Neuroscience, BS

Animal Communication

BIOL 339

Communication mediates most interactions between individuals and the brain dedicates much of its resources to generating and processing these signals. This course examines why and how animals communicate, the physiological mechanisms involved in generating/sensing communication signals, how evolution shapes communication, and how communication signals can influence decision making.

Neuroethology

BIOL 439

Explores the way sensory systems process information to mediate behavior in a wide variety of animals in order to understand similarities and differences in neural mechanisms.

Neurobiological Diseases

BIOL 475

The physiological mechanisms of neurobiological diseases. Impact of neurobiological diseases on society. Standard and experimental treatments. Current research.

Sensory Neural Systems and Behavior

BIOL 478

This course explores how brains acquire information about the external world and process this information to produce sensory perceptions. Students gain a deep understanding of sensory transduction and neural processing at the cellular, network, and systems levels. Additionally the class is aimed at enhancing science communication.

Principles of Systems Neuroscience

BIOL 479

Fundamental principles of nervous system organization with an emphasis on interactions between neurons and the consequences for behavior. There will be a focus on recent advances in our understanding of each organizational principle.

Behavior Principles

PSYC 302/302L

Principles of behavior and learning and the significance of these principles for psychological theory and application; laboratory exercises and demonstrations.

Perception

PSYC 425

Survey of the structure and function of human sensory systems (primarily visual and auditory), perceptual issues, and theories.

WVU Honors College

Students can be a part of the WVU Honors College and participate in either program offered: Honors Foundation or Honors in Action.

Student Organizations

Students can join student organizations including Beta Psi Omega (Biology Honors Fraternity), Psi Chi (International Honor Society in Psychology), WVU Neuroscience Club, and the Psychology Club.

Professional Organizations

Students can get connected with professional organizations including International Society for Neuroethology and American Psychological Association.

Study Abroad

Students can study abroad within this program.

Advising

The program has a dedicated 3-person Neuroscience advising team, allowing advisers to tailor each student’s 4-year plan to their professional goals, whether they intend to pursue medical school, graduate training, or careers in industry.

Further Your Education

Students graduating from this program often continue their education and go onto Medical school to study neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry or onto graduate programs and receive a MS or PhD in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or genetic counseling.

Industry Growth

Employment of neurosciences and medical sciences occupations plans to grow by 9% through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is much faster than the average.