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Cognitive and Neuroscience StudiesFull Time Faculty: Lin Aanonsen (Biology), Janet Folina (Philosophy), Susan Fox (Mathematics/Computer Science), Lynda LaBounty (Psychology), Brooke Lea (Psychology) Part Time Faculty: Elizabeth Jansen (Biology), Joy Laine (Philosophy) Program Director: Eric Wiertelak (Psychology) As a term, The Neurosciences refers to an interdisciplinary collective of theory, methods, and technology from across science and other disciplines, applied to the examination the evolution, development, structure (both physical and organizational, as in artificial intelligence, computational and theoretical modeling), functions (including adaptive mechanisms, cognitive, systems, and philosophical approaches), pharmacology, clinical assessment, and pathology of nervous systems in order to further understand how thought and behavior develop, are organized, and maintained. The Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies major, therefore, provides a broad multidisciplinary introduction to the study of the brain, mind and behavior. The completion of this interdisciplinary foundation and selected focused coursework, through completion of an approved emphasis from one of the participating departments, enables the student to study the mind and nervous system from a variety of perspectives based on the student's own interests in this field. General Distribution RequirementCognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180, 244, 246, 248, and 484 count toward the mathematics and natural science requirement, and 362 counts toward the humanities requirement. General Education RequirementsCourses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and multiculturalism will be posted on the Registrar's web page in advance of registration for each semester. Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog. Major ConcentrationThe cognitive and neuroscience studies major consists of three primary components: 1) completion of 4 foundation courses, 2) completion of a 7 course core curriculum required for all cognitive and neuroscience studies majors, and 3) a 5 or 6 course emphasis (described below) in mathematics, computer science, philosophy, OR psychology depending on the interests and future goals of the student*. The core curriculum for cognitive and neuroscience studies draws from introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in biology, mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and psychology, as well as prerequisite courses. The senior capstone experience in cognitive and neuroscience studies is satisfied by successful completion of an approved research experience (e.g., CNS 300) and the Senior Seminar (2 semesters) in cognitive and neuroscience studies. The student, in consultation with his/her advisor, chooses courses in his/her emphasis from approved coursework in one of the participating departments. * Students interested in a more in-depth study of neurobiology and neurochemistry or who plan to pursue a career as a biomedical scientist should also consider the major in biology with an emphasis in neurobiology. (See biology section of this catalog.) Specific Requirements for the Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies MajorFour foundation courses are required of all majors: Chemistry 111 & 112; Mathematics 153 or 154; and Computer Science 120, 121 or 123*. * Students select the course that will serve as the appropriate prerequisite for the computer science course selected from the list in 3 below. Seven Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies Core Courses: 1. Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180: Brain, Mind, and Behavior (introductory course) 2. Biology 205: Cell Biology & Genetics II (Biology 161 or 163 or 165 or passing the Biology Placement Exam is prerequisite) 3. One of: Computer Science 365: Scientific Computation; Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 484: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 4. Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 362: Philosophy of Mind 5. Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 248: Behavioral Neuroscience 6. Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 300: Directed Research* * The Directed Research experience should be defined in part by the discipline of emphasis for the cognitive and neuroscience studies major and focus on a neuroscience-related topic. It should culminate in the creation of a research paper that is modeled after professional publications in the student's area of emphasis. 7. Capstone Experience A capstone experience of either the cognitive and neuroscience studies senior seminar or, with approval of the student's advisor and director of the cognitive and neuroscience studies program, an advanced independent project. Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 488: Senior Seminar (taken twice) Required Emphasis in a Participating Department Completion of an emphasis in one of the participating departments (mathematics, computer science, philosophy, or psychology) is required of all cognitive and neuroscience studies majors to provide depth. Typical course sequences are listed below. Students should select an advisor from within their chosen emphasis and work closely with the advisor in selecting appropriate courses for their particular emphasis.
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