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Neuroscience, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø is an interdisciplinary program that employs the tools and perspectives of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, philosophy and medicine to achieve a better understanding of brain structure, function and behavior.

A degree in neuroscience places SLU students in an excellent position to address the basic science of brain function. It offers many possibilities for applications within medicine, science and industry. ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's neuroscience major offers courses that further the understanding of psychiatric, neurological and developmental disorders with the goal of developing innovative treatment options through basic and applied research.

Neuroscience is an appropriate major for students planning to continue their postgraduate education in neuroscience or related professional fields.

Program Highlights

  • SLU provides a genuinely interdisciplinary degree in neuroscience.
  • Neuroscience is a growing field, with new initiatives to develop innovative technologies to foster a better understanding of brain function.
  • SLU's neuroscience program offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing pre-professional training.

Curriculum Overview

Courses in SLU's neuroscience major include lectures, seminars and laboratory experiences. The curriculum includes four core neuroscience courses: Introduction to Neuroscience: Molecular, Cellular and Systemic; Introduction to Neuroscience: Behavioral and Cognitive; a neuroscience lab course; and a neuroscience seminar in the senior year.

Additionally, students are required to take related courses from the biology department and from the psychology department and courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics and philosophy. Students must also complete SLU's University Undergraduate Core requirements.

Neuroscience students are required to complete a capstone learning experience consisting of several options, including research, practica or advanced coursework, all of which are designed to provide the opportunity to integrate coursework with an active learning experience and to give students exposure to the breadth of the field of neuroscience and the potential for understanding its applications in the real world.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

SLU's neuroscience program features opportunities for research through existing collaborations with the biology and psychology departments and the Institute for Translational Neuroscience.

Careers

Graduates with a B.S. in neuroscience have a strong outlook for future employment. They will be able to find work in industries such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, computer science and artificial intelligence.

An undergraduate degree in neuroscience from ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø provides a solid base for students interested in attending graduate school, medical school or working in psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering, law, medicine or philosophy.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø Requirements

Begin Your Application

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

  1. Graduates will be able to identify core concepts of neuroscience.
  2. Graduates will be able to synthesize information to formulate hypotheses, design experiments and engage in scientific research.
  3. Graduates will be able to communicate neuroscientific information in a clear, reasoned manner, both verbally and in writing.
  4. Graduates will have the foundation to successfully pursue post-baccalaureate education and/or professional careers.

Neuroscience students must complete a minimum total of 70 creditsÌýfor the major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
Required Courses in Neuroscience
±··¡±«¸éÌý3400Introduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic3
±··¡±«¸éÌý3500Introduction to Neuroscience 2: Cognitive and Behavioral3
±··¡±«¸éÌý3550Neuroscience Laboratory1
±··¡±«¸éÌý4900Neuroscience Seminar1
Required Courses in Biology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1260
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3020Biochemistry and Molecular Biology3
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3040Cell Structure & Function3
Required Courses in Psychology
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010General Psychology3
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3100Brain, Mind, & Society3
Neuroscience Electives Courses19
19 credits of Neuroscience elective courses are required. Six credits must be selected from courses with the "Neuroscience - Biology" attribute, one credit must be selected from courses with the "Neuroscience - Biology Lab" attribute, and six credits from the "Neuroscience - Psychology" attribute. The final six credits may come from your choice of "Neuroscience - Biology", "Neuroscience - Psychology", or the "Neuroscience - Anthropology" attributes.
Required Courses in Chemistry
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1110
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1120
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
Required Courses in Mathematics
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1510Calculus I4
Required Course in Humanities
Select from one of the following:3
±Ê±á±õ³¢Ìý4280
Biology and Mind
±á°ä·¡Ìý4280
Controversies in Neuroethics
·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý4530
Medicine, Mind, and Victorian Fiction
Required Course in Physics
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1310
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1320
Physics I
and Physics I Laboratory
4
Required Statistics Course
Select one of the following:3-4
±Ê³§³ÛÌý2050
Foundations of Research Methods and Statistics
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1300³Ý
Elementary Statistics with Computers
Capstone/Inquiry/Honors Project
Students must select one course with the "Neuroscience Capstone" attribute, such as:1-4
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4970
Library Project
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4980
Advanced Independent Study
±··¡±«¸éÌý4865
Capstone Neurophysiology Laboratory
±··¡±«¸éÌý4869
Critical Thinking about Neuroscience
±Ê³§³ÛÌý4965
Capstone Practicum Project
±Ê³§³ÛÌý4967
Capstone Research Project
General Electives11-18
Total Credits120

