Neuroscience

Kimberley A. Phillips (1994), Associate Professor of Psychology and Biology, Program Coordinator
B.S., Wofford College;
M.S., Ph.D., University of Georgia

Eric E. Bauer (2006), Assistant Professor of Biology

B.A., Cornell University;

Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin

Michael. D. Gumert (2006), Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S., East Stroudsburg University;

M.S., Bucknell University;

Ph.D., University of Georgia

Andrew J. Konick (1967), Professor of Psychology

B.A., Fairmont State College;

M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University

 

Have you ever wondered how a fly avoids a flyswatter, how a fish navigates the currents, how caffeine affects your brain, or how primates like you maintain complex social networks? All of these questions fall within the broad domain of neuroscience. Neuroscience is the study of the relationships between mind, brain and behavior from the cellular up through the organismal levels. It is an interdisciplinary major that combines biological, physical, chemical and psychological perspectives to better understand neuron structure and function and how neurons work together to create behavior, thought, and emotion in humans and non-human animals. The Neuroscience program at Hiram College is particularly suited for students with interests in neural function and development, psychobiology, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical psychology.

Requirements for Majors

A major in Neuroscience consists of a minimum of 15 courses from the Department of Psychology, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

The required courses are:

Psychology             101  General Psychology

Psychology             215  Experimental Methods

Psychology             216  Learning

Psychology             430  Behavioral Endocrinology

Psychology             327  Neuroscience

Psychology             365  Perception and Cognition

Biology                   152  How Life Works

Biology                   230  Molecular and Cellular Biology

Biology                   326  Animal Physiology

Biology                   365  Genetics

Biology                   498  APEX

Math                       108  Statistics

Chemistry                120  General Chemistry I

Chemistry                121  General Chemistry II

Chemistry                220 Organic Chemistry

 

Additional courses outside the major may be useful for those students considering graduate study or professional work in specific specialty areas within the field.  For example, students interested in applying to graduate programs in cellular neuroscience should take course work in physics, biochemistry, developmental biology, immunology and advanced molecular biology.  Students planning to pursue opportunities in cognitive neuroscience would be advised to complete additional coursework in mathematics, computer science, and philosophy.  Those interested in animal behavior and psychobiology should consider taking evolution, animal behavior and vertebrate biology.

Students considering Neuroscience as a major are encouraged to seek a mentor/advisor in the program before making any final decision.  Acceptance as a major is contingent on a student passing Psychology 101 and 215, and Biology 152 with a grade of C or better.  A pre-requisite for enrolling in Psychology 215 is a C or better in Psychology 101.

Many majors will be encouraged by their mentor/advisor to do an independent research project.  In order to be considered for departmental honors, a student must complete an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member.  Any exceptions to these requirements must be discussed and agreed to by the departmental faculty.            

 

Additional Information