Program Contact: Adrienne Betz 203-582-5259
Behavioral neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that explores the connection between the brain, experience, and behavior in an integrative way. All behavioral neuroscience majors complete foundational and advanced courses in psychology, neuroscience, biology, and chemistry. Based on individual goals and interests, majors then complete one of three tracks: the Self-Directed track, Psychological Science track or Pre-Health track.
- The Self-Directed track provides students the freedom to select one additional introductory- and upper-level course based on interest. Some students explore biology, while others focus on biomedical sciences, ethics, computer science, or data science.
- The Psychological Science track requires additional upper-level psychology courses to broaden and deepen psychological understanding and better prepare students for fields that strongly connect psychology to biological basis of behavior, affect and experience (e.g., clinical practice, counseling, child development, special needs).
- The Pre-Health track explicitly connects the major to careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing and healthcare more broadly. By completing this science-intensive track, majors will complete most of the requirements for the Pre-Medical Studies designation and the prerequisites for health-related professional programs (e.g., medical or dental schools, physician assistant programs, nursing).
Students completing the behavioral neuroscience major are well prepared for employment or entry into master’s and PhD programs in behavioral neuroscience and related fields. Students can consider Quinnipiac University’s Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology program or the Master of Health Sciences in Biomedical Sciences and their respective dual-degree programs.
Students seeking a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience must complete the University Curriculum and demonstrate foreign language competency at the 102 level or higher. Initial placement in English and mathematics is determined by examination and evaluation of high school units presented. After PS 101 (Introduction to Psychology), all majors complete a sequence of PS 206 (Statistics), PS 307 (Introduction to Research Methods), and PS 401 (Capstone). Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in PS 101 before progressing to any 200-level PS courses and C- or higher before progressing to the next sequence course: PS 206, PS 307, PS 401. For PS 252, a C- or higher is required before continuing to PS 351 or PS 357. The capstone course (PS 401) must be completed as a seminar in the senior year during the regular academic year. All majors are encouraged to work closely with their academic adviser to plan their progress through the major.
BS in Behavioral Neuroscience
Students majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience must complete:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Curriculum 1 | 46 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3-6 | |
| Foundational Core | 25 | |
| General Biology for Majors 2 | ||
| Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics 3 | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | ||
| General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Psychology 4 | ||
| Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Advanced Core | 24-25 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I | ||
or BMS 310 | Neuroanatomy | |
| Neurobiology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| Psychopathology | ||
| Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Preclinical Models in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Integrative Capstone for Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Majors | ||
| Specialization - Must Complete One Track | 9-30 | |
Self-Directed Track (At Least 9 Credits) | ||
Psychological Science Track (At Least 9 Credits) | ||
Pre-Health Track (At Least 30 Credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 107-132 | |
All majors are encouraged to work closely with their academic adviser to plan their progress through the major.
Self-Directed Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Six Credits in Advanced Psychology: | 6 | |
| Sensation and Perception | ||
or PS 357 | Drugs, Brain and Behavior | |
or PS 351 | Learning and Memory | |
| At Least 3 Credits of Elective Exploration | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Psychological Science Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Psychology: | ||
| PS 351 | Learning and Memory | 3 |
| PS 354 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| At Least 3 Credits in PS at the 200 Level or Higher | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Pre-Health Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 346 & 346L | Cell Physiology and Cell Physiology Lab | 4 |
| CHE 210 & 210L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 315 & 315L | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry I Lab | 4 |
| MA 141 | Calculus of a Single Variable 5 | 3 |
| or MA 151 | Calculus I | |
| PHY 110 & 110L | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| or PHY 121 | University Physics | |
| PHY 111 & 111L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | 4 |
| or PHY 122 | University Physics II | |
| PS 354 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Elective Exploration Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physiological Diversity | ||
| Cellular Communication | ||
| Genetics | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Cell Physiology | ||
| Physiological Models for Human Disease | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Biomedical Basis and Experience of Human Aging | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Microbiology and Pathology | ||
| Drug Development | ||
| Pathophysiology | ||
| Toxicology | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Programming and Problem Solving | ||
| Data Structures and Abstraction | ||
| Digital Logic and Design | ||
| Algorithm Design and Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Data Science | ||
| Introduction to Python | ||
| Tools for Data Science | ||
| Calculus of a Single Variable | ||
| Probability and Data Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (CSC 205) | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| University Physics | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Child Psychopathology | ||
Any PS course at the 200 level or higher | ||
Footnotes
- 1
All students must complete the 46 credits of the University Curriculum. Students in the BNS major must take MA 140, 141, or 170 to complete the major and the University Curriculum.
