience studies is satisfied by successful completion of an approved research experience (e.g., NEUR 300 ) and the NEUR 488 - Senior Seminar (2 semesters) in neuroscience studies. The student, in consultation with his/her advisor, chooses courses in his/her emphasis from approved coursework in one of the participating departments, or, alternately, chooses courses for inclusion in a separate minor or major in consultation with both faculty in the department housing the minor or major, and a neuroscience studies faculty member. Individual minors or majors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and must be approved for inclusion in the neuroscience studies major in order to satisfy the emphasis requirement. (Not all minors or majors will meet this requirement.)
* Students interested in a more in-depth study of neurobiology and neurochemistry or who plan to pursue a career as a biomedical scientist should also consider the major in biology with an emphasis in neurobiology. (See Biology Major section of this catalog.)
Required Emphasis in a Participating Department or Approved Minor or Major
Completion of an emphasis in one of the participating departments (mathematics, computer science, philosophy, or psychology) or a disciplinary or interdisciplinary minor or major approved by the neuroscience studies faculty for inclusion in place of an emphasis in the neuroscience studies major is required of all neuroscience studies majors to provide depth. Typical course sequences for emphases are listed below. Students should select and advisor from within their chosen emphasis, minor or major and work closely with the advisor and a Neuroscience Studies faculty member in selecting appropriate courses for inclusion in this component of the neuroscience studies major. Not all minors or majors will meet this requirement.
Computer Science Emphasis (5 courses)
COMP 124 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
COMP 221 - Algorithm Design and Analysis
One additional Computer Science course (COMP) numbered 200-499, selected in consultation with Computer Science faculty
Two additional Computer Science courses (COMP) numbered 300-499, selected in consultation with Computer Science faculty
Courses that might be particularly appropriate for the Neuroscience Studies major include:
COMP 302 - Introduction to Database Management Systems
COMP 320 - Computational Biology
COMP 380 - Bodies/Minds: AI Robotics
COMP 440 - Collective Intelligence
COMP 484 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics Emphasis (6 courses)
MATH 135 - Applied Calculus
MATH 312 - Differential Equations *
One of the following 2 courses:
MATH 236 - Linear Algebra
MATH 237 - Multivariable Calculus
One of the following 2 courses:
COMP 121 - Introduction to Scientific Programming
COMP 123 - Core Concepts in Computer Science
Two of the following 4 courses:
MATH 432 - Mathematical Modeling
MATH 437 - Continuous Applied Mathematics
MATH 469 - Discrete Applied Mathematics **
NEUR 484 - Intro Artificial Intelligence
* MATH 312 also requires MATH 237
** MATH 469 also requires MATH 236 and MATH 379
Philosophy Emphasis (5 courses)
One of the following 2 courses:
PHIL 119 - Critical Thinking
PHIL 120 - Introduction to Symbolic Logic
Plus both:
PHIL 125 - Ethics
PHIL 231 - Modern Philosophy
Two of the following 5 courses:
PHIL 227 - Bioethics
PHIL 369 - Advanced Symbolic Logic
PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Science
PHIL 365 - Philosophy of Mathematics
PHIL 364 - Philosophy of Language
Psychology Emphasis (5 courses)
NEUR 240 - Principles of Learning and Behavior
Three of the following courses:
BIOL 356 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
NEUR 244 - Cognitive Neuroscience
NEUR 246 - Exploring Sensation/Perception
PSYC 242 - Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 252 - Distress, Dysfunction, and Disorder: Perspectives on the DSM
One of the following 3 courses:
NEUR 385 - Mind Reading: Understanding Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PSYC 378 - Psychology of Language
PSYC 386 - Seminar in Neuropharmacology
PSYC 488 - Senior Seminar (Approved sections only. Not all offerings will meet this requirement.)
Due to the high degree of potential overlap between major plans in Psychology and Neuroscience Studies, students seeking to complete both majors must list, on each plan, at least four courses that do not appear on the other plan.
Macalester