Neuroscience (BS)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience program offers comprehensive training in brain sciences, with a combination of courses from Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and other fields. The overall objective is to help students achieve basic competence and knowledge of behavioral and cognitive, molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience. Courses involve general methods in neuroscience, such as techniques to understand neural function in cells, animals, and humans, as well as in data analysis, critical thinking skills, and research and internship opportunities.

The degree offers two concentrations – (1) the Neuroscience General concentration focuses on a variety of neuroscience topics, and (2) the Neuroscience Preprofessional concentration covers neuroscience topics along with preparation for paths such as medical school.

Please see the UNLV College of Liberal Arts, Psychology Department web page at unlv.edu/psychology for information about department programs, faculty, and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available at www.unlv.edu/degree/bs-neuroscience.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Neuroscience General Concentration, students should be able to: 

1. Identify and describe the major areas of neuroscience, their primary research topics, and the primary approaches/techniques for asking research questions in each.
2. Explain and diagram fundamental principles of nervous system signaling and information processing based on research of the nervous system at the cellular, molecular, circuit, and systems levels.
3. Relate our current understanding of nervous system function and dysfunction to contemporary and historical developments in neuroscience research.
4. Describe the basis for disorders of the nervous system from cell & molecular to cognitive & systems levels, including genetic disorders of the nervous system, developmental disorders, movement disorders, mental health disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders.
5. Describe the methods used to study the nervous system, including specific experimental techniques relevant to neuroscience (immunohistochemistry, DNA & RNA sequencing, electrophysiology, behavioral assessment, neuroimaging).
6. Critically assess the design, strengths, and limitations of neuroscience methods and techniques in empirical research publications.
7. Apply skills in data analysis and interpretation, including data management, statistical assessments, and communicating and displaying data.
8. Be able to communicate effectively about biological and neuroscientific concepts, orally and in writing.
9. Be prepared for directly entering the STEM and other workforce.

Neuroscience - Preprofessional Concentration

Upon completion of the Neuroscience Preprofessional Concentration, students should be able to: 

1. Identify and describe the major areas of neuroscience, their primary research topics, and the primary approaches/techniques for asking research questions in each.
2. Explain and diagram fundamental principles of nervous system signaling and information processing based on research of the nervous system at the cellular, molecular, circuit, and systems levels.
3. Relate our current understanding of nervous system function and dysfunction to contemporary and historical developments in neuroscience research.
4. Describe the basis for disorders of the nervous system from cell & molecular to cognitive & systems levels, including genetic disorders of the nervous system, developmental disorders, movement disorders, mental health disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders.
5. Describe the methods used to study the nervous system, including specific experimental techniques relevant to neuroscience (immunohistochemistry, DNA & RNA sequencing, electrophysiology, behavioral assessment, neuroimaging).
6. Critically assess the design, strengths, and limitations of neuroscience methods and techniques in empirical research publications.
7. Apply skills in data analysis and interpretation, including data management, statistical assessments, and communicating and displaying data.
8. Be able to communicate effectively about biological and neuroscientific concepts, orally and in writing.
9. Understand a broad array of basic science methodologies from the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology.
10. Understand cell structures and functions, the physical nature of genetic information, and that all organisms have evolved and are evolving.
11. Be prepared for professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy or graduate study in neuroscience or a broader medical field.