Degree Requirements
The Neuroscience major offers an innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum that combines a rigorous grounding in the foundational principles of both biological and psychological science at all scales of organization from molecules to human and animal behavior to ecosystems. The program emphasizes coursework in biology and psychology focusing on the area where these two disciplines intersect with one another. Another integral aspect of the major are opportunities for supervised research with Biology or Psychology faculty and internships in neuroscience-related health care or biotechnology fields.
Required Courses
Choose BI 360, BI 390 or PS 397
BI 111 is the first foundational course in biology and provides an introduction to the molecular concepts that form the basis of cellular life. Concepts in Biology I covers the basic principles of evolution, biochemistry, cell structure and function, signal transduction, cell division, transmission genetics, the central dogma of molecular biology, and control of gene expression. Two 50-minute lectures and one 75-minute discussion/week. A prerequisite to BI 112, 201, 202, 205, 206, 212, and 230; PS 335, 350, 351, 352, and 353.
Prerequisite: Co: Take BI-113
BI 112 is the second foundational course in biology. The course focuses on the cellular and organismal levels in the hierarchy of biological organization. Concepts in Biology II covers adaptations of plant and animal life in an evolutionary context and includes discussion of development, body and tissue organization, homeostasis, energy yielding metabolism, nutrition, digestion, circulation, nutrient transport, and gas exchange. Two 50-minute lectures and one 75 minute discussion/week. A prerequisite to BI 201, 202, 210, 212, 230, 245, 255, 274, 276, 278, 305, and 345.
Prerequisite: Pre: BI-111 and BI-113
The laboratory associated with Concepts in Biology I focuses on multiweek exercises that reinforce critical concepts on the molecular and cellular levels of biological organization. The laboratory incorporates student-designed experiments, extensive journal-format scientific writing, and emphasizes science as a process. One 3-hour laboratory/week.
Prerequisite: Co: Take BI-111
The laboratory associated with Concepts in Biology II focuses on introduction of techniques for observing organismal physiology and behavior that reinforce critical concepts on the cellular and organismal levels of biological organization. The laboratory incorporates an open-ended multiweek student-designed experiment, extensive journal-format scientific writing, and emphasizes science as a process. One 3-hour laboratory/week.
Prerequisite: Pre: BI-111 and BI-113;
Organisms to Populations is the third in the series of courses that serve as the foundation of the biology major. The focus of this course is on the evolutionary forces that lead to the biologically fascinating trade-offs between growth, survival, and reproduction. Topics covered include reproductive biology, transmission and population genetics, mechanisms of evolution and an exploration of adaptation, and life history characteristics in a diversity of organisms. A prerequisite to BI 210, 212, 306, 311, 312, 320, 325, 335, 340, 355, and 398.
Prerequisite: TAKE BI-111 BI-112 BI-113 BI-114 WITH MIN GRADE OF C, P
Ecology & Evolution is a sophomore level course in the core biology curriculum required for all majors administered through the Department of Biology. Students will discover the unity and interdependence of the living and non-living components of the environment while exploring the limitless diversity of life on earth through the lens of ecological theory. Topics include population dynamics, species interactions, abundance and diversity, nutrient cycling, succession, and stability. A prerequisite to BI 240, BI 260, BI 265, and BI 398
Prerequisite: BI-111 BI-113 BI-112 BI-114 MA-131ýMinimum grade of C, P
Organisms to Populations Laboratory is the mandatory corequisite for BI 201. The interactive laboratory course will concentrate on multi-week exercises that reinforce essential course concepts. Student-designed experiments, the process of science, and oral and written scientific communication are focal points of the course design.
Prerequisite: Co-req.:Take BI-201
Populations to Ecosystems Laboratory is the mandatory corequisite for BI 202. The interactive laboratory course will concentrate on multi-week exercises that reinforce essential course concepts. Student-designed experiments, the process of science, and oral and written scientific communication are focal points of the course design.
Prerequisite: Co-req.: Take BI-202
This course is an introduction to neuroscience, a discipline in which the biological and psychological sciences are integrated. This broad overview addresses topics ranging from the cellular physiology of neurons to issues of human language, cognition, and mental illness. A prerequisite to BI 305.
Prerequisite: Take BI 111, 112 and PS 110
Examines the cellular, molecular, and physiological mechanisms underlying the functioning of the nervous system and how these mechanisms relate to behavior.
Prerequisite: Take BI 112,114,CH 152, 154
Internships in Biology focus on gaining applied experience through study of a biological topic or an interdisciplinary project that provides majors with an opportunity to gain real-world experience not specifically available in Sacred Heart University's Biology curriculum. Students complete an internship portfolio under the direction of an appropriate professional in consultation with a biology faculty advisor.
Individual research projects in the basic areas of Biology under the supervision of faculty.
Senior Seminar is the capstone course for the Biology major. The course focuses on review of current research and literature on specialized fields of current interest in biological science. An independent project resulting in a research paper on a current question of scientific, public policy, or ethical focus and a final oral presentation on a selected topic is required.
Introduction to psychology as the science of behavior, focusing on the physiological, cognitive, learning, sociocultural, and psychodynamic bases of behavior.
Students are introduced to research design and analysis concepts within the field of psychology, including the scientific method, sampling, measurement, research designs, ethics, and quantitative analysis. Analysis will include the use of SPSS computer software, interpreting output, and writing up statistical results.
