Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the relationship between the brain, the mind, and behavior. It is available as a minor at Gettysburg College. Oversight for the Neuroscience minor is provided jointly by the Biology and Psychology departments although any student can minor in Neuroscience.
With the minor, students have the opportunity to gain expertise in the various aspects of neuroscience while pursuing a major in Biology, Psychology or another course of study.
- The interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience is reflected in the courses that comprise the minor. These include offerings in biology, chemistry, health sciences, philosophy, physics, and psychology.
- The minor not only prepares students for graduate study in neuroscience, but provides tools for graduate work in other areas of biology and psychology, as well as medical school.
Requirements
The neuroscience minor consists of four core courses and two electives.
- The core courses provide an introduction to neurobiology, neurophysiology, and behavioral and cognitive neuroscience.
- The electives may be selected from a variety of courses, allowing students to focus their studies on a particular aspect of neuroscience.
Students intending to go to graduate school in a field of neuroscience are strongly encouraged to complete an independent empirical research project with a neuroscience emphasis in their major discipline, as well.
Courses
About the Electives
It's important to note that there are restrictions as to which electives can be used towards the neuroscience minor.
- For Biology and Psychology majors: Courses taken within the major discipline -- or which otherwise satisfy a major requirement -- may not be used as electives towards the minor.
- Any other majors may use any of the above elective courses towards the minor, with no restrictions.
Students should tailor choices of electives to their specific interests in consultation with one of the coordinators of the neuroscience minor.