Psychology, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Neuroscience
Neuroscience breakthroughs are responsible for advancements in memory, sleep science, understanding mental health, developing mental health treatments and so much more.
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary degree with a wide range of career opportunities. Neuroscience graduates aren't confined to one career path, which makes for an exciting postgraduate experience. The Neuroscience concentration prepares students for graduate study in Neuroscience, medical school, careers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and other industries, and much more.
At SRU, there are countless opportunities to network and get involved with other students on campus. Our Psychology Club allows you to meet faculty, students, and professionals in the field. We also feature our own chapter of Nu Rho Psi, an honor society for Neuroscience majors.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Scientific Literacy & Research Foundations: Learn scientific literacy and fundamental and organizing principles in psychology and neuroscience. a. UG 1, b. UG 3, c. UG 4
- Breadth of Knowledge & Making Connections: Develop breadth of knowledge about neuroscience from multiple scientific perspectives and learn about the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience by making connections between the disciplines. a. UG 1, b. UG 2, c. UG 3, d. UG 4
- Depth of Knowledge, Technical Expertise and Advanced Research: Advance depth of knowledge in neuroscience related fields and independent research ability. a. UG 1, b.UG 3, c. UG. 4
Neuroscience Core Competencies:
- Independent and critical thinkers; self-motivated learners
- Basic knowledge in Neuroscience/Biology/Chemistry/Psychology
- Ability to think creatively and integratively
- Quantitative skills
- Scientific inquiry/analytical skills/research skills
- Communication skills
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 44 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Computer Competency | 0-3 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 56-57 | |
| Electives | 20 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Social Science Inquiry Requirement Waived | 3 | |
| Physical & Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 44 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
Computer Competency
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR | ||
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution: | ||
| Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts | ||
| Computer Concepts | ||
| Introduction to Computing and Programming | ||
| Technology for Wellness | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major/Concentration Requirements
- 28 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 28 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
- Overall, 48 credit hours must be completed at the 300 or 400 level
- Students who do not meet minimum standards will be dismissed from the program. All dismissals are permanent.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Goal 1: Scientific Literacy & Foundations 1 | ||
| Must earn a grade of ‘C’ or higher in PSYC 105, PSYC 231, and PSYC 232. | ||
| Must earn a grade of ‘B’ or higher in PSYC 311. | ||
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 231 | Psychological Science I: Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 232 | Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications | 3 |
| PSYC 311 | Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 |
| Subtotal | 13 | |
| Goal 2: Depth of Knowledge & Making Connections 1 | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| PSYC 244 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 276 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Neuroscience Content Courses (select two courses) | 6-7 | |
| Sensation & Perception | ||
| Learning | ||
| Drugs and Behavior | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Interdisciplinary Core Courses | ||
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| Subtotal | 19-20 | |
| Goal 3: Depth of Knowledge, Technical Expertise & Research 1 | ||
| Neuroscience Content Courses (select three courses) | 9 | |
| Psychopharmacology | ||
| Hormones and Behavior | ||
| Clinical Neuroscience | ||
| Developmental Neuroscience | ||
| Research Capstone | ||
| Students must register for two semesters | ||
| PSYC 451 | Research Capstone Internship | 6 |
| PSYC 451 | Research Capstone Internship | 6 |
| Interdisciplinary Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Microbiology/Lab | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 56-57 | |
- 1
Courses count for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 108 & CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| STAT 252 | Introduction to Statistical Modeling | 3 |
| PSYC 355 | Topical Seminar in Neuroscience | 1 |
Writing Competency Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Writing in Psychology #1 | ||
| Writing in Psychology #2 | ||
| Writing in Psychology #3 | ||
| Professional Competencies Paper | ||
Elective Recommendations based on Student Goals
Students can choose from many of the following recommended electives to fulfill their requirements for the interdisciplinary elective for the neuroscience concentration and/or for their remaining credits after meeting their rock studies 2 and major requirements.
Recommended Electives for Psychology (Biology Concentration)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 309 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 340 | Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 330 | Microbiology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 335 | Cell Biology 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 325 | Biostatistics and Experimental Design with Lab | 3 |
| BIOL 370 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 410 | Animal Physiology with Lab 1 | 3 |
| BIOL 470 | Histology with Lab 1 | 3 |
- 1
Additional pre-requisite(s) required.
Recommended Electives for Psychology (Chemistry Concentration)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 201 & CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
| CHEM 202 & CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
| CHEM 335 & CHEM 336 | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
| CHEM 337 & CHEM 338 | Biochemistry II and Biochemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
Recommended Electives for Psychology (Biostatistics Concentration)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HLTH 312 | Data Management for Health Science | 3 |
| HLTH 313 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| STAT 252 | Introduction to Statistical Modeling | 3 |
| STAT 254 | Nonparametric Statistics | 3 |
| STAT 256 | Statistical Computing | 3 |
Recommended Electives for Pre-Professional Concentration (e.g., pre-med, pre-vet) Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 202 | Elements of Physics II/ Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 201 & CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
| CHEM 202 & CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
| CHEM 335 & CHEM 336 | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
| CHEM 337 & CHEM 338 | Biochemistry II and Biochemistry Laboratory II | 4 |
Recommended Electives for Physician Assistant Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 209 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 309 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 330 | Microbiology/Lab 1 | 3 |
| HCAM 250 | Medical Terminology for Healthcare Administrators | 3 |
| or EXSC 250 | Medical Terminology | |
- 1
Additional pre-requisite(s) required.
Additional Recommendations for Rock Studies 2 Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 300 | Social and Ethical Issues in Genetics | 3 |
| CDEV 201 | Interpersonal and Group Dynamics | 3 |
| COMM 314 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| INDP 201 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| INDP 202 | Introduction to Anthropology | 3 |
| PHIL 123 | Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 325 | Medical/Health Care Ethics | 3 |
Co-Curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International Study Programs
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty research
- Student leadership (Psi Chi, Psychology Club, Reflections Body Image Organization, Nu Rho Psi, Neuro Rocks)
- Service-learning classes
- Career education planning (Office of Career Education and Development)
- Internships
- Volunteering in local human services and mental health agencies
- Job shadowing
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
PSYCHOLOGY - BS (6170)
Concentration in Neuroscience (NEUR)
This program is effective as of Summer 2022
Revised 02.01.2024
UCC 01.31.2023
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | 4 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| LIBR 110 | Introduction to Library & Information Resources | 1 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC 231 | Psychological Science I: Research Methods | 3 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC 232 | Psychological Science II: Statistical Applications | 3 |
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| PSYC 276 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC 311 | Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 |
| CHEM 108 & CHEM 112 |
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab |
4 |
| PSYC 244 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Goal 2: Neuroscience Content Course #1 | 3 | |
| CHEM 201 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) | 3 | |
| Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Goal 2: Neuroscience Content Course #2 | 3 | |
| Goal 3: Neuroscience Content Course #1 | 3 | |
| BIOL 250 | Genetics with Lab | 4 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSYC 451 | Research Capstone Internship | 6 |
| Goal 3: Neuroscience Content Course #2 | 3 | |
| Major Interdisciplinary Elective | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC 451 | Research Capstone Internship | 6 |
| Goal 3: Psych Neuro Content Course #3 | 3 | |
| Free Elective (Neuro Recommended) | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours** | 121 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 6170
Concentration Code: NEUR
Revised: 04.20.2023