Program Contact: Adrienne Betz 203-582-5259

Behavioral neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that explores the connection between the brain, experience and behavior in an integrative way. All behavioral neuroscience majors complete foundational courses in psychology, neuroscience, biology and chemistry, as well as advanced courses in neuroscience, cognition, biology and scientific reasoning. Based on individual goals and interests, majors then complete one of three tracks: the Self-Directed track, Psychological Science track or Pre-Health track. 

  • The Self-Directed track provides students the freedom to select additional introductory- and upper-level courses based on interest. Some students explore biology, others biomedical sciences, others ethics, computer science or data science.  
  • The Psychological Science track requires additional upper-level psychology courses to broaden and deepen psychological understanding and better prepare students for fields that strongly connect psychology to biological basis of behavior, affect and experience (e.g., clinical practice, counseling, child development, special needs).  
  • The Pre-Health track explicitly connects the major to careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing and healthcare more broadly. By completing this science-intensive track, majors will complete most of the requirements for the Pre-Medical Studies designation and the pre-requisites for health-related professional programs (e.g., medical or dental schools, physician assistant programs, nursing).   

Students completing the behavioral neuroscience major are well prepared for employment or entry into master’s and PhD programs in behavioral neuroscience and related fields. Students can consider Quinnipiac University’s Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology program or the Master of Health Sciences in Biomedical Sciences and their respective dual-degree programs.

Students seeking a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience must complete the University Curriculum and demonstrate foreign language competency at the 102 level or higher. Initial placement in English and mathematics is determined by examination and evaluation of high school units presented. After PS 101 (Introduction to Psychology), all majors complete a sequence of PS 206 (Statistics), PS 307 (Introduction to Research Methods), PS 353 (Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience), and PS 401 (Capstone). Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in PS 101 before progressing to any 200-level PS courses and C- or higher before progressing to the next sequence course: PS 206PS 307, PS 353. For PS 252, a C- or higher is required before continuing to PS 357. The capstone course (PS 401) must be taken after successful completion of PS 353, and it must be completed as a seminar in the senior year during the regular academic year. All majors are encouraged to work closely with their academic adviser to plan their progress through the major.

BS in Behavioral Neuroscience

Students majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience must complete:

University Curriculum 146
Modern Language Requirement3-6
Foundational Core 2
PS 101Introduction to Psychology3
PS 206Introduction to Statistics in Psychology3
PS 307Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology with Lab4
BIO 150
150L
General Biology for Majors
and General Biology for Majors Laboratory
4
BIO 151
151L
Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab
4
CHE 110
110L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
CHE 111
111L
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
MA 140Pre-Calculus3
Advanced Core 2
PS 233Cognitive Psychology3
PS 252Physiological Psychology3
PS 272Abnormal Psychology3
BIO 211
211L
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I
4
or BMS 310 Neuroanatomy
PS 353Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience3
PS 401Integrative Capstone for Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Majors3
Specialization - Must Complete One Track 2
Self-Directed Track12-13
Psychological Science Track15-16
Pre-Health Track36

All majors are encouraged to work closely with their academic adviser to plan their progress through the major.


