Neuroscience
Biology:
Professors: Cassia C. Oliveira and David Thomas
Associate Professors: Alexander Beeser and Maryline Jones
Assistant Professor: Eric South
Psychology:
Associate Professor: Jennifer Daniels
Assistant Professors: Britt Florkiewicz, Robert Miller, Allison Sonia, and Nikki Yonts
The Neuroscience major provides students with a foundational understanding of the biology and function of the nervous system and brain. The major offers courses spanning topics from the intricate processes that control neural activity to the anatomy and function of brain regions and the intersection of neurobiology and behavior. True to the liberal arts experience, the Neuroscience major draws from several academic disciplines, and students in the major will take many courses in biology and psychology as well as neuroscience as they develop their understanding of how the brain and nervous system produce the mind and behavior. The program also emphasizes research methodology, data analysis, and statistics as it pertains to the study of the nervous system and behavior.
Note: To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Lyon College, students must successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours comprised of our required Core curriculum (44-48 hours), the requirements of at least one major (credit hours vary per major), and a selection of our Liberal Arts electives. They must also earn at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for all work taken at Lyon College and a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in their major, minor, and concentration.
Degrees
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Neuroscience Major (BS)
Courses
NEU 301: Neuroscience Foundations
Class Program
This course introduces students to the field of neuroscience, explores the cellular and molecular basis of neural systems, and discusses the neural basis of cognition. Students are expected to leverage their understanding of biology and chemistry to build a working knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals. This online class features optional live sessions.
NEU 302: Biological Basis of Perception & Movement
Class Program
Perception and Movement are fundamentally driven by biological processes. This course provides students with an understanding of the various systems and organs that play a role in the human ability to perceive the world and move through it. It builds upon Neuroscience Fundamentals to allow students to understand the impact of core neuroscience concepts.
Prerequisite Courses
NEU 303: Cognitive Neuroscience
Class Program
Cognitive Neuroscience is the study of the biological process which underlies behavior, learning, thought, and experience. This course builds on students' understanding of neuroscience and psychology to explore information processing, behavior, language, and more. Special attention is paid to the neurological factors which drive behavior and give rise to a range of disorders.
NEU 401: Clinical Neuropathology
Class Program
This course captures foundational concepts in modern psychiatric care and neuroscience and makes them clear and accessible. It provides students with a broad knowledge base covering many of the latest developments in the field of neuroscience, including our most modern understanding of developmental disorders, various pathologies of neurological systems, the role of microbiology in neurological care and more. Upon completion, students will be well prepared to pursue graduate study or work in the sciences, armed with a strong understanding of the current state of both Neuroscience and Mental Health and the connections between both.
NEU 490: Senior Evaluation
Class Program
This course provides graduating seniors the opportunity to assess their knowledge of neuroscience, and to assess the effectiveness of the program. Instead of regular class meetings, students will complete a set of assessment tools, including a knowledge test and surveys that allows students to provide feedback concerning their individual learning experiences. The course is graded as pass/ fail.
Prerequisites
Senior standing
PSY 250: Research Methods with Human Participants
Class Program
This course will introduce students to the language of research, ethical principles and challenges, and the elements of doing research with human participants. This class is designed for non-psychology majors and cannot be substituted for PSY 240.
Prerequisites
PSY 235 or
BIO 300 or
BUS 323