School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Neuroscience (BS)
Neuroscience is the multidisciplinary study of nervous system function that draws on recent advances in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computer, behavioral and cognitive sciences. It examines the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system's global and nanoscale biochemistry, its complex and extensively networked morphology, and its remarkably adaptive physiology. The field considers neuronal development from early embryology through advanced senescence. Further, neurobiologists examine neuronal plasticity from the level of single proteins, of individual neurons, up through the level of networks or systems of cells, and up to complete behaving organisms. Neuroscience studies the regulation and expression of behavior, the impact of that behavior on neurons, and the complex interactions of multiple neuronal systems that underlie the emergence of cognitive and sensory functions. The Neuroscience program at UT Dallas provides students with opportunities to focus on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral neurons from a systems and cellular-level perspective, drawing on behavioral and cognitive expertise combined with smaller-scale neuronal and molecular analyses. It allows undergraduates extensive interactions with working neuroscientists who use the latest experimental techniques.
The Neuroscience program is designed to prepare students for admission to medical, dental or allied-health graduate schools (through the Medical Neuroscience track), for admission to research-based doctoral training programs (through the Research Neuroscience track), or for careers in biomedical science, industry, and allied health fields (through the Industrial Neuroscience track). Required courses within the Medical track include the approved pre-medical curriculum and offer a popular alternative to other pre-health majors. Students who wish to continue their education in the fields of medicine, dentistry or allied health professions should also register with the Health Professions Advising Center during their first semester.
Students can choose between three program tracks: Medical Neuroscience Track, Research Neuroscience Track, or Industrial Neuroscience Track to meet their career training needs. All tracks share a Core Curriculum and Neuroscience major requirements that can be completed in a minimum of 82 semester credit hours. Different coursework is required within the different tracks, with the total number of credit hours required for graduation the same for all three tracks.
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Degree Requirements (120 semester credit hours)1
View an Example of Degree Requirements by Semester
Faculty
Professors: Gregory Dussor, Michael P. Kilgard, Theodore Price, Robert L. Rennaker II, Ana Solodkin
Associate Professors: Kristen Kennedy, Benedict Kolber, Sven Kroener, Christa McIntyre Rodriguez, Karen Rodrigue, Lucien (Tres) Thompson
Assistant Professors: Michael Burton, Crystal Engineer, Catherine Thorn
Professor of Instruction: Van Miller
Associate Professor of Instruction: Faisal Jahangiri, Steven McWilliams, Rukhsana Sultana
Assistant Professors of Instruction: Siham Raboune, Millie Rincon-Cortes, Anna Taylor
I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 semester credit hours2
Communication: 6 semester credit hours of geographical or disciplinary focus
COMM 1311 Survey of Oral and Technology-based Communication
COMM 1315 Public Speaking
RHET 1302 Rhetoric
Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Communication Core courses (see advisor)
Mathematics: 3 semester credit hours
Choose one course from the following:
Or select any 3 semester credit hours from Mathematics Core courses (see advisor)
Life and Physical Sciences (030): 6 semester credit hours
Select 6 semester credit hours from Life and Physical Sciences Core courses (see NSC advisor)
Language, Philosophy and Culture (040): 3 semester credit hours
Select 3 semester credit hours from Language, Philosophy and Culture Core courses (see advisor)
Creative Arts (050): 3 semester credit hours
Select 3 semester credit hours from Creative Arts Core courses (see advisor)
American History (060): 6 semester credit hours
Select 6 semester credit hours from American History Core courses (see advisor)
Government/Political Science (070): 6 semester credit hours
Select 6 semester credit hours from Government/Political Science Core courses (see advisor)
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 semester credit hours
PSY 2301 Introduction to Psychology3
Or select any 3 semester credit hours from Social and Behavioral Sciences Core courses (see advisor)
Component Area Option: 6 semester credit hours
PSY 2317 Statistics for Psychology3
or STAT 1342 Statistical Decision Making3
or STAT 2332 Introductory Statistics for Life Sciences3
CHEM 1312 General Chemistry II3
Or select any 6 semester credit hours from Component Area Option Core courses (see advisor)
II. Major Core Requirements: 26 semester credit hours
Major Preparatory Courses: 24 semester credit hours - 5 semester credit hours beyond Core Curriculum3
All of the following:
BIOL 2111 Introduction to Modern Biology Workshop I
BIOL 2281 Introductory Biology Laboratory
BIOL 2311 Introduction to Modern Biology I3
CHEM 1111 General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 1311 General Chemistry I3
CHEM 1112 General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 1312 General Chemistry II3
PSY 2301 Introduction to Psychology3
PSY 2317 Statistics for Psychology3
or STAT 1342 Statistical Decision Making3
or STAT 2332 Introductory Statistics for Life Sciences3
Major Core Courses required for all Tracks: 21 semester credit hours
All of the following:
NSC 3361 Introduction to Neuroscience
NSC 4352 Cellular Neuroscience
NSC 4353 Neuroscience Laboratory Methods
NSC 4354 Integrative Neuroscience
NSC 4356 Neurophysiology
NSC 4363 Neuropharmacology
NSC 4366 Neuroanatomy
III. Tracks - 52 semester credit hours
Neuroscience majors select one of three Tracks:
- Medical Neuroscience (12 semester credit hours, plus 28 semester credit hours of pre-med courses, plus 12 semester credit hours of free electives)
- Research Neuroscience (12 semester credit hours, plus 28 semester credit hours of pre-graduate courses, plus 12 semester credit hours of free electives)
- Industrial Neuroscience (22 semester credit hours, plus 30 semester credit hours of free electives)
Track 1: Medical Neuroscience
Choose four courses (12 semester credit hours) from the following:
NSC 4350 Medical Neuropathology
NSC 4351 Medical Neuroscience
NSC 4358 Neuroscience of Pain
NSC 4362 Molecular Neuroscience
NSC 4364 Journey into Medicine
NSC 4372 Neuroimmunology
NSC 4377 Neurogenetics
NSC 4378 Neurotoxicology
NSC 4380 Neurology of Cognition
NSC 4381 Health Disparities in Neuroscience
NSC 4382 Neurobiology of Emotion
NSC 4387 Neuropathology
NSC 4388 Medical Physiology
NSC 4397 Thesis Research
NSC 4V75 Honors Seminar
Required Pre-medical Basic Biology, Chemistry and Physics (28 semester credit hours)
BIOL 2112 Introduction to Modern Biology Workshop II
BIOL 2312 Introduction to Modern Biology II
BIOL 3161 Biochemistry Workshop I
BIOL 3361 Biochemistry I
CHEM 2233 Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 2323 Introductory Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2325 Introductory Organic Chemistry II
PHYS 1301 College Physics I
PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1302 College Physics II
PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II
An additional 4 semester credit hours selected with your advisor from NSC or other fields. See advisor for additional guidance.