- 2
Students who took BIO 101 and 101L before declaring the BNS major may use these courses in lieu of BIO 150 and 150L.
- 3
Students who took BIO 102 and 102L before declaring the BNS major may use these courses in lieu of BIO 151 and 151L.
- 4
Students who took MA 275 or MA 206 before declaring the BNS major may use these courses in lieu of PS 206.
- 5
Students in the Pre-Health Track who do not directly place into MA 141 should take MA 140. Students in the Psychological Science or the Self-Directed Tracks should take MA 140, 141, or MA 170.
Self-Directed Track or Psychological Science Track
Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student’s individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 30 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher, and meet with your adviser at least once a semester. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 150 & 150L | General Biology for Majors and General Biology for Majors Laboratory | 4 |
| CHE 110 & 110L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| EN 101 | Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar (UC Foundations Inquiry) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 151 & 151L | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111 & 111L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| EN 102 | Academic Writing and Research (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| PS 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 211 & 211L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I | 4 |
| or BMS 310 | Neuroanatomy | |
| MA 170 | Probability and Data Analysis (UC Math) | 3 |
| PS 252 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| Language at the 101 level | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PS 206 | Introduction to Statistics in Psychology | 3 |
| PS 272 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Language at the 102 level (satisfies CAS language requirement) | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| CAR 150 | Introduction to Excel | 1 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PS 307 | Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| PS 233 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| Elective Exploration | 3-4 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PS 363 | Preclinical Models in Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| Self-Directed Track: Adv Psychobiology or Psychological Science Track: Adv Psychology | 3 | |
| Self-Directed Track: Elective Exploration or Psychological Science Track: Any 200- or 300-level PS Course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PS 353 | Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| Psychological Science Track: Any 200- or 300-level PS Course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 1-3 | |
| Open Elective | 1-3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PS 401 | Integrative Capstone for Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Majors | 3 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| BIO 329 | Neurobiology | 3 |
| Open Elective | 1-3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 114-121 | |
Pre-Health Track
Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student’s individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 30 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher, and meet with your adviser at least once a semester. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 150 & 150L | General Biology for Majors and General Biology for Majors Laboratory | 4 |
| CHE 110 & 110L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| EN 101 | Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar (UC Foundations Inquiry) | 3 |
| PS 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 151 & 151L | Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111 & 111L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| EN 102 | Academic Writing and Research (UC First Year Writing) | 3 |
| MA 140 | Pre-Calculus (UC Math) | 3 |
| Language at the 101 level | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career, and co-curricular opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 211 & 211L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I | 4 |
| CHE 210 & 210L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| MA 141 | Calculus of a Single Variable | 3 |
| PS 252 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| Language at the 102 level (satisfies CAS language requirement) | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 212 & 212L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 211 & 211L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| PS 206 | Introduction to Statistics in Psychology | 3 |
| PS 272 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SO 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Third Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PS 307 | Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| PS 233 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PHY 110 & 110L | General Physics I and General Physics I Lab | 4 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PHY 111 & 111L | General Physics II and General Physics II Lab | 4 |
| CHE 315 & 315L | Biochemistry I and Biochemistry I Lab | 4 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PS 353 | Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| PS 354 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| BIO 346 & 346L | Cell Physiology and Cell Physiology Lab | 4 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| CAR 150 | Introduction to Excel | 1 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PS 357 | Drugs, Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| PS 401 | Integrative Capstone for Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Majors | 3 |
| BIO 329 | Neurobiology | 3 |
| University Curriculum course | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 3-4 | |
| Total Credits | 124-125 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Breadth of Knowledge: Use and evaluate various neuroscientific, biological and psychological perspectives to evaluate and predict complexities in behavior, cognition and affect. Understand how behavioral neuroscience integrates with psychology and biology.
- Scientific Reasoning: Conduct, interpret and evaluate scientific studies in terms of the reliability, validity and generalizability of the research designs; develop open-mindedness, curiosity and amiable skepticism toward claims.
- Ethical Responsibility: Apply ethical standards to research and practice situations; demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity in work and communities.
- Communication Skills: Demonstrate flexibility and clarity of argument in both written and oral communication.
- Personal Development: Apply psychological and neuroscientific thinking to issues encountered in work and personal life, such as using evidence to solve problems; engage in teamwork as well as self-reflection and self-management.
Admission Requirements: College of Arts & Sciences
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.
Pre-Medical Studies
The Pre-Medical Studies Designation is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing doctoral or advanced professional degrees in medicine such as MD, DO, DDS/DMD, PharmD, OD, DPM, DPT or DVM and allows students to enroll in and track typical medical or professional school course requirements. Students in any major may pursue the Pre-Medical Studies designation. Interested students should refer to the Pre-Medical Studies page for more information.