Self-Directed Track

Additional Psychology - Complete 9 Credits
PS 357Drugs, Brain and Behavior3
or PS 354 Sensation and Perception
Any 200- or 300-Level PS Course3
Any 200- or 300-Level PS Course3
Additional Perspectives - Complete 3 Credits
DS 110Introduction to Data Science3
or CSC 110 Programming and Problem Solving
or PHY 110 General Physics I
Recommended Exploration - Complete 3 Credits
PS 354Sensation and Perception3
or PS 357 Drugs, Brain and Behavior
or PS 236 Child and Adolescent Development
or BIO 329 Neurobiology
or BMS 318 Pathophysiology
or CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I
or DS 110 Introduction to Data Science
or DS 201 Introduction to Python
or DS 215 Communicating with Data
or DS 310 Algorithms for Data Science
or CSC 110 Programming and Problem Solving
or CSC 111 Data Structures and Abstraction
or BIO 205 Bioethics
or PL 102 Introduction to Ethics
or PL 222 Bioethics
or PL 237 Philosophy of Mind
or MA 141 Calculus of a Single Variable
or MA 170 Probability and Data Analysis
Elective Exploration - Complete 3 Credits
PS 236Child and Adolescent Development (or Any 200- or 300-Level PS Course)3
or PS 354 Sensation and Perception
or PS 357 Drugs, Brain and Behavior
or PS 372 Child Psychopathology
or BIO 329 Neurobiology
or BIO 240 Cellular Communication
or BIO 346 Cell Physiology
or BIO 282 Genetics
or BIO 202 Inside Out: An Introduction to Human Form and Function
or BIO 225 Physiological Diversity
or BIO 317 Developmental Biology
or BIO 375 Physiological Models for Human Disease
or BIO 382 Human Genetics
or BIO 471 Molecular Genetics
or BMS 200 Biomedical Basis and Experience of Human Aging
or BMS 213 Microbiology and Pathology
or BMS 276 Drug Development
or BMS 318 Pathophysiology
or BMS 325 Toxicology
or BMS 330 Endocrinology
or BMS 370 General Microbiology
or CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I
or CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II
or DS 110 Introduction to Data Science
or DS 201 Introduction to Python
or DS 215 Communicating with Data
or DS 300 Tools for Data Science
or DS 310 Algorithms for Data Science
or CSC 110 Programming and Problem Solving
or CSC 111 Data Structures and Abstraction
or CSC 205 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (MA 205)
or CSC 210 Computer Architecture and Organization
or CSC 215 Algorithm Design and Analysis
or BIO 205 Bioethics
or PL 102 Introduction to Ethics
or PL 222 Bioethics
or PL 237 Philosophy of Mind
or MA 141 Calculus of a Single Variable
or MA 170 Probability and Data Analysis

Psychological Science Track

Additional Psychology - Complete 9 Credits
PS 357Drugs, Brain and Behavior3
or PS 354 Sensation and Perception
Any 200- or 300-Level PS Course3
Any 200- or 300-Level PS Course3
Additional Perspectives - Complete 3 Credits
PHY 110
110L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
CSC 110Programming and Problem Solving3
DS 110Introduction to Data Science3
Recommended Exploration - Complete 3 Credits
PS 354Sensation and Perception3
or PS 357 Drugs, Brain and Behavior
or PS 236 Child and Adolescent Development
or BIO 329 Neurobiology
or BMS 318 Pathophysiology
or CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I
or DS 110 Introduction to Data Science
or DS 201 Introduction to Python
or DS 215 Communicating with Data
or DS 310 Algorithms for Data Science
or CSC 110 Programming and Problem Solving
or CSC 111 Data Structures and Abstraction
or BIO 205 Bioethics
or PL 102 Introduction to Ethics
or PL 222 Bioethics
or PL 237 Philosophy of Mind

Pre-Health Track

MA 141Calculus of a Single Variable 33
or MA 151 Calculus I
PS 357Drugs, Brain and Behavior3
BIO 329Neurobiology3
BIO 346
346L
Cell Physiology
and Cell Physiology Lab
4
CHE 210
210L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
4
CHE 211
211L
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
4
CHE 315
315L
Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry I Lab
4
PHY 110
110L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
or PHY 121 University Physics
PHY 111
111L
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
or PHY 122 University Physics II
CSC 110Programming and Problem Solving3
or DS 110 Introduction to Data Science

Footnotes

1

All students must complete the 46 credits of the University Curriculum.

2

Some of these courses can fulfill the University Curriculum requirements.

