Wayne L. Silver (Biology), Coordinator

Background

Neuroscience is a relatively new and rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of the nervous system and its role in regulating behavior. Among those studying some aspect of neuroscience are biologists, psychologists, chemists, physicists, computer scientists, and philosophers. Neuroscientists study how we learn, process and remember information from the molecular to the philosophical level. They examine subjects ranging from the molecular pharmacology of brain function to the mind-body problem.

In 1989, President Bush signed into law a resolution designating the 1990's as the "Decade of the Brain". This recognition reflected the impressive growth, maturity, and importance the field of neuroscience had achieved in a relatively short period of time. The 1994 directory of neuroscience programs compiled by the Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs lists over 240 graduate neuroscience programs and over 50 undergraduate neuroscience programs, including Davidson and Duke in North Carolina. These numbers are likely to be even higher today. Our own Wake Forest University Medical School has a successful and internationally recognized Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience that was established in 1990 and includes over 70 faculty members from across the University. In addition, an entire department at the Medical School is devoted to Neuroscience (Neurobiology and Anatomy) as well as multiple clinical departments (e.g., Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, etc.)

The interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience makes it increasingly difficult for undergraduates majoring in one discipline to prepare for careers in this field. The intent of a minor in neuroscience is to provide students with a structured program based on contributions from several different departments so that students will be better prepared to pursue careers in neuroscience.

Requirements for the Minor in Neuroscience

The minor requires a minimum of seventeen hours, nine of which must include the Neuroscience courses (200, 201 300, 391) described below. At least one semester of research in neuroscience is required for the minor (NEU 391). The research can be conducted on the Reynolda campus or with investigators at the Wake Forest University Medical School. The research project must be approved by a member of the Neuroscience Minor faculty. Eight hours must come from the elective courses listed below. (See course descriptions under appropriate listings.) One of the elective courses must come from outside the student's major department.

NEU 200. Introduction to Neuroscience. (3 hours) An interdisciplinary course taught by faculty representing several fields. Topics include neurophysiology, sensory biology, motor mechanisms, neuropharmacology, cognitive neuroscience, perception, neural networks and the philosophy of mind.

NEU 201. Neuroscience Laboratory. (1H) A laboratory course that will examine principles of neruoscience ranging from the molecular and cellular to the behavioral and cognitive. Lab – three hours. C – Neuroscience 200.

NEU 300. Neuroscience Seminars. (3 hours) Consideration of current neuroscience topics. Presentations of current research by faculty on the Reynolda Campus or the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Readings from the primary literature will accompany the presentations. P-Neuroscience 200.

NEU 391. Research in Neuroscience. (2 hours) Supervised independent laboratory investigation in neuroscience.

Elective Courses (8 hours minimum)

BIO 323. Animal Behavior (4 hours) 

BIO 324. Hormones and Behavior (3 hours)
BIO 346. Neurobiology (4 hours) 
BIO 351. Vertebrate Physiology (4 hours) 

BIO 352. Developmental Neuroscience (4 hours)
BIO 354. Vertebrate Endocrinology (4 hours) 
BIO 364. Sensory Biology (4 hours)
PSY 320. Physiological Psychology (3 hours)
PSY 322. Psychopharmacology (3 hours) 
PSY 323. Animal Behavior (3 hours) 
PSY 326. Learning Theory and Research (3 hours)
PSY 329. Perception (3 hours/)
PSY 331. Cognition (3 hours)
PSY 333. Motivation of Behavior (3 hours)
PHY 303. Biophysics (3 hours) 
PHY 304. Physics of Medical Imaging (3 hours)

PHI 365. Philosophy, Mental Health and Disorder (3hours)

PHI 374. Philosophy of Mind (3 hours)
HES 312. Exercise and Health Psychology (3 hours) 
HES 350 Human Physiology (3 hours)
CSC379. Artificial Intelligence (3 hours) 

 

(Note that many of these courses have prerequisites, in some cases including introductory biology, psychology or chemistry.)