Brain Synapses

Neuroscience combines the fields of biology and psychology. Our courses touch upon linguistics, philosophy, computer science, and music. Students discuss and interact with many complex and exciting concepts. These include genetics, human physiology, computation, cognition, cells, molecules, and diseases.

Brain Synapses

Requirements for the Neuroscience Minor

The Neuroscience Minor requires 47 credits as follows:

  • Core Courses (20 credits required):
  • BIOL 125: Genes, Evolution & Development & Lab
  • NEUR 127: Foundations in Neuroscience and Lab
  • NEUR 238: Neurons, Circuits and Behavior
  • NEUR 239: Neurons, Circuits and Behavior Lab

The BIOL 125: Genes, Evolution & Development & Lab requirement is waived if a student received a score of 5 on the AP Biology Exam or a higher level IB exam score of 6 or 7.

  • Capstone (3 credits required):
  • NEUR 395: Neuroscience Capstone Seminar
  • Electives (24 credits required from the list below): 
    • A single course may fulfill more than one requirement, for example Biology 332 would fulfill both the 300 level and the Biology requirement
    • At least 6 credits from Biology
    • At least 6 credits from Psychology
    • At least 6 credits at 300 level
  • BIOL 240: Genetics
  • BIOL 248: Behavioral Ecology (not offered 2024-25)
  • BIOL 272: Integrative Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 280: Cell Biology
  • BIOL 281: Cell Biology Laboratory
  • BIOL 332: Human Physiology
  • BIOL 333: Human Physiology Laboratory
  • BIOL 356: Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology (not offered 2024-25)
  • BIOL 365: Seminar: Topics in Neuroscience
  • BIOL 368: Seminar: Developmental Neurobiology (not offered 2024-25)
  • BIOL 386: Neurobiology (not offered 2024-25)
  • CS 254: Computability and Complexity
  • CS 321: Making Decisions with Artificial Intelligence
  • MUSC 227: Perception and Cognition of Music
  • MUSC 228: Perception and Cognition of Music Lab
  • PHIL 225: Philosophy of Mind (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 210: Psychology of Learning and Memory
  • PSYC 211: Lab Res Meth Learning & Memory
  • PSYC 214: Neuropsychology of Aging (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 216: Behavioral Neuroscience
  • PSYC 217: Laboratory Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience
  • PSYC 218: Hormones, Brain, and Behavior (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 219: Laboratory Research Methods in Hormones, Brain, and Behavior (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 220: Sensation and Perception
  • PSYC 254: Psychopathology (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 260: Health Psychology
  • PSYC 263: Sleep and Dreaming
  • PSYC 267: Clinical Neuroscience (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 318: Psychopharmacology
  • PSYC 366: Cognitive Neuroscience (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 367: Neuropsychology of Aging
  • PSYC 370: Behavioral Neuroimmunology
  • PSYC 371: Evolutionary and Developmental Trends in Cognition (not offered 2024-25)
  • PSYC 379: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (not offered 2024-25)

Neuroscience Courses

  • NEUR 127 Foundations in Neuroscience and Lab

    This course is an introduction to basic neural function. Topics include neural transmission, development of the nervous system, anatomy, sensory systems, learning and the corresponding change in the brain, and the role of the nervous system in behavior. Team-based learning will be used to understand the experiments that shape current knowledge.

  • NEUR 238 Neurons, Circuits and Behavior

    Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. Molecular and cellular neuroscience seeks to understand the fundamental principles that govern how neurons function, how they communicate with each other, and how they assemble into circuits that generate behavior. This course focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of nervous system function from the level of genes and molecules to neural circuits and behavior. We will take an integrative approach to examine the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal communication, the molecular basis of sensation and innate behaviors, neural plasticity, and nervous system disorders. This course will emphasize the experimental evidence and techniques that have built our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of behavior through team-based learning, analysis of primary literature papers and laboratory experimentation. A grade of C- or better must be earned in both Neuroscience 238 and 239 to satisfy the LS requirement.

  • NEUR 239 Neurons, Circuits and Behavior Lab

    This laboratory course will provide experience in performing experiments to elucidate the structure and function of neurons and neural circuits using classical and cutting-edge techniques. Students will apply these techniques to develop and carry out an independent research project.

  • NEUR 294 Directed Research in Neuroscience

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

  • NEUR 394 Directed Research in Neuroscience

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

  • NEUR 395 Neuroscience Capstone Seminar

    This capstone seminar will cover current approaches and techniques in the field of neuroscience. Guest speakers in neuroscience and related areas will present their research.