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Undergraduate Research

Engage in research as early as your first year. Contribute to faculty-led projects that lead to groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience, such as developing neurotherapies or assistive technology.

Integrated Curriculum

Interdisciplinary by nature, our major includes an array of electives led by faculty from across JCU. You’ll have an opportunity to connect neuroscience to topics like machine learning, mental health, and medicine.

• Undergraduate Research

  Engage in research as early as your first year. Contribute to faculty-led projects that lead to groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience, such as developing neurotherapies or assistive technology.

• Integrated Curriculum

  Interdisciplinary by nature, our major includes an array of electives led by faculty from across JCU. You’ll have an opportunity to connect neuroscience to topics like machine learning, mental health, and medicine.

• Cutting-Edge Learning Spaces

  Experiment, collaborate, and perform research in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art neuroscience lab and psychology testing rooms.

Curriculum: What You Will Learn

You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system at molecular, cellular, and systems levels. The interdisciplinary program combines biology, chemistry, data science, and psychology with extensive elective options across multiple disciplines to prepare you for professional school, graduate programs, or careers in neuroscience.

• Core Foundation

  Introduction To Neuroscience

  NEUR1000

  This course will introduce students to the field of neuroscience, which is concerned with understanding the structure and function of the nervous system and brain. In providing an overview of the neuroscience field, foundational topics such as neuroanatomy, neuronal physiology, current questions and techniques, and career possibilities will be covered.
  

  Isj: Introduction To Psychology: Perspectives In Social Justice

  PS1000

  Ps1010

  PS1010

  Fundamental principles of behavior, including research methods, learning, memory and cognition, biological basis of behavior, perception, motivation, human development, social psychology, personality, psychopathology, and psychological testing. A prerequisite to all PS courses at the 2000 level and beyond. Students should take either PS 1000 or PS 1010 as it is the pre-requisite for major-level course requirements. Students completing PS 1000 cannot take PS 1010, and vice versa.
  

  Sci: Principles Of Biology I

  3 Credits

  BL1500

  For science majors. BL1500 is prerequisite to BL1600 and BL1700. Three hours of lecture per week. Basic chemical principles; cell structure and organization; metabolism of plants and animals. Corequisite: BL1505.
  

  Principles Of Biology Laboratory I

  1 Credits

  BL1505

  Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory study of the scientific method as applied to biology, focusing on development of skills through inquiry-based learning. Corequisite: BL1500. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  Sci: Principles Of Biology Ii

  3 Credits

  BL1600

  For science majors. Three hours of lecture per week. Plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: BL155 or BL 1500. Corequisite: BL1605.
  

  Principles Of Biology Laboratory Ii

  1 Credits

  BL1605

  Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory study of plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: BL157 or BL1505. Corequisite: BL1600. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  Sci: General Chemistry I

  4 Credits

  CH1410

  Four hours of lecture per week. Stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, oxidation-reduction, acid-base, solutions. Corequisite: CH 1430. Offered: Fall.
  

  General Chemistry Ii

  4 Credits

  CH1420

  Four hours of lecture per week. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, kinetics, chemistry of metals and non-metals, and other relevant topics. Offered: Spring. Prerequisites: (CH 1410 or CH 141) and (CH 1430 or CH 143). Corequisite: CH 1440.
  

  General Chemistry Lab I

  1 Credits

  CH1430

  Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory experiments illustrating principles developed in the corequisite lecture courses. Offered: Fall. Corequisite: CH 1410. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  General Chemistry Lab Ii

  1 Credits

  CH1440

  Three hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory experiments illustrating principles developed in the corequisite lecture courses. Offered: Spring, Prerequisites: (CH 1410 or CH 141) and (CH 1430 or CH 143). Corequisites: CH 1420. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  Qa: Elementary Statistics

  3 Credits

  DATA1220

  Collecting data, describing data by graphs and tables, descriptive statistics, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses for one and two means and proportions, and simple linear regression. Methods are illustrated in the context of quantitative research, with applications in disciplines such as sports, psychology, and social and natural sciences. Use of the statistical software R. Students who took DATA 228 or DATA 2280 may not be allowed to take DATA 1220. For program requirements and prerequisites, equivalent courses include DATA 2280, EC 2210, and PO 1500. This course was formerly offered as MT 122 / DATA 122. Offered: Fall, Spring.
  

  Data2280

  DATA2280

  Exploratory data analysis, probability fundamentals, sampling distributions and the Central Limit Theorem, interval estimations, tests of hypotheses, one-factor analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), linear regression, introduction to categorical analysis, including contingency tables and chi-square tests, using the statistical software R. Course content in biology context. Offered: Fall, Spring.
  

