Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences, Neuroscience Concentration
Saint Francis University
Key Information
Campus location
Loretto, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
Aug 2024
Scholarships
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Introduction
Study Neuroscience at Saint Francis University
Neuroscience programs at SFU are a great match for students who enjoy making connections across biological and psychological sciences and are curious about the structure and function of our brain and nervous system, including sensory, neuromuscular and cognitive systems.
Why choose Saint Francis for Neuroscience?
- SFU graduates are prepared to earn spots in neuroscience graduate programs nationwide.
- The interdisciplinary approach builds your expertise from multiple fields within the scope of neuroscience.
- Advising and mentoring are handled by faculty who understand your career path.
- SFU boasts a vibrant chapter of Nu Rho Psi, the National Honor Society in Neuroscience.
- Undergraduate research opportunities with respected biology and psychology faculty as early as your freshman year help you stand out among your peers in the professional and educational market.
What is Neuroscience?
By studying Neuroscience, you will be provided with the fundamental knowledge needed to understand the evolution and development of the nervous system, its function in health and disease, processes of rehabilitation, and underlying biobehavioral research. You will thus become well-versed in a variety of disciplines, ranging from molecular and cellular biology to psychopharmacology, biochemistry, neuroanatomy, and behavioral neuroscience.
- Healthcare professionals learn the neurological basis of sensation, movement, and disease.
- Future psychologists learn the biological underpinnings of the nervous system.
- Biologists and chemists learn how the actions of neurons manifest in behavior and cognition.
Curriculum
Major Requirements: (33 credits)
Psychology Major Core Requirements (12 credits):
- PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology
- PSYC 311 - Research Methods and Statistics I *
- PSYC 312 - Research Methods and Statistics II *
- PSYC 303 - Learning
Two of the following lower-level courses (6 credits):
- PSYC 204 - Personality
- PSYC 205 - Psychopathology
- PSYC 206 - Health and Exercise Psychology
- PSYC 209 - Developmental Psychology
The following upper-level courses (3 credits):
- PSYC 317 - Memory and Cognition
One of the following diversity courses (3 credits):
- PSYC 322 - Psychology of Women and Gender
- PSYC 323 - Cultural Psychology
Two of the following Brain and Behavior courses (6 credits):
- PSYC 302 - Sensation and Perception
- PSYC 314 - Biopsychology (Required)
- PSYC 404 - Psychopharmacology
Psychology Capstone (One of the following courses; 3 credits):
- PSYC 398 - Psychology Internship and PSYC 399 Psychology Internship (2-15 credits) [1] See below
- PSYC 407 - Applied Topics in Psychology
- PSYC 487 - Independent Study in Psychology (1-8 credits) [2] See below
*Students may make the following substitutions for the required research methods sequence:
- STAT 101 Elementary Statistics or STAT 205 Essentials of Statistics or BIOL 315 Biostatistics and PSYC 310 Quantitative Research Methods
- STAT 101 Elementary Statistics or STAT 205 Essentials of Statistics or BIOL 315 Biostatistics and PSYC 311 Research Methods and Statistics I
**Students must complete a 3-credit internship or a 3-credit independent study or PSYC 407 Applied Topics in Psychology to completely satisfy the degree requirements and EXAM 401.
[1]While students may take PSYC 398/399 for variable credits (2-15), only 3 credits may count towards the psychology credit requirement.
[2] While students may take PSYC 487 for variable credits (1-8), only 3 credits may count towards the psychology credit requirement.
Collateral Courses: (31 credits)
- MATH 112 - Intuitive Calculus or MATH 121 Calculus I
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 221 - Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 222 - Organic Chemistry II
- PHYS 104 - An Introduction to Physics I and PHYS 105 An Introduction to Physics II
or
PHYS 121 - General Physics I and PHYS 122 General Physics II - NEUR 279 - Introduction to Neuroscience
- NEUR 450 - Interdisciplinary Senior Seminar in Neuroscience
Program Outcome
- Knowledge Base in Psychology: Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
- Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking: The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem-solving, including research methods.
- Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: Skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
- Communication: Students should demonstrate competence in writing, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Professional Development: The emphasis in this goal is on the application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.
Career Opportunities
The field of Neuroscience is growing. The Occupational Outlook handbook (bls.gov) identifies Medical Scientists, one of the occupations directly associated with this career option, as a career that is growing at 17% from 2020-2030 (much faster than average), and has a median salary of $91,510 per year (2020 median pay). The career typically requires a Ph.D., and as a result, our program is designed to provide students with excellent preparation for Ph.D. programs in neuroscience through both Biology and Psychology departments across the nation.
Other career options are available to students in this field, however. For example, students completing our four-year program with a bachelor’s degree are qualified to find immediate employment as a Biological Technician, or as a Psychiatric Technician, both with growing areas (7% and 11% growth, median salary of $46,340/year and $36,230/year, respectively).
Careers in neuroscience research are accessible to students in biology, chemistry, and psychology majors who pursue graduate school in neuroscience. Such a career demands a strong background in molecular biology, psychology, and physiology. Some physicians also specialize in neuroscience after receiving their medical degrees (D.O. or M.D.).
English Language Requirements
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