Academic program
Neuroscience examines the bidirectional interrelations between the nervous system and behavior and includes perspectives from biology, psychology, chemistry, and philosophy. Neuroscience majors become familiar with neurobiology, physiological psychology, and cognitive neuroscience through classroom and laboratory experiences that include a thesis. More information on the neuroscience program is available on the website (www.bates.edu/NRSC.xml).
Major Requirements. The fifteen courses required to major in neuroscience include four core neuroscience courses (Neuroscience/Psychology 200, 330, 363 and Biology/Neuroscience 308), which should be completed by the end of the junior year. In addition, three upper-level courses from the two elective lists below are required. All three courses may come from list A, consisting of neuroscience-related courses. Alternatively, one course from list B, consisting of background courses, may be substituted for a course from list A. Also required are Biology 101 or 190 and 242; Psychology 218; Chemistry 107A, Chemistry/Environmental Studies 107B, or First-Year Seminar 398; Chemistry 108A or Chemistry/Environmental Studies 108B; Chemistry 217 and 218. Some of these courses have additional prerequisites.
Required Senior Thesis. At least a one-semester thesis, typically supervised by the neuroscience faculty, is required of all neuroscience majors (Neuroscience 457 and/or 458). Given the difficulty of generating sufficient data in one semester, a two-semester thesis is the norm and is highly recommended, especially for those who intend to go on to graduate school. Preliminary thesis proposals are due during the second semester of the junior year. Seniors are also required to present their thesis in the form of a poster or oral presentation at the end of the winter semester.
Double Majoring in Neuroscience and Biological Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology. If a student undertakes a double major in neuroscience and biological chemistry, biology, chemistry, or psychology, he or she may not use the same elective course to fulfill both majors. Additionally, courses required to fulfill the major requirements of one of the majors may not be used to serve as electives for the second major.
Students planning to minor in chemistry may not use Chemistry 321 toward both the chemistry minor and the neuroscience major.
Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.