  Data2600

  DATA2600

  Power analysis, factorial and repeated measures analysis of variance, nonparametric procedures, contingency tables, introduction to linear regression. Use of SPSS. Note: A grade of C- or higher in DATA 2600 is required to register for any course that has DATA 2600 as a prerequisite. This course was formerly offered as MT 223.Prerequisites: DATA 122 or DATA 1220 or equivalent. Offered: Fall, Spring.
  

  Ps3011

  PS3011

  Introduction to the scientific method as it is used to design, conduct, and analyze experiments in psychology. Prerequisites: PS1000 (or PS 100) or PS1010 (or PS 101) and DATA 2600 (or DATA 260), with min grade of C- in DATA 2600/260, and EN1250 or equivalent. Corequisite: PS3010.
  

  Ps3010

  PS3010

  Two hours of laboratory per week. Students work in groups to design and conduct an experiment investigating some aspects of human behavior, then analyze the data. Corequisite: PS 3011.
  

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• Biology and Neurobiology

  Genetics

  4 Credits

  BL2130

  Four hours of lecture per week. Principles of molecular, transmission, quantitative, and population genetics; social and ethical implications of genetics. Prerequisite: BL155 or BL1500, BL157 or BL1505, BL156 or BL1600, and BL158 or BL1605.
  

  Medical Physiology

  4 Credits

  BL3600

  Must be a declared Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or Chemistry major or have a declared Neuroscience concentration. Three hours of lecture per week. Integration of the biological and regulatory functions which achieve homeostasis in the human body, from the cellular level to the entire organism. Special focus on muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems, interwoven with their control by neurological and hormonal processes in health and disease. Prerequisite: BL155 or BL1500, BL157 or BL1505, BL156 or BL1600, and BL158 or BL1605. Corequisite: BL3605.
  

  Medical Physiology Laboratory

  0 Credits

  BL3605

  Three hours of laboratory per week. Corequisite: BL3600. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  Bl3010

  BL3010

  Bl3020

  BL3020

  Neurobiology

  3 Credits

  BL4010

  Study of the nervous system at cellular and molecular levels
  

  Bl4130

  BL4130

  This course will introduce students to a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders to understand how genetic (and gene x environment) perturbations can disrupt normal brain function, both during development and in adulthood. Course will follow a case study format and primary literature will be used extensively. Emphasis will be on our current understanding of the underlying cellular dysfunction and possible treatments in use or development. Prerequisite(s): BL 2130.
  

  Bl4750

  BL4750

  Three hours of lecture per week. The endocrine glands, hormones, and their mechanisms of action in mammals. Prerequisite: BL155 or BL1500, BL157 or BL1505, BL156 or BL1600, and BL158 or BL1605.
  

  Bl1190

  BL1190

  Bl1360

  BL1360

  Bl1420

  BL1420

  This course examines the cognitive and physiological aspects of addiction, with a focus on the biological aspects of both addiction and recovery. Students will study how certain substances and addictive behaviors affect the human brain and body, and why these effects can lead to addiction. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the science of whether there is an innate predisposition to addiction, using biological evidence. This course does not count towards degree requirements within these majors: Biology; Cell & Molecular Biology; or Environmental Science. Prerequisite: EN 1250 or EN 125 or equivalent. Corequisite: EN 2750.
  

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• Advanced Neuroscience

  Neur2095

  NEUR2095

  A beginning/intermediate-level research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will gain familiarity with the research process(es) utilized in the neuroscience domain. Instructor permission required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur2195

  NEUR2195

  A beginning/intermediate-level research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will gain familiarity with the research process(es) utilized in the neuroscience domain. Instructor permission required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur2295

  NEUR2295

  A beginning/intermediate-level research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will gain familiarity with the research process(es) utilized in the neuroscience domain. Instructor permission required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur2395

  NEUR2395

  A beginning/intermediate-level research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will gain familiarity with the research process(es) utilized in the neuroscience domain. Instructor permission required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur4095

  NEUR4095

  An advanced research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will demonstrate the ability to work largely independently on a neuroscience research project. Instructor permission required. Junior or senior status required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur4195

  NEUR4195

  An advanced research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will demonstrate the ability to work largely independently on a neuroscience research project. Instructor permission required. Junior or senior status required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur4295

  NEUR4295

  An advanced research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will demonstrate the ability to work largely independently on a neuroscience research project. Instructor permission required. Junior or senior status required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur4395

  NEUR4395

  An advanced research experience performed under the guidance of a neuroscience-affiliated faculty member. Students will demonstrate the ability to work largely independently on a neuroscience research project. Instructor permission required. Junior or senior status required. Offered: Fall and Spring.
  

