Degree Requirements

Neuroscience Minor

Minor Requirements

Neuroscience Minor requires students to complete the ten 4-credit courses listed below, and the zero-credit NEUR 401.

Four Foundational Courses in Biology and Psychology

Students may begin these courses as early as the first semester at Denison. It is recommended that they be completed in the first 2 years, as they are prerequisites for other courses in the concentration. Note that the two biology courses must be taken in order; both courses are offered in all semesters. Likewise, the two psychology courses must be taken in order; both courses are offered in all semesters. 

One Upper-Level Neuroscience Seminar

Note that this course is offered once a year and can be taken anytime after prerequisites are completed. In this course, students will delve into current research topics from across the field of neuroscience by reading and discussing recent scientific literature.

One Computational Course

Because computational modeling, computational research methods, and analyses of large datasets are fundamental aspects of modern neuroscience, students must take either an introductory Computer Science or Data Analytics course as part of the minor. We recommend CS 105 or DA 101 , but other introductory CS courses will also fulfill the requirement. These courses are offered frequently; this requirement can be fulfilled at any time.

One Philosophy Course Related to Neuroscience

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to interrogate how humans (and other animals) perceive, think, and behave. The ideas neuroscientists wrestle with therefore, overlap with the work of philosophers, and philosophy can inform the work of neuroscientists. Students will take one philosophy course as part of the minor. This requirement can be fulfilled at any time. These courses are offered periodically, and it is recommended that students check offerings with the philosophy department. Note that PHIL 210 has no prerequisites when taken by a junior or senior science major; similarly, PHIL 280 has no prerequisites for neuroscience minors, and PHIL 285 has no prerequisites.

Three Advanced Courses in Biology and Psychology

These courses may be taken in any order, except that PSYC 350 and PSYC 351 must be taken concurrently. BIOL 349 is recommended over BIOL 334, but BIOL 349 is typically offered every other year, so BIOL 334 is an alternative if needed for scheduling. PSYC 350/PSYC 351 is typically offered every year. Note that all of these courses have prerequisites, but they are fulfilled by the foundational courses in the minor.

Neuroscience Assessment

Satisfactory completion of NEUR 401 is required of all senior students pursuing the Neuroscience minor during the semester before graduation.  NEUR 401 is a zero-credit course graded S/U.

​​