Neuroscience, BS BS
Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary science dedicated to understanding how nervous systems are built and function at different scales, from molecules and cells to circuits and systems. Neuroscientists are involved in work to improve the human condition with new discoveries that could prevent or treat neurodevelopmental defects and disorders, psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Neuroscience major is listed under both the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. The requirements are the same in both listings.
A neuroscience major is an excellent starting point for a career in human or animal medicine, psychology, medical research, pharmaceuticals, public health or science writing. Entry level jobs for students with a bachelor’s degree include positions as assistants in hospitals and private healthcare clinics; as technicians in academic, governmental, or commercial research laboratories; in pharmaceutical sales and marketing; and in government agencies and nonprofits in roles related to grant writing, regulatory management, or technical assistance. Many of these occupational areas are projected to grow faster than average in the next decade. The average annual salary for a neuroscientist with a BS degree is $66,975 (as of 2021). The major is also excellent preparation for students pursuing doctoral degrees in medicine, medical research, or professional counseling.
The courses for the major come primarily from the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Students will learn about the structure and function of nervous systems, from the cellular level to the systems level; the connections between the brain and behavior; experimental design and research methods; and data analysis, interpretation, and use. Within the major students can take coursework in neuroscience subdisciplines such as cognitive, cellular and molecular, or computational neuroscience.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the Biological Sciences major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
Degree Requirements
The program requires at least 120 credits, which include University-wide , 24 credits of mandatory preparatory courses, 23-24 credits of required core courses, 11 credits of elective courses within the major, a research experience course at the end of the coursework, and additional elective courses to fulfill the overall credit requirement.
An overall GPA of 2.000 on all coursework attempted at 51ÁÔÆæ is required for this degree. In addition, students must achieve a 2.000 GPA on all coursework attempted, including transfer work. A minimum 2.000 GPA must be earned on all 300-level and above courses taken to satisfy the advanced requirements. Students satisfy the residency requirement for the degree at 51ÁÔÆæ by completing at least 15 credits in the upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory courses | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | 5 | |
| General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis | 5 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry | 3 | |
| Physics | ||
| General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 4 | |
| ´Ç°ùÌý | Physics I (Calculus Treatment) | |
| General Physics II (Non-Calculus Treatment) | 4 | |
| ´Ç°ùÌý | Physics II (Calculus Treatment) | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| Biological Sciences | ||
| Foundations of Biological Sciences I | 4 | |
| Foundations of Biological Sciences II | 4 | |
| Cell Biology | 3 | |
| Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology | 3 | |
| Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Neuroscience | 3 | |
| One of these courses in statistics: | 3-4 | |
| Biostatistics | ||
| Elementary Statistical Analysis | ||
| Psychological Statistics | ||
| Electives (see below for approved elective courses) | 11 | |
| Research experience (see below for course options) | 1-4 | |
| Total Credits | 35-39 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required research experience (select one of the options below) | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Neuroscience | 3 | |
| Independent Study | 1-3 | |
| Undergraduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology | 1 | |
| Independent Study in Cell and Molecular Biology 1 | 1-3 | |
| Independent Study 1 | 1-3 | |
| Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 | |
| Psychophysiology | 4 | |
| Undergraduate Research: Upper Division | 1-3 | |
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These independent study courses may be counted toward the research requirement in the Neuroscience major only with approval of the student's Neuroscience faculty advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective courses (select courses to complete 11 credits from the options below) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 | |
| Independent Study and Research: | 1-3 | |
| Laboratory in Genetics and Cell Biology | 2 | |
| Genetics | 4 | |
| Developmental Biology | 3 | |
| Mammalian Physiology | 3 | |
| Genomic Data Analysis | 2 | |
| Molecular Genetics | 3 | |
| Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology | 4 | |
| Biological Electron Microscopy | 3 | |
| Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory | 2 | |
| Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory | 3 | |
| Endocrinology | 3 | |
| Gene Regulation in Stem Cells and Regeneration | 3 | |
| Cell Biology of Human Disease | 3 | |
| Functional Genomics | 3 | |
| Undergraduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology | 1 | |
| Independent Study in Cell and Molecular Biology | 1-3 | |
| Pharmacology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry | 3 | |
| Introduction to Conditioning and Learning | 3 | |
| Undergraduate Research: Lower Division | 1-3 | |
| Research Methods in Psychology | 4 | |
| Neuropsychology | 3 | |
| Psychopharmacology and Addiction | 3 | |
| Perception | 3 | |
| Advanced Psychological Statistics | 3 | |
| Experimental Design | 3 | |
| Current Topics: | 3 | |
| Perceptual Processes | 4 | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience | 3 | |
| Hormones and Behavior | 3 | |
| Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience 2 | 4 | |
| Psychophysiology 2 | 4 | |
| Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | 3 | |
| The Aging Brain | 3 | |
| Undergraduate Research: Upper Division 2 | 1-3 | |
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If not taken to satisfy research experience requirement.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at 51ÁÔÆæ, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.Â
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.Â
Currently enrolled students should use the  to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Department Advising
Students should contact an advisor as soon as possible in their freshman year about required courses and the recommended course sequence within Biological Sciences programs. The student should attend fall or spring departmental Open Advising or contact a Department of Biological Sciences faculty advisor who will then guide the student in planning their course choices to accomplish their goals. Students should consult their College academic advisors in Holton Hall and their faculty advisors in the Department of Biological Sciences prior to each registration period.
Major or Minor Declaration
Biological Sciences students should be enrolled in µþ±õ°¿Ìý³§°ä±õÌý150 before officially declaring a major in Biological Sciences. Students can declare a major or minor by contacting a faculty advisor in Biological Sciences or attending fall or spring departmental Open Advising. Students can declare more than one major or a combination of major and minors.
Failure to complete a declaration of major may result in a delay in graduation.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.