Neuroscience Program
Benedict College offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience that prepares students for rewarding careers in medicine, research, and biotechnology. Neuroscience majors enroll in a curriculum featuring in-person courses in Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and General Education, as well as four online courses in Neuroscience offered through the RIZE consortium.
Why study Neuroscience?
1. Enhanced Understanding of Human Behavior: Gain insights into how the brain processes information, influences emotions, and drives behavior. This knowledge can help you better understand yourself and others, improving interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
2. Foundation for Advanced Studies: Build a strong foundational knowledge that can serve as a stepping stone for advanced studies in fields such as psychology, medicine, neurology, or cognitive science. This background is invaluable for those pursuing careers in research or clinical practice.
3. Improved Critical Thinking Skills: Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by learning how to interpret complex data and research findings. This can enhance your ability to approach problems scientifically and make informed decisions.
4. Career Opportunities: Open doors to diverse career paths in neuroscience, including research, healthcare, education, and biotechnology. Understanding the brain and nervous system can lead to roles in lab research, clinical settings, or educational institutions.
5. Informed Health and Wellness Choices: Gain a deeper understanding of how lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, impact brain health. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.
Coursework
- BIO 137 & 117L Principles of Biology I & Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 138 & 118L Principles of Biology II & Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 238 & 218L Genetics & Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 334 & 314L Vertebrate Embryology & Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 421 Senior Research in Biology I (2 credits)
- BIO 422 Senior Research in Biology II (2 credits)
- BIO 438 & 418L Cell and Molecular Biology & Lab (4 credits)
- PSY 130 Intro to Psychology (3 credits)
- PSY 431 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)Â
- PSY 3XX Cognitive Psychology (3 credits)
- PSY XXX Psychology Electives (6 credits)
- SS 233 Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
- SS 230 Statistics in the Social Sciences (3 credits)
- General Elective (3 credits)
- CHEM 137 & 117L Principles of Chemistry I & Lab (4 credits)
- CHEM 138 & 118L Principles of Chemistry II & Lab (4 credits)
- CHEM 237 & 217L Organic Chemistry I & Lab (4 credits)
- CHEM 238 & 218L Organic Chemistry II & Lab (4 credits)
- CHEM 437 Biochemistry I (3 credits)
- PHYS 231 & 211L General Physics I & Lab (4 credits)
- PHYS 232 & 212L General Physics II & Lab (4 credits)
- STEM 131 Critical Thinking (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the field of neuroscience, explores the cellular and molecular basis of neural systems, and discusses the neural basis of cognition. Students are expected to leverage their understanding of biology and chemistry to build a working knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals. This online class has optional live sessions.
Perception and Movement are fundamentally driven by biological processes. This course provides students with an understanding of the various systems and organs that play a role in the human ability to perceive the world and move through it. It builds upon Neuroscience Fundamentals to allow students to understand the impact of core neuroscience concepts. This online class has optional live sessions.
Cognitive Neuroscience is the study of the biological process which underlie behavior, learning, thought and experience. This course builds on students’ understanding of neuroscience and psychology to explore information processing, behavior, language, and more. Special attention is paid to the neurological factors which drive behavior and give rise to a range of disorders. This online class has optional live sessions.
This course captures foundational concepts in modern psychiatric care and neuroscience and makes them clear and accessible. It provides students with a broad knowledge base covering many of the latest developments in the field of neuroscience, including our most modern understanding of developmental disorders, various pathologies of neurological systems, the role of microbiology in neurological care and more. Upon completion, students will be well prepared to pursue graduate study or work in the sciences, armed with a strong understanding of the current state of both Neuroscience and Mental Health and the connections between both. This online class has optional live sessions.
- MATH 138 College Algebra (3 credits)
- MATH 139 Precalculus (3 credits)
- MATH 143 Calculus I (4 credits)
- ENG 131 Analysis and Argumentation (3 credits)
- ENG 132 Information, Literacy, and Research (3 credits)
- ENG 237 Oral Communication (3 credits)
- HIST 130 African American History (3 credits)
- Global & Intercultural Learning (3 credits)
- Intermediate Foreign Language (Spanish, French, or Arabic) (3 credits)*
- AA 111 College Experience (1 credit)
- AA 211 Professional Pathways Development (1 credit)
- Mathematics courses (College Algebra and above) (6 credits)**
- Science with lab (4 credits)**
*This course has a pre-requisite of Introductory Foreign Language. Students may place out of the pre-requisite with a placement test.
**This requirement is fulfilled by required courses in other categories.
Start your learning journey today! Enroll now in our online course.
Career Outlook
1. Expanding Research Opportunities: Neuroscience research is rapidly advancing, with increasing funding and interest in understanding brain disorders, cognitive functions, and neuroplasticity. This growth creates numerous opportunities for careers in academic and industry research.
2. Growing Demand in Healthcare: There is a rising need for neuroscience professionals in clinical settings to diagnose and treat neurological and psychological conditions. Careers in neurology, neuropsychology, and neurorehabilitation are expanding as healthcare continues to prioritize brain health.
3. Advances in Neurotechnology: The development of neurotechnology, such as brain-computer interfaces and neuroimaging tools, is creating new career paths in both research and applied settings. Professionals with expertise in neuroscience are crucial for innovating and implementing these technologies.
4. Diverse Career Paths: Neuroscience offers a range of career options, including roles in research, clinical practice, education, and industry. Opportunities exist in universities, research institutions, hospitals, biotechnology companies, and government agencies.
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Neuroscience is increasingly intersecting with fields like artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and behavioral economics. This interdisciplinary nature opens up career opportunities that blend neuroscience with other areas, offering diverse and dynamic career prospects.