  Neur3990

  NEUR3990

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• Interdisciplinary Studies

  Organic Chemistry I

  3 Credits

  CH2210

  Three hours of lecture per week. Theoretical and descriptive treatment of the structure and reactions of the representative classes of aliphatic organic compounds. Naming of organic molecules; reactions and preparations of alkane, alkene, alkynes; stereochemistry; carbocation theory; writing mechanisms; nucleophilic substitution, elimination, electrophilic addition, oxidation and reduction reactions. Prerequisites: CH 1410-1440 or CH 141-144 (or CH 1510 or CH 151, CH 1530 or CH 153). Corequisite: CH 2230. Offered: Fall.
  

  Organic Chemistry I

  1 Credits

  CH2230

  Four hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory experiments to illustrate basic organic laboratory techniques to perform reactions, isolate and purify products, determine physical properties and purities of organic compounds and products. Reactions include those discussed in corequisite lecture course. Corequisite: CH 2210. Offered: Fall. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  Organic Chemistry Ii

  3 Credits

  CH2220

  Three hours of lecture per week. Theoretical and descriptive treatment of the structure and reactions of acyclic and cyclic aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds. Naming of organic molecules; reactions and preparations of alcohol, diene, aromatic, amine and carbonyl-containing functional groups; carbanion theory; writing mechanisms; nucleophilic substitution, elimination, electrophilic addition, oxidation and nucleophilic displacement, elimination reactions, carbonyl chemistry; and spectroscopic analysis. Prerequisites: (CH 2210 or CH 221) and (CH 2230 or CH 223). Corequisite: CH 2240. Offered: Spring.
  

  Organic Chemistry Ii

  1 Credits

  CH2240

  Four hours of laboratory per week. Laboratory experiments to illustrate basic organic laboratory techniques to perform reactions, isolate and purify products, determine physical properties, composition and purities of organic compounds and products; Reactions include those discussed in the corequisite lecture course. Theory and application of spectroscopic analysis to organic structure determination. Prerequisites: (CH 2210 or CH 221) and (CH 2230 or CH 223). Corequisite: CH 2220. Offered: Spring. Additional fees apply to this course. Please see the section schedule for amount details.
  

  Biochemistry I

  3 Credits

  CH4350

  Three hours of lecture per week. Structure/function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, biomembranes, and carbohydrates. Enzyme catalysis, coenzymes, regulation of proteins, DNA binding proteins, molecular genetics (introduction), laboratory methods, and signal transduction. Note: See listing under Biology for BL 4650, a separate course focusing on the biochemistry/molecular biology of gene expression. Only accepted or conditionally accepted chemistry majors or students working to complete chemistry minor requirements and are accepted or conditionally accepted as majors in another program will be permitted to register for CH 4350. Prerequisites: CH 2210-2240 or CH 221-224; BL 1500 or BL 155, BL 1600 or BL156 strongly recommended. Offered: Fall.
  

  Biochemistry Ii

  3 Credits

  CH4360

  Three hours of lecture per week. Bioenergetics and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. Emphasis on integration and regulation by metabolic, hormonal, and genetic factors. Photosynthesis and some physiological topics. Only accepted or conditionally accepted chemistry majors or students working to complete chemistry minor requirements and are accepted or conditionally accepted as majors in another program will be permitted to register for CH 4360. Prerequisite: CH 4350 or CH 435. Offered: Spring.
  

  Ch4310

  CH4310

  Four hours of lecture per week. One-semester survey; proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, lipids, membranes, and carbohydrates. Approximately half of the course is devoted to metabolism and metabolic regulation. May be used as a corequisite for CH 437. Only accepted or conditionally accepted chemistry majors or students working to complete chemistry minor requirements and are accepted or conditionally accepted as majors in another program will be permitted to register for CH 4310. Prerequisites: CH 2210-2240 or CH 221-224. Offered: Fall and/or Spring.
  

  Cs2440

  CS2440

  This course is an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentals. Students will study the concepts that underlie intelligent systems. Students will focus on the theory underlying a range of learning algorithms to train and utilize different AI models and to understand the principles that make intelligent behavior possible in natural or artificial systems.
  

