Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand the functions and diseases of the nervous system. It draws on knowledge from neurobiology as well as elements of psychology and cognitive science, and mathematical and physical principles involved in modeling neural systems. Through the Neuroscience concentration, students develop foundational knowledge through courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics as well as three core courses in neuroscience. They are also required to develop facility with research methodologies (through courses in statistics and laboratory methods) before moving into specific topics in the field (e.g., visual physiology, neurochemistry and behavior, and synaptic transmission and plasticity). Members of the Neuroscience faculty are affiliated with the Carney Institute for Brain Science, a multidisciplinary program that promotes collaborative research about the brain. Prospective concentrators should contact neuroundergrad@brown.edu in order to have a faculty advisor assigned to them.
The concentration combines a general science background with a number of specific courses devoted to the cellular, molecular, and integrative functions of the nervous system. The concentration allows considerable flexibility for students to tailor a program to their individual interests. Elective courses focus on a variety of areas including molecular mechanisms, cellular function, sensory and motor systems, neuropharmacology, learning and memory, animal behavior, cognitive function, bioengineering, theoretical neuroscience and computer modeling.
You may find this following form useful for mapping out your courses, be sure to use it before meeting with your concentration advisor for the first time: [link to course plan worksheet PDF]
Standard program for the Sc.B. degree
The concentration in neuroscience leads to an Sc.B. degree. The following courses, or their equivalent, are required for the degree. Keep in mind that there are multiple ways to fulfil the various requirements and your concentration advisor can help you go through your options and optimize your course of study:
| Background Courses: | ||
| MATH 0100 | Single Variable Calculus, Part II ((or equivalent)) | 1 |
| PHYS 0030 | Basic Physics A (Mechanics *see NOTE) | 1 |
| or ENGN 0040 | Engineering Statics and Dynamics | |
| or PHYS 0050 | Foundations of Mechanics | |
| or PHYS 0070 | Analytical Mechanics | |
| PHYS 0040 | Basic Physics B ( Electromagnetism) | 1 |
| or PHYS 0060 | Foundations of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics | |
| or PHYS 0160 | Introduction to Relativity, Waves and Quantum Physics | |
| or ENGN 0520 | Electrical Circuits and Signals | |
| BIOL 0200 | The Foundation of Living Systems ((or placement test)) | 1 |
| CHEM 0330 | Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure | 1 |
| CHEM 0350 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| Core Concentration Courses: | ||
| NEUR 0010 | The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience | 1 |
| NEUR 1020 | Principles of Neurobiology | 1 |
| NEUR 1030 | Neural Systems | 1 |
| One critical reading course | 1 | |
| Mechanisms and Meaning of Neural Dynamics | ||
| Neurotechnology: Molecular Tools and Methods for Neurobiology | ||
| Communication In the Brain: What We Know and How We Know It | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Neural Computation in Learning and Decision-Making | ||
| Independent Study (*Two Semesters) | ||
| Cell Physiology and Biophysics | ||
| Comparative Animal Physiology | ||
| Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity | ||
| The Neural Bases of Cognition | ||
| The Moral Brain | ||
| The Craving Mind | ||
1930/40 Topics in Neuroscience | ||
| NOTE: Critical reading courses are small discussion based courses, with around 20 students, with a focus on primary literature around a neuroscience related topic. Other courses not listed here could also fulfil this requirement, please check with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. | ||
| One statistics course | 1 | |
| Essentials of Data Analysis | ||
| Principles of Biostatistics and Data Analysis | ||
| Principles of Biostatistics and Data Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Statistics with Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Probability and Statistics with Theory | ||
| Statistical Methods | ||
| Introductory Statistics for Social Research | ||
| Statistical Analysis of Biological Data | ||
| Applied Statistics for Ed Research and Policy Analysis | ||
| One lab methods course | 1 | |
| Mechanisms and Meaning of Neural Dynamics | ||
| Experimental Neurobiology | ||
| Big Data Neuroscience Ideas Lab | ||
| Behavioral Neurogenetics Laboratory | ||
| Structure of the Nervous System | ||
| Neural Computation in Learning and Decision-Making | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| *Two Semesters of NEUR1970 can be used to fulfill one critical reading, lab, or elective requirement | ||
| Principles of Physiology | ||
| Comparative Biology of the Vertebrates | ||
| Upper level Neuroscience electives 1 | 3 | |
