Location: Mathematics-Education-Psychology Center 301
Telephone: 859-572-5310
Fax: 859-572-6085
Email Address: curranc1@nku.edu
Web Address: https://www.nku.edu/academics/artsci/programs/undergraduate/Neuroscience.html
Program Director: Christine Curran, Department of Biological Sciences
Other Faculty:
Mark Bardgett, Department of Psychological Science, Rudy Garns, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy; Kevin Kirby, Department of Computer Science; Cecile Marczinski, Department of Psychological Science, Monica Wakefield, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy, Lindsey Walters, Department of Biological Sciences, Jeff Ward, Department of Computer Science, Justin Yates, Department of Psychological Science
Neuroscience represents an emerging integrative scientific discipline that seeks to: (1) better understand nervous system structure and function, and (2) use this knowledge to better understand mental processing and behavior. In addressing these goals, neuroscience borrows from an array of disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, computer science, philosophy, anthropology, mathematics, pharmacology, and education. In turn, the knowledge gained through neuroscience research can advance the fields of medicine, biology, pharmacology, psychology, education, social work, forensics, marketing, and computer science, among others.
Students participating in the minor program will be introduced to a variety of perspectives on the field of neuroscience. These perspectives include neurobiology, evolution of mind/brain, theories of mind, behavioral neuroscience, psychopharmacology, cognitive science, computational neuroscience, animal behavior, linguistics, and perception. The neuroscience minor may be an attractive addition to a major in natural science, mathematics, computer science, social science, or humanities, and it should enable students to address issues and dilemmas in their major field from a neuroscience perspective. It may also better prepare students who are considering graduate study in fields impacted by neuroscience, such as medicine, psychology, education, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, computer science, philosophy, and social work.
In choosing electives, students must choose two from outside of their major. Psychology majors can apply only six hours of minor coursework to their major. Students must take one core elective course - it is strongly recommended that students consider using the other core elective courses as “general” electives. Electives may also include special topics courses, supervised research, independent study, or honors projects that are taken for credit, as long as the work focuses on some aspect of neuroscience. Students wishing to apply these courses to their minor requirements must receive approval from the director of the neuroscience program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses applied toward certification of the minor.
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