Biology Elective CoursesÌý

Students must take a one-credit biology lab to be selected from courses with the "Neuroscience - Biology Lab" attribute.

µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3010
Evolutionary Biology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3030
Principles of Genetics
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3060
Cell Structure & Function Laboratory 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3100
Experiments in Genetics Lab 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3420
Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3470
General Physiology Laboratory 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4010
Sex, Evolution, and Behavior
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4030
Introduction to Genomics
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4050
Molecular Techniques Lab 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4070
Advanced Biological Chemistry
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4250
Neurobiology of Disease
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4360
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4370
Animal Behavior
and Animal Behavior Lab 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4410
Comparative Animal Physiology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4440
Vertebrate Histology: Structure and Function of Tissues 1
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4510
Behavioral Endocrinology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4520
Biochemical Pharmacology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4540
Human Systemic Physiology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4600
Developmental Biology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4630
Foundations of Immunobiology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4700
Molecular Biology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý4720
Cancer Biology
1

Biology Lab Course

​Psychology Elective Courses

±Ê³§³ÛÌý3120
Cognitive Psychology
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3160
Learning & Memory
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3210
Developmental Psych: Child
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3230
Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3300
Social Psychology
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3310
Personality Theory
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3460
Abnormal Psychology
±Ê³§³ÛÌý4140
Psychopharmacology
±Ê³§³ÛÌý4150
Science of Sleep
±Ê³§³ÛÌý4350
Health Psychology

Anthropology Elective Courses

´¡±·°Õ±áÌý2210
Biological Anthropology
´¡±·°Õ±áÌý2400
Linguistic Anthropology
´¡±·°Õ±áÌý4240
Primate Social Behavior

Pre-Professional Health

Students taking a pre-professional health curriculum will be required to complete additional course requirements for medical or other professional schools as outlined by the pre-professional health studies program.

Non-course Requirements

All majors are required to participate in first-year mentoring.

Continuation Standards

Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the following required major courses by the conclusion of two semesters at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø:

±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010
General Psychology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1260
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1110
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1120
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory

Students who fall below a 3.00 GPA will be placed on program probation. In order to continue as a neuroscience major after four semesters at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø, students must obtain at least a 3.00 GPA in the following required major courses:ÌýÌý

±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010
General Psychology
±Ê³§³ÛÌý2050
Foundations of Research Methods and Statistics
´Ç°ùÌý³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300
Elementary Statistics with Computers
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1260
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3020
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3040
Cell Structure & Function
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1110
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1120
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
±··¡±«¸éÌý3400
Introduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic

Transfer students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
  • Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Traditional Track