Elective Requirements: 12 semester credit hours of free electives.
At least 12 semester credit hours of lower- or upper-division courses of the student's choice. Students are encouraged to explore additional courses in Neuroscience as well as explore interests outside the field. Be aware that at least 51 semester credit hours of upper-division courses are required for graduation.
Track 2: Research Neuroscience
Choose four courses (12 semester credit hours) from the following:
NSC 4355 Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory
NSC 4357 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
NSC 4358 Neuroscience of Pain
NSC 4359 Cognitive Neuroscience
NSC 4362 Molecular Neuroscience
NSC 4367 Developmental Neurobiology
NSC 4371 Neural Plasticity
NSC 4372 Neuroimmunology
NSC 4374 Neuroplasticity in Disorders of the Nervous System
NSC 4376 Neurobiology of Stress
NSC 4377 Neurogenetics
NSC 4380 Neurology of Cognition
NSC 4381 Health Disparities in Neuroscience
NSC 4382 Neurobiology of Emotion
NSC 4391 Writing and Independent Study
NSC 4397 Thesis Research
NSC 4V75 Honors Seminar
NSC 4V98 Directed Research
NSC 4V99 Independent Study
Required pre-graduate courses, basic Biology, Chemistry and Physics (28 semester credit hours)
BIOL 2112 Introduction to Modern Biology Workshop II
BIOL 2312 Introduction to Modern Biology II
BIOL 3161 Biochemistry Workshop I
BIOL 3361 Biochemistry I
CHEM 2233 Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 2323 Introductory Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2325 Introductory Organic Chemistry II
PHYS 1301 College Physics I
PHYS 2125 Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1302 College Physics II
PHYS 2126 Physics Laboratory II
An additional 4 semester credit hours selected with your advisor from NSC or other fields. See advisor for additional guidance.
Elective Requirements: 12 semester credit hours of free electives.
At least 12 semester credit hours of lower- or upper-division courses of the student's choice. Students are encouraged to explore additional courses in Neuroscience as well as explore interests outside the field. Be aware that at least 51 semester credit hours of upper-division courses are required for graduation.
Track 3: Industrial Neuroscience
Required coursework (7 semester credit hours)
NSC 4360 Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Neuroscience
NSC 4361 Pathway Into Industrial Neuroscience
NSC 4193 Internship Preparation
Select 3 additional courses (9 semester credit hours) from this list:
NSC 4391 Writing and Independent Study
NSC 4394 Internship in Neuroscience
NSC 4395 Internship in Neuroscience II
NSC 4397 Thesis Research
NSC 4V95 Externship in Neuroscience
NSC 4V99 Independent Study
Choose from one of the following two-course groups for additional emphasis (6 semester credit hours):
Entrepreneurship
ENTP 3301 Innovation and Entrepreneurship
ENTP 4311 Entrepreneurial Strategy and Business Models
Healthcare Management
HMGT 3301 Introduction to Healthcare Management
HMGT 3310 Healthcare Regulatory Environment
Marketing
MKT 3300 Principles of Marketing
MKT 3330 Introduction to Professional Selling
Additional Elective Requirements: 30 semester credit hours of free elective coursework, selected with your advisor, from NSC or other fields.
Electives are of lower- or upper-division courses of the student's choice. Students are encouraged to explore additional courses in Neuroscience as well as explore interests outside the field. Be aware that at least 51 semester credit hours of upper-division courses are required for graduation.
Incoming freshmen must enroll and complete the requirement of BBSU 1100.
Fast Track Baccalaureate/Master's Degrees
UT Dallas undergraduate students with strong academic records who intend to pursue a master's degree in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience at UT Dallas may consider an accelerated undergraduate-graduate plan of study. If accepted into the program, students may take up to 15 semester credit hours of graduate courses that may be used to complete the baccalaureate degree and also satisfy requirements for the master's degree. Students must maintain a 3.000 grade point average and earn grades of B or better in graduate courses taken.
Students should apply for Fast Track admission in the semester they reach 90 semester credit hours. To qualify for application, undergraduate students must have completed at least 18 semester credit hours in major core courses at UT Dallas. To be eligible for Fast Track admission, students must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree, completed a minimum of 36 hours of general education core curriculum classes, and meet program admission requirements. Apply to the Fast Track program through the Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Program Office. Students should consult with a graduate advisor regarding admissions criteria and plans of study.
Minor in Neuroscience: 18 semester credit hours
Students who are not majoring in Neuroscience may minor in Neuroscience. Students who take a minor will be expected to meet the normal prerequisites in courses making up the minor, and should maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 on a 4.00 scale (C average).
Students