Prerequisite: Take MA 131with minimum grade of C, P
This course introduces students to the nervous system and the principles by which it is organized, processes information, and produces complex behaviors and cognitive processes. Beginning with the neurophysiology of neurons, this course proceeds through synaptic transmission, neuropharmacology, hormonal regulation of behavior, the neural basis of sensory perception, biological rhythms/sleep, theories of emotion, learning and memory and consciousness.
Prerequisite: Take PS-110 or BI-111
Students conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member. Course may involve a review and discussion of relevant literature in a seminar format and/or data collection in a laboratory setting. Intended for students who are planning to go to graduate school in psychology.
Elective Courses
Choose five Biology or Psychology electives from the following list. Of these five elective courses, at least two must be from Biology and two must be from Psychology. Choose BI 255 or BI 305.
Lecture involves the investigation of endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. This section is for students interested in athletic training, exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, human movement, or physician assistant programs. This course can count as a Biology elective in the major or minor. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite: Pre: BI-206 and BI-208
An introduction to how animals of all different types use behaviors as strategies for interacting with the environment. Behaviors studied include communication, habitat selection, migration, mate choice, breeding, and parental care. Development and physiological control of behaviors are also examined. Three hours of lecture and one laboratory/field session per week.
Prerequisite: Take BI-112, BI-114 and MA-131 with minimum grade of C, P
Special Topics are new or occasional courses that may or may not become part of the department's permanent offerings. Prerequisites are established by the department as appropriate for the specific course. Course title is shown on the student's transcript. Consult the current course schedule for available topics and prerequisites.
Prerequisite: Take BI-111 BI-113 BI-112 BI-114
This course explores the neural basis of behaviors that animals perform in natural settings. The mechanisms studied underlie specialized behaviors such as the detection of prey, attraction of mates, orientation, and other adaptive behaviors. The animal model systems described demonstrate how neural substrates of behavior can be highly specialized to solve problems encountered in an animal's particular environmental niche. These model systems also provide insights into the organization of similar sensory and motor systems in humans. Three hours of lecture.
Prerequisite: Take BI-111, BI-113, BI-112, BI-114
BI 306 is an introduction to principles of pharmacology and therapeutic uses of drugs with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular foundations of pharmacology. Topics include mechanisms of drug action, dose-response relations, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug-delivery systems, toxicity of pharmacological agents, drug interaction, and substance abuse.
Prerequisite: TAKE BI-201 BI-203 CH-152 CH-154 with minimum grade of C, P
Lecture examines cellular and molecular aspects of animal development from gametogenesis to morphogenesis and pattern formation. Laboratory work includes investigations on fertilization, cellular differentiation, regeneration, and the development of vertebrate organ systems. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Take BI-201 and BI-203 (minimum grade C, P) for both and ýCH152 and CH-154
Drawing heavily from both animal and human models, this course examines the hormonal basis of sexual differentiation, reproductive and parental behaviors, social affiliation, aggression, stress, learning and memory, affective disorders and steroid abuse. This course introduces students to the neurobiology of hormone-behavior interactions in vertebrates.
Prerequisite: Take PS-110 or BI-111
This course presents current data and theories in psychopharmacology and drug-abuse research. Basic principles of pharmacology, neurotransmission, and drug use are covered.
Prerequisite: Take PS-110 or BI-111
This course is an introduction to the theories and methods of social neuroscience, which uses biological and social psychology approaches to understand the mechanisms that underlie social behavior.
Prerequisite: Take PS-110
This course examines the relationship between the human mind, brain, cognition, and mental disorders.
Prerequisite: Take PS-110
Engaging with Irish preschoolers, visiting the aquarium and creating enrichment activities for the animals, participating in a Celtic Cub Scavenger Hunt, immersing yourself in meditation in an Irish forest during Shinrin-Yoku and being exposed to Irish music and language through guest speakers and excursions. These are just some of the experiences you will have in this course which offers an applied approach to understanding neuroscience, the intersection between psychology and biology. Students will examine key concepts in neuroscience including neuroplasticity, language acquisition, learning, stress, and environmental enrichment in applied settings.
Prerequisite: Take PS-110 or BI-111
Required Supporting Courses
Explores modern theories of atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding and periodic relations, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, states of matter, and solutions. Three 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute discussion per week. A prerequisite to BI 230 and CH 152.
Prerequisite: Take CH-153
Explores chemical thermodynamics; chemical kinetics; chemical, ionic, and acid-base equilibria; electrochemistry; chemistry of the representative elements and transition elements; and nuclear reactions. Three 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute discussion per week.
Prerequisite: Take CH-151 and CH-153
Illustrates basic concepts presented in CH 151. Experiments include qualitative analysis of cations and anions, chromatography, synthesis, and FT-IR. One three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Take CH-151
Illustrates basic concepts presented in CH 152. Experiments include quantitative analysis, equilibria, thermochemistry, spectrophotometry, and GC-MS. One three-hour laboratory per week. A prerequisite to CH 254 and 331.
Prerequisite: Take CH 151 and CH-153
Covers hydrocarbons, stereochemistry, arenes, alkyl halides, nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, and IR, NMR, MS, and UV spectroscopy in relation to structure determination. Two 75-minute lectures and one 50-minute discussion per week. A prerequisite to CH 222 and 252.
Prerequisite: Take CH-152 and CH-154
Covers basic techniques in organic chemistry: extraction, distillation, recrystallization; thin layer chromatography; gas chromatography; and IR spectroscopy. Emphasizes techniques in organic synthesis. One three-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: Take CH-152 and CH-154
This course is geared toward liberal arts, science, business, and health science majors." It introduces descriptive statistics, probability distributions (both discrete and normal), confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and correlation. Real-world applications are offered and computer statistical software may be used.