Requirements

Neuroscience Major

The major consists of thirteen courses, including ten core courses and three electives.

Required Courses

Additional Information and Program Policies

• The courses that count towards the major are offered by other departments and programs within the College. Students should refer to the Classfinder and the course offerings of the departments of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and psychology for further information, including course descriptions, instructors, and semesters when these courses are offered.
• Normally up to two courses transferred from other institutions can be used toward the completion of the major.
• The three mid-level neuroscience courses and the required advanced neuroscience course must be taken at Bowdoin.
• Only one semester of independent study, at any level, or honors can count toward the major. Independent study is generally applied as an elective, but majors should consult their advisors before registering to confirm.
• Students planning to graduate with honors in neuroscience must complete two semesters of advanced independent study during their senior year, in addition to other requirements.
• Majors who earn a general credit for their AP Chemistry scores based on the department of chemistry's requirements may use that general credit to fulfill the introductory chemistry requirement of the neuroscience major and do not need to take an additional course to replace it.
• Majors who place out of PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology must take a higher level course in psychology to replace the PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology requirement of the neuroscience major. In order to receive credit for advanced placement work, students must have their scores officially reported to the Office of the Registrar by the end of their sophomore year at Bowdoin.
• If majors place out of BIOL 1109 Scientific Reasoning in Biology, thirteen courses related to neuroscience must still be completed.
• Courses that count toward the major must be taken for regular letter grades (not Credit/D/Fail).
• Students must earn a C- or better for a course to count toward the major.
• Only courses that are required for the neuroscience major and a second major or minor may double-count.
• Neuroscience majors cannot also major in chemistry with a neurochemical concentration; they can, however, major in chemistry with a different concentration.  Biology majors and minors, biochemistry majors, and psychology majors and minors are also prohibited from declaring a major in neuroscience.

Information for Incoming Students

Students interested in majoring in neuroscience should begin by taking PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology and/or BIOL 1102 Biological Principles II/BIOL 1109 Scientific Reasoning in Biology, both of which are required for the major. (Please see the student’s biology placement to determine which course is most appropriate.) These courses serve as prerequisites for the two introductory-level neuroscience classes, BIOL 2135 Neurobiology (fall semester) and PSYC 2050 Biological Psychology (spring semester), either of which will prepare students for entry into the mid-level lab courses that form the core of the neuroscience major.

We encourage students interested in majoring in neuroscience to speak with faculty in the neuroscience program early in their Bowdoin career, particularly if they are interested in studying abroad. Students interested in beginning to explore neuroscience in their first year should consider NEUR 1099 Brains in Motion: Exploring the Interface between Mind and Body; however, they should be aware that this course will not count towards the neuroscience major.

Students are also encouraged to consult with the chemistry department about their placement into chemistry courses, as an introductory chemistry course and CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I are also required for the major.