3

Students who do not directly place into MA 141 should take MA 140.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Breadth of Knowledge: Use and evaluate various neuroscientific, biological and psychological perspectives to evaluate and predict complexities in behavior, cognition and affect. Understand how behavioral neuroscience integrates with psychology and biology. 
  2. Scientific Reasoning: Conduct, interpret and evaluate scientific studies in terms of the reliability, validity and generalizability of the research designs; develop open-mindedness, curiosity and amiable skepticism toward claims.
  3. Ethical Responsibility: Apply ethical standards to research and practice situations; demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity in work and communities.
  4. Communication Skills: Demonstrate flexibility and clarity of argument in both written and oral communication.
  5. Personal Development: Apply psychological and neuroscientific thinking to issues encountered in work and personal life, such as using evidence to solve problems; engage in teamwork as well as self-reflection and self-management.

Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences

The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.

Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.

For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.

Pre-Medical Studies Program

Students majoring in Health Science Studies, Biology, Biomedical Sciences or the pre-health track of Behavioral Neuroscience may fully participate in the pre-medical studies program. The curriculum in this degree program can fulfill the science prerequisites for most professional schools. Students should refer to Pre-Medical Studies for more information about the pre-medical studies program and contact the Health Professions Advisory Committee for further academic advising.

Self-Directed Track or Psychological Science Track

Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each students individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher, and meet with your adviser at least once a semester.
Fall Semester
BIO 150
150L
General Biology for Majors
and General Biology for Majors Laboratory
4
CHE 110
110L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing3
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
Spring Semester
BIO 151
151L
Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab
4
CHE 111
111L
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
PS 101Introduction to Psychology3
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
BIO 211
211L
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I
4
MA 140Pre-Calculus3
PS 252Physiological Psychology3
Language at the 101 level3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
PS 206Introduction to Statistics in Psychology3
PS 272Abnormal Psychology3
Additional Perspective Course3
Language at the 102 level (satisfies CAS language requirement)3
University Curriculum course3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities.
Fall Semester
PS 307Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology with Lab4
PS 233Cognitive Psychology3
University Curriculum course3
Recommended Exploration 3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
Self-Directed Track: Adv Psychobiology or Psychological Science Track: Adv Psychology 3
Self-Directed Track: Elective Exploration or Psychological Science Track: Any PS200- or PS300-level Course 3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
PS 353Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience3
Psychological Science Track: Any PS200- or PS300-level Course 3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective1-3
Open Elective1-3
Spring Semester
PS 401Integrative Capstone for Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Majors3
University Curriculum course3
Open Electives1-3
Open Elective1-3
Open Elective1-3
Total Credits110-120

Pre-Health Track

Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student’s individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher, and meet with your adviser at least once a semester.
Fall Semester
BIO 150
150L
General Biology for Majors
and General Biology for Majors Laboratory
4
CHE 110
110L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing3
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
PS 101Introduction to Psychology3
Spring Semester
BIO 151
151L
Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
and Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics Lab
4
CHE 111
111L
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
MA 140Pre-Calculus3
Language at the 101 level3
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career, and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
BIO 211
211L
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I
4
CHE 210
210L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Lab
4
MA 141Calculus of a Single Variable3
PS 252Physiological Psychology3
Language at the 102 level (satisfies CAS language requirement)3
Spring Semester
BIO 212
212L
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
4
CHE 211
211L
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Lab
4
PS 206Introduction to Statistics in Psychology3
PS 272Abnormal Psychology3
SO 101Introduction to Sociology3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities.
Fall Semester
PS 307Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology with Lab4
PS 233Cognitive Psychology3
PHY 110
110L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
PHY 111
111L
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
CHE 315
315L
Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry I Lab
4
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
PS 353Research Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience3
PS 354Sensation and Perception3
BIO 346
346L
Cell Physiology
and Cell Physiology Lab
4
DS 110Introduction to Data Science3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
PS 357Drugs, Brain and Behavior3
PS 401Integrative Capstone for Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Majors3
BIO 329Neurobiology3
University Curriculum course3
Open Electives3-4
Total Credits127-128