Neuroscience Option
This option is available within the Biochemistry and Biophysics major at the following location:
- Corvallis
The Neuroscience option is designed for students interested in combining foundational training in chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, biochemistry, and biophysics with training in psychology, neuroscience, and anatomy and physiology to deepen their understanding of the brain and the nervous system. This option supports students who want to pursue graduate work in neuroscience, biophysics, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical research as well as work in health professions. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, and up to three research credits can be applied to the electives. Faculty advisors work with students to help them identify electives, research opportunities, and professional internships that align with their interests.
Option Code: 926
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a core knowledge base in the theory and practice of modern Biochemistry and Biophysics.
- Demonstrate experimental design and laboratory skills relevant to biochemistry and molecular biology, including preparation, experimental design, evaluation of data, and safe laboratory practices.
- Critically evaluate data and design experiments to test hypotheses relevant to the practice of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
- Read and evaluate primary literature in the discipline.
- Effectively communicate scientific data and ideas, using various formats appropriate for different target audiences.
- Use databases, computational tools and other online resources effectively.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues in the practice of science.
Options in the Biochemistry and Biophysics major require a minimum of 22 credits to complete in addition to the major requirements. Most students can complete the major and Neuroscience option requirements in four years.
Students may either pursue the Neuroscience, Advanced Biophysics, or Pre-Medicine/Biochemistry and Biophysics option with the Biochemistry and Biophysics major. No dual combinations are permitted.
For further information, see MyDegrees or the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics website.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option Core | ||
| BB 360 | INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE | 3 |
| BB 361 | SENSORY NEUROSCIENCE | 3 |
| or BB 362 | NEUROPHARMACOLOGY OF DRUGS OF ABUSE | |
| PSY 201Z | +*INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY I | 4 |
| PSY 202Z | +*INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY II | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 8 credits from the following: | 8 | |
| SENSORY NEUROSCIENCE (if not used above) | ||
| NEUROPHARMACOLOGY OF DRUGS OF ABUSE (if not used above) | ||
| CELL BIOPHYSICS (cannot double-count in major core) | ||
| ADVANCED MOLECULAR GENETICS | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR MODELING | ||
| UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (1-3 credits allowed) 1 | ||
or BB 410 | INTERNSHIP | |
| ADVANCED HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY and ADVANCED HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY 2 | ||
| PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | ||
or PH 423 | PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: ENERGY AND ENTROPY | |
| PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | ||
or PH 425 | PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: QUANTUM FUNDAMENTALS | |
| THE HUMAN MICROBIOME | ||
| CALCULUS: SEQUENCES AND SERIES | ||
or MTH 256 | APPLIED DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | |
or MTH 264 | INTRODUCTION TO MATRIX ALGEBRA | |
| BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR | ||
| PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY | ||
| PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY | ||
| BEHAVIORAL NEUROBIOLOGY | ||
| Total Credits | 22 | |
- *
Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025
- +
Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond
- 1
BB 401 or BB 410 for 1-3 credits can be taken with approval from the Biochemistry and Biophysics Lead Advisor
- 2
Option Code: 926