Neuroscience

Director of Neuroscience BS Degree Undergraduate Program
Matthew J. Will
Department of Psychological Sciences
207 McAlester Hall
willm@missouri.edu

Academic Advising
Jennifer Bloss
Department of Psychological Sciences
blossje@missouri.edu
(573) 882-3042

The Neuroscience major is jointly administered by the department of Psychological Sciences and the Division of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Science. The degree offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the brain and behavior, combining coursework in biology, psychology, physics, and other related life sciences. Students will explore how the nervous system functions at multiple levels, from molecular and cellular processes to cognition, emotion, and behavior, while developing strong foundations in scientific reasoning and research methods. Neuroscience is a rapidly growing field that addresses critical questions about mental health, neurological disease, learning, and human behavior. Through coursework and opportunities in faculty research labs, students will gain valuable skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning.

Professor D. Schulz**, A. Chandrasekhar**, B. Zhang**
Associate Professor J. Johnson**, D. Miller**, M. Will**
Assistant Professor J. Santin**
Associate Teaching Professor L. Bauer*
Assistant Teaching Professor S. Greenland-White*

*: Graduate Faculty Member - membership is required to teach graduate-level courses, chair master's thesis committees, and serve on doctoral examination and dissertation committees.
**: Doctoral Faculty Member - membership is required to chair doctoral examination or dissertation committees. Graduate faculty membership is a prerequisite for Doctoral faculty membership.

The BS degree in Neuroscience opens the door to a wide range of career paths in healthcare professions such as medicine, nursing, or physician assistant roles, while others enter clinical and behavioral health fields, working in mental health, counseling, or rehabilitation settings. Neuroscience majors are also well prepared for research roles in academic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms, contributing to advances in drug development and understanding neurological disease. In addition, the field is expanding into areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, and neurotechnology, where knowledge of brain systems is applied to innovative technologies. Some graduates also pursue careers in public health, government agencies, or science communication. Overall, neuroscience provides a versatile foundation that supports both immediate employment opportunities and further study in graduate or professional programs.

NEUROSCI 1000: Career Foundations in Neuroscience

This course introduces students to career paths and opportunities related to neuroscience degree, overview of ethics, and guest lectures from neuroscientists in academic and industry. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1

NEUROSCI 1010: Neuroscience Foundations

This course introduces the entire field of neuroscience, from molecules to behavior. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

NEUROSCI 3010: Behavioral Neuroscience

This course covers the relationship between the nervous system and behavior, including the role of evolution, genetics, and environment. The majority of course material will stem from animal research studies, with minimal coverage of human/clinical research. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 1010 or PSYCH 2210

NEUROSCI 3020: Cognitive Neuroscience

This course will cover the neural basis of human information processing in memory, attention, perception, imagery, movement, and language. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 1010 or PSYCH 2210

NEUROSCI 3030: Cellular Molecular Neuroscience

This course will focus on the development of the organization and function of the nervous system at the cellular and molecular level. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 1010 or BIO_SCI 2300

NEUROSCI 3040: Structure and Function of the Nervous System

This course will cover the neuroanatomical organization of the nervous system, including brain, spinal cord, circulatory blood supply, cranial nerves, peripheral nervous system. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 1010 or BIO_SC 2300

NEUROSCI 7990: Non-Thesis Research in Neuroscience

The course is intended primarily for post-baccalaureate students who have not entered a formal graduate program but who are performing neuroscience research. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent required

NEUROSCI 8002: Topics in Neuroscience

Advanced topics not in regularly offered courses. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-6

NEUROSCI 8020: Advances in Neuroscience and Neuropathology

In depth review of recent advances in basic neuroscience research as well as pathological conditions affecting nervous systems at the cellular and systems level, and the methods and techniques used to study the nervous system. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3

NEUROSCI 8090: Thesis Research in Neuroscience

The course is intended primarily for graduate students who are working with mentors in departments that do not offer courses (e.g. Radiology). Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-6
Prerequisites: instructor's consent required

NEUROSCI 8187: Neuroscience Journal Club

In depth readings and presentations/discussions of neuroscience journal articles including recent advances in basic neuroscience research, pathological conditions affecting nervous systems, and neuroscience techniques. Graded on S/U basis only. May be repeated for credit.

Credit Hour: 1

NEUROSCI 8440: Integrative Neuroscience I

(same as BIO_SC 8440). Organization, development and function of the nervous system focusing on cellular and molecular processes. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

NEUROSCI 8442: Integrative Neuroscience II

(same as BIO_SC 8442). Organization and function of the nervous system at the systems level to examine processes of behavior and cognition. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3

NEUROSCI 9090: Thesis Research in Neuroscience

The course is intended primarily for graduate students who are working with mentors in departments that do not offer courses (e.g. Radiology). Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-9
Prerequisites: Instructor's consent required