  Cs3440

  CS3440

  This course introduces the fundamental concepts and models of Machine Learning (ML) with a practical treatment of design, analysis, implementation, and applications of algorithms that learn from examples. Students will focus on the theory underlying a range of learning algorithms to build/train ML models that support AI applications in real-world use cases such as smart robots (perception/control), computer vision, bioinformatics, audio, data mining, etc. Prerequisite: CS2290 OR DATA 2100.
  

  En2810

  EN2810

  En2640

  EN2640

  En2750

  EN2750

  In this course, students will examine literary representations of alcohol and its effects across American society and in a wide variety of literary genres. Because alcohol abuse affects people regardless of class, gender, sexual orientation, and race, students will find a diversity of voices and experiences represented in the course. This class is a linked course with BL 1420. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent. Corequisite: BL1420.
  

  En4052

  EN4052

  Esc4320

  ESC4320

  Study of human motor behavior as influenced by cognitive and physiological development, maturation, motivation, and learning. Emphasis on normal development as well as regressive development as a function of aging and/or disability. Prerequisite: EPA 208 or PS 175 or PS 261 or ESC 2080 or PS 2680 or PS 2610; acceptance into Exercise Science major, senior standing.
  

  "ISJ: HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN AMERICA"

  3 Credits

  HS1137

  Surveys the art and science of healing from the colonial period through the present. Focuses on the conception of the healing arts, the evolution of the hospital system, the shift to private insurance, the growth of scientific research, and the social implications of disease and treatment. Formerly: HS 237.Equivalent to: HS 237.
  

  "ISJ: HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND THE BODY IN AMERICA"

  3 Credits

  HS1138

  Explores how the human body has been scientifically constructed with respect to race, sex, and gender over time, which served to create and justify patterns of social inequality. Examines how bodies were differentially exposed to pathogens, dissected for education, and housed in institutions such as asylums and hospitals. Through critical inquiry into science and American society, students will identify the biases and the promises of science as applied to human subjects.
  

  "ISJ: HEALTH

  3 Credits

  HS1239

  Explores the history of health, disease, and medicine in the West: how health and disease were understood and addressed in the ancient world; how these ideas and experiences continued or changed in medieval Europe; ways in which the Scientific Revolution transformed understandings of how the body works and thus how disease would be addressed, and how this new understanding was incorporated into medical treatment and social policy over the next two centuries. Particular attention to disparities in understandings of, and access to, medial treatment as a condition of gender and social class and the degree to which new developments in the 18th and 19th centuries may or may not have altered these disparities.
  

  Pl2041

  PL2041

  Major philosophical problems raised by science: the nature of scientific inference, the structure of scientific theories, causality, explanation, scientific change, and the role of values in science.
  

  Pl2042

  PL2042

  The nature of mind and its role in our understanding of persons and their actions. Topics include the mind-body problem, artificial intelligence, consciousness, animal minds, personal identity, and free will.
  

  Pl2088

  PL2088

  Examination of current theoretical and practical implications of medical care and biotechnology. Specific topics include death and end-of-life care; organ transplantation; genetic mapping and testing; aging and dementia; fertility and reproduction; access to health care; patient rights; and the roles of health-care providers.
  

  Pl2089

  PL2089

  Ethical questions and issues raised by artificial intelligence, its rapid growth, its applications, and its future.
  

  Pl4000

  PL4000

  Pl2096

  PL2096

  Trs3563

  TRS3563

  Examines the ethical principles and forms of moral reasoning that typically guide decisions in health care and frame public policy debates generated by contemporary biomedicine. Includes materials from both religious and secular traditions of thought, with particular attention to Catholic teaching on bioethical issues (e.g., assisted reproductive technology, euthanasia, genetic manipulation, stem cell research). Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent.
  

  Trs3583

  TRS3583

  Explores the various ethical considerations surrounding health care and its delivery as these impact individuals, institutions, and society. Special attention given to the relationship between ethical considerations and religious commitments. Offered: Every Spring. Prerequisite: EN 125 or EN 1250 or equivalent. Note: Students having taken TRS3599 in Spring 2024 (same course offered as a Special Topic) are not permitted to take this course.
  

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• Psychology and Behavior

  Ps2800

  PS2800

  Cognitive science refers to the interdisciplinary approach to the study of the mind. In other words, it is the study of mental processes including attention, memory, language, thought, and decision-making (and many, many other processes). The purpose of the course is to introduce you to topics in this vast field and the different methodological approaches to studying the mind. Some of these fields include philosophy, psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and network science.
  

  Ps3081

  PS3081

  In this course, students will learn about how the brain can cause and influence psychological processes like emotion, language and memory, personality and social interactions. Specifically, the course will focus on research with brain damaged individuals and how brain damage can impact life. Not only will basic psychological functions be discussed, attention will also be paid to the impacts on society and accessibility. Prerequisite(s): PS1000 or PS1010.
  