| Three courses that will enhance your understanding of the field of neuroscience. While electives need not be from the neuroscience department, the following list are common courses taught by Neuroscience and other departments that are often used as electives. There may be new courses added that are not on the list which can be reviewed and approved by the DUS. Other than limited exceptions listed, these electives must be of 1000-level or above: | ||
| Introduction to Computational Neuroscience | ||
| Introduction to Neurogenetics | ||
| Mechanisms and Meaning of Neural Dynamics | ||
| Neurotechnology: Molecular Tools and Methods for Neurobiology | ||
| Communication In the Brain: What We Know and How We Know It | ||
| Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| The Non-Neuronal Brain | ||
| Experimental Neurobiology | ||
| Big Data Neuroscience Ideas Lab | ||
| Behavioral Neurogenetics Laboratory | ||
| Structure of the Nervous System | ||
| Neural Computation in Learning and Decision-Making | ||
| The Diseased Brain: Mechanisms of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| *Two Semesters of NEUR1970 can be used to fulfill one critical reading, lab, or elective requirement | ||
| Statistical Neuroscience | ||
All NEUR 1930/1940 Seminar Course | ||
| Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Behavioral Health | ||
| Computational Methods for Mind, Brain and Behavior | ||
| Cognitive Neuropsychology | ||
| Disorders of Memory | ||
| Memory, Space, and the Hippocampus | ||
| Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Theory and Practice | ||
| Computational Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Perceiving and Acting in 3D | ||
| Visually-Guided Action and Cognitive Processes | ||
| Perceptual Learning | ||
| 3D Vision Laboratory | ||
| The Moral Brain | ||
| Deep Learning in Brains, Minds and Machines | ||
| Cell Physiology and Biophysics | ||
| Topics in Signal Transduction | ||
| Hormones and Behavior | ||
| Physiological Pharmacology | ||
| Neuroengineering | ||
| The Craving Mind | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience of Meditation | ||
| Additional electives: | 1 | |
| One course that will enhance your understanding of the field of neuroscience. *This elective is not limited to a specific department, and students are able to use any of the courses already listed as Upper Level Neuroscience electives.* The following list are courses that we recommend be used as electives, however, we encourage students to explore the broader course catalog and consult with their concentration advisor to explore the full range of electives, rather than limiting themselves to this list. Please note you cannot cross-count as electives with a named requirement. | ||
| Genetics | ||
| Principles of Physiology | ||
| Biology of the Eukaryotic Cell | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| 21st Century Applications in Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Introduction to programming | ||
| Life Under Water in the Anthropocene | ||
| Perception and Action | ||
| Computing Foundations: Data | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Completing the Concentration Research Requirement As with other ScB concentrations, neuroscience concentrators are required (beginning with the class of 2023) to do the equivalent of one semester of independent study, research or design. This is a chance for the student to explore and apply the concepts that they have learned in their concentration courses. The following are ways in which this research requirement can be met. After consulting with your concentration advisor, be sure to include how you will fulfill your research requirement in the appropriate box within ASK: 1. Enrolling in independent study courses (NEUR 1970, CPSY 1970/80 or BIOL 1950/60) for work in a lab. Keep in mind to count this towards your concentration two semesters or one semester and a summer are required. 2. Enrolling in independent study (NEUR 1970) to work with a faculty member to explore an integrative topic related to neuroscience. See our section on independent study for more information. 3. Enrolling in collaborative scholarly experiences, also known as a CURE course. Current related CURE courses are NEUR 1650, BIOL 1555, CPSY 1195, but there might be new ones coming down the pipeline. CHEM 0370 does not fulfill this requirement. 4. Participating in a structured summer research program (eg. an UTRA or an REU) that is equivalent in scope and scale as would be pursued during a semester of independent research. 5. Participating in a research-focused Fall or Spring UTRA. 6. Pursue a design or independent research project related to neuroscience that could be associated with a different course. 7. Anyone writing an honors thesis automatically fulfils the research requirement, in order to document your research requirement, please describe your plan in your Course Plan Worksheet and in ASK, be sure to discuss it with your concentration advisor to make sure it is appropriate. Honors: Honors in Neuroscience requires a thesis and presentation based on a research project , and quality grades in the concentration. Guidelines and information on faculty research as well as details about declaring Honors are available in the Undergraduate Neuroscience Page [https://www.brown.edu/academics/neuroscience/undergraduate-concentration]. | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
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Independent study and honors research projects are encouraged.