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Neuroscience (minor)

An understanding of the mind is one of the most important and fascinating human quests. For those who want to join this important endeavor, the neuroscience minor offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the structure and function of the human nervous system and the mental abilities that depend upon its operation.

The Neuroscience Minor

Neuroscience is a central topic of contemporary scientific inquiry, with many large research initiatives underway in the United States and international settings. It is an exciting field that attempts to study the basic structure and characteristics of human mental processes; the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system; and how mental and physical processes relate to each other. The field of neuroscience is both fascinating and complex, as it draws on insights from many different fields including bioengineering, cognitive science, computer science, experimental and clinical psychology, linguistics, and philosophy.

Students entering many research and professional careers, including artificial intelligence, clinical neuropsychology, medicine (especially neurology and psychiatry), neurolinguistics, and philosophy (especially philosophy of mind), will find a background in neuroscience to be helpful or even essential. Integral to the program is a set of learning objectives that orient faculty and students toward the acquisition of critical knowledge and skills necessary for understanding, appreciating, and using the tools of modern neuroscience.

 

A minimum of 16 credit hours is required for the minor in neuroscience.

Minor Requirements for Forensic Science
Core Courses 10 credits
BIO 370 Human Neuropsychology 3 credits
Take four credits of the following course:  4 credits
NSCI 393 Neuroscience Seminar 2 credits
Elective Courses 6 credits
Choose 6 credits from two different departments from the following options:
BIO 380 Principles of Human Physiology 3 credits         
BIO 493 Seminar in Biology (with committee approval) 1 credit
ENGL 343        Introduction to Linguistics 3 credits
PHIL 315 Philosophy of Mind and Language 3 credits
PSY 245 Physiological Psychology 3 credits
PSY 345 Sensation and Perception 3 credits
PSY 346 Laboratory in Sensation and Perception 1 credit
PSY 350 Cognitive Psychology 3 credits
PSY 351 Laboratory in Human Cognition 1 credit
PSY 376                                Laboratory in Neuropsychology 1 credit
Capstone Course 0-1 credit
NSCI 499                     Neuroscience Capstone Project 0-1 credit
Core classes should be completed during the sophomore or junior year if possible, while electives may be taken at any time. The capstone experience will usually be taken in the senior year. Prerequisite courses are required prior to registration in core classes and are typically completed during the freshman or sophomore year of study. In addition, the core program courses require a significant background in the biological and psychological sciences to allow full engagement with the technical aspects of neuroscience. Students are encouraged to consult with a neuroscience advisor to assist in selecting courses that will support their professional goals.        

Administrative Committee

 

Kieth Carlson

Professor of Psychology

Tel: 219.464.5442

Email: kieth.carlson@valpo.edu

 

Jim Nelson (coordinator)

Professor of Psychology

Tel: 219.464.5440

Email: jim.nelson@valpo.edu

 

Beth Scaglione Sewell

Professor of Biology

Tel: 219.464.5390

Email: beth.scaglionesewell@valpo.edu

 

Salena Anderson

Associate Professor of English

Tel: 219.464.5219

Email: salena.anderson@valpo.edu

 

Michael Glass

Associate Professor of Computing and Information Sciences

Tel: 219.464.5161

Email: michael.glass@valpo.edu

 

Andrew Butler

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Tel: 219.464.5441

Email: andrew.butler@valpo.edu

 

Reva Johnson

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering

Tel: 219.464.6541

Email: reva.johnson@valpo.edu