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010 General Psychology (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý3600) 3
Critical course: Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ COREÌý3800)
4
Critical course: Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1110
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ COREÌý3800)
4
COREÌý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
COREÌý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
General Electives 3
ÌýCredits17-18
Spring
Participation in First-Year Mentoring Events Ìý
Critical course: Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1260
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
Critical course: Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1120
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1510 Calculus I (satisfies COREÌý3200) 4
COREÌý1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 1
ÌýCredits16
Year Two
Fall
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
±Ê³§³ÛÌý2050
or ³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300
Foundations of Research Methods and Statistics (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ COREÌý3200)
or Elementary Statistics with Computers
3-4
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3100 Brain, Mind, & Society (satisfies °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý3600) 3
COREÌý1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
COREÌý1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
General Electives 3-6
ÌýCredits18-22
Spring
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
±··¡±«¸éÌý3400 Introduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic 3
COREÌý1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
General Electives 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
±··¡±«¸éÌý3500 Introduction to Neuroscience 2: Cognitive and Behavioral 3
±··¡±«¸éÌý3550 Neuroscience Laboratory 1
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1310
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1320
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
4
Neuroscience Elective 3
CORE 2800Eloquentia Perfecta: Creative Expression 2-3
CORE 3500Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
ÌýCredits14-15
Spring
Neuroscience Elective 1-4
Neuroscience Elective 3
COREÌý3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
General Electives 6-8
ÌýCredits13-18
Year Four
Fall
±Ê±á±õ³¢Ìý4280
or ±á°ä·¡Ìý4280
or ·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý4530
Biology and Mind
or Controversies in Neuroethics
or Medicine, Mind, and Victorian Fiction
3
Neuroscience Elective 1-4
Neuroscience Elective 3
General Electives 6
±··¡±«¸éÌý4900 Neuroscience Seminar 1
ÌýCredits14-17
Spring
Capstone/Inquiry/Honors Project 1-3
Neuroscience Elective 1-4
Neuroscience Elective 3
COREÌý4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
General Electives 6
ÌýCredits13-19
ÌýTotal Credits120-140

Pre-Professional Health TrackÌý

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010 General Psychology (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý3600) 3
Critical course: Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ COREÌý3800)
4
Critical course: Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1110
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1115
General Chemistry 1
and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (Critical course: Ìý²õ²¹³Ù¾±²õ´Ú¾±±ð²õ COREÌý3800)
4
COREÌý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
COREÌý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
General Electives 3
ÌýCredits17-18
Spring
Participation in First-Year Mentoring Events Ìý
Critical course: Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1260
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1265
General Biology: Transformations of Energy and Matter
and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
4
Critical course: Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1120
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1125
General Chemistry 2
and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1510 Calculus I (satisfies COREÌý3200) 4
COREÌý1900 Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication 3
General Electives 3
ÌýCredits18
Year Two
Fall
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3020 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3
CHEMÌý2410
&²¹³¾±è;ÌýCHEMÌý2415
Organic Chemistry 1
and Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory
4
±Ê³§³ÛÌý3100 Brain, Mind, & Society (satisfies °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý3600) 3
±Ê³§³ÛÌý2050
or ³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300
Foundations of Research Methods and Statistics (satisfies COREÌý3200)
or Elementary Statistics with Computers
3-4
COREÌý1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
ÌýCredits16-17
Spring
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý3040 Cell Structure & Function 3
CHEMÌý2420
&²¹³¾±è;ÌýCHEMÌý2425
Organic Chemistry 2
and Organic Chemistry 2 Laboratory
4
±··¡±«¸éÌý3400 Introduction to Neuroscience 1: Cellular, Molecular and Systemic 3
COREÌý1600 Ultimate Questions: Theology 3
COREÌý1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
ÌýCredits16
Year Three
Fall
±··¡±«¸éÌý3500 Introduction to Neuroscience 2: Cognitive and Behavioral 3
±··¡±«¸éÌý3550 Neuroscience Laboratory 1
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1310
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1320
College Physics I
and College Physics I Laboratory
4
Neuroscience Elective 3
COREÌý2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
COREÌý3500 Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World 1
ÌýCredits14-15
Spring
PHYSÌý1330
&²¹³¾±è;ÌýPHYSÌý1340
College Physics II
and College Physics II Laboratory
4
Neuroscience Elective 1-4
Neuroscience Elective 3
COREÌý3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
General Electives 6
ÌýCredits17-20
Year Four
Fall
±Ê±á±õ³¢Ìý4280
or ±á°ä·¡Ìý4280
or ·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý4530
Biology and Mind
or Controversies in Neuroethics
or Medicine, Mind, and Victorian Fiction
3
Neuroscience Elective 1-4
Neuroscience Elective 3
General Electives 3-9
±··¡±«¸éÌý4900 Neuroscience Seminar 1
ÌýCredits11-20
Spring
Capstone/Inquiry/Honors Project 1-3
Neuroscience Elective 1-4
Neuroscience Elective 3
COREÌý4000 Collaborative Inquiry 2-3
General Electives 4-10
ÌýCredits11-23
ÌýTotal Credits120-147