Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior & Plasticity

Thomas Gould
Director
tgould@temple.edu

Jennifer Ravelli
Student Services Coordinator
215-204-3441
638 Weiss Hall
jennifer.ravelli@temple.edu

Paula Kittrell
Administrator

6th floor, Weiss Hall

paula.kittrell@temple.edu

www.cla.temple.edu/neuroscience/

A major in Neuroscience enables students to pursue a curriculum in several departments, colleges, and schools at Temple University in one of the most dynamic areas of science. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field addressing neural and brain function at multiple levels. It encompasses a broad domain that ranges from molecular genetics and neural development, to brain processes involved in cognition and emotion, to mechanisms and consequences of neurodegenerative disease. The field of neuroscience also includes mathematical and physical principles involved in modeling neural systems and in brain imaging. The undergraduate, interdisciplinary Neuroscience Major will culminate in a Bachelor of Science degree. Many high-level career options within and outside of the field of neuroscience are open to students with this major. This is a popular major with students aiming for professional careers in the health sciences such as in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and veterinary science. Students interested in graduate school in biology, chemistry, communications science, neuroscience, or psychology are also likely to find the Neuroscience Major attractive.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience includes 52-54 required credits: 25 credits in Neuroscience, 6-8 credits in electives on neuroscience topics from a variety of participating departments, and 21 credits of co-requisite courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Students majoring in Neuroscience will be strongly encouraged to participate in research by taking courses in independent study as part of their elective credits for the major. Independent study opportunities will be offered in many of the laboratories of the more than 130 neuroscientist faculty members in the various colleges and schools participating in Temple University’s Neuroscience Program.

Distinction in Neuroscience Major

Majors in Neuroscience: Systems, Behavior, Plasticity have the opportunity to be awarded departmental distinction upon graduation. Graduation with Distinction can be achieved by maintaining a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better in all Neuroscience Courses, completing two semesters of Independent Study in Neuroscience (Neuroscience 4182 & 4282) with an A- or better, and successfully completing a neuroscience research project based on the independent study work and described in a research paper and poster presented to Neuroscience Program faculty and students. 

Requirements for the Major

Please note: Students pursuing the BS degree in Neuroscience are not required to complete the CLA collegiate Foreign Language/Global Studies requirement.  Neuroscience majors must only complete the GenEd requirement of one World Society course.

Students should check prerequisites for all courses.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses.

Neuroscience Research Minor

The Neuroscience Research Minor expands opportunities for Temple students to get research experience and to become more competitive in their applications to graduate and professional schools. The required courses in the Neuroscience Research Minor focus on basic neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, and techniques. In addition to formal coursework, independent study resulting in a research project is required. The Neuroscience Research Project is a unique project developed over two semesters of independent study. The project is submitted in written form (research article format) and is presented to Neuroscience faculty members and graduate students as a poster. This project may not overlap with projects for other programs (e.g., Honors).  Because of some overlap in coursework, the students must choose to minor in either the Neuroscience Research or the Cognitive Neuroscience minor.

Requirements for the Minor

Suggested Semester-by-Semester Plan