  Ps3181

  PS3181

  Structure and function of the sensory systems, how they encode environmental stimuli, and how we process these stimuli to perceive the world. Perceptual illusions are demonstrated and explained. Students participate in experiments investigating human perception.
  

  Psychobiology

  3 Credits

  PS3260

  Study of the anatomical, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms underlying behavior. Prerequisite: (PS 100 or PS 1000) or (PS 101 or 1010) or (BL 155 or BL 1500) or (CH 141 or CH 1410).
  

  Ps3321

  PS3321

  The theory and principles of learning and applied behavior analysis, including behavioral methods for improving the lives of people across a wide range of ages and needs by increasing positive behavior and replacing inappropriate behavior. Students will apply specific behavioral interventions for assessing, preventing, teaching, and managing behavior.
  

  Ps3801

  PS3801

  Theoretical study of how people acquire and use knowledge. Topics include attention, the representation of meaning, memory, language, reasoning, and problem-solving. Students participate in experiments investigating human cognition.
  

  Mind, Brain, And Behavior

  3 Credits

  PS3860

  Examination of the nature of mind in relationship to cellular structure, chemical signals, and operations in the brain. Association of functions of the brain with human consciousness, language, thinking, memory, and emotion. Application of modern imaging and recording techniques to explain differences between high- and impaired-functioning individuals. Prerequisite: PS 100 or PS 101 or PS 1000 or PS 1010 or BL 1500. Offered: Once per year.
  

  Ps4080

  PS4080

  Students will learn about the cognitive and neural processes that underlie cognitive abilities like perception, attention, spatial processing, language, memory, executive functioning, and consciousness. In considering the brain structure underlying these functions, emphasis will be placed on behavioral and functional imaging techniques; consideration will also be given to patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, amnesia, and aphasia. Prerequisite(s): PS1000 or PS1010.
  

  Ps4090

  PS4090

  Psychopharmacology

  3 Credits

  PS4260

  Effects of psychotropic drugs on behavior, cognitive functioning, and emotion, with an emphasis on psychotherapeutic agents utilized in the treatment of biochemical abnormalities associated with various psychopathologies and drugs of abuse. Not open to those with credit in PS 2260. Prerequisite: PS 1000 or PS 1010 and the permission of instructor. Crosslisted as: PS 2260.
  

  Ps4290

  PS4290

  This advanced undergraduate course in Neuropsychology provides a comprehensive exploration of the brain's neuropathological conditions across the lifespan, with a primary focus on both developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The course builds on foundational psychological knowledge, including a basic understanding of neuroanatomy and the development and application of psychological tests, to deepen students' understanding of the etiology, clinical manifestations, and neuropsychological assessment of various conditions. Students will engage with current methods for screening, diagnosis, intervention, and accommodation, while critically evaluating the effectiveness of clinical diagnostic tools. The course emphasizes hands-on practice with neuropsychological test procedures, preparing students for real-world applications. In addition to technical assessment skills, the course integrates discussions on ethical considerations, cultural influences, and the concept of neurodiversity, highlighting the broader implications of brain development and function on individual and societal levels. Designed for students pursuing careers in neuroscience, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or related health sciences, this course aims to equip them with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for understanding and addressing neuropathological conditions. Prerequisites: (PS100 or PS1000 or PS101 or PS1010) and (PS326 or PS3260).
  

  Ps2310

  PS2310

  An introduction to the basic architecture of the human brain vs. the computer, the evolution of the human mind vs. the design of artificial intelligence. We discuss how we learn vs. how the machine learns, how we solve problems, and what sort of errors the human and artificial intelligences are prone to. We then address topics including, for example, memory and identity, emotions and motivation. The course ends with a discussion of eudaimonia: what does it mean to flourish? And how may AI help us to live a good life? Offered: Fall. Prerequisite: EN 1250 or equivalent. Corequisite: PL 2096.
  

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Related Programs

Still deciding on your program of study at JCU or considering a second major? Here are some other academic areas to explore.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Psychology

Complementary Minors

• Bioethics
• Biology
• Computer Science
• Interdisciplinary Physics
• Philosophy
• Psychology

Where Our Alumni Go

In such a broad and rapidly growing field, neuroscience alumni can flourish in careers of all kinds. Many pursue advanced degrees to embark on a career in medicine, counseling, or research. Others go right into the field working in biotechnology, human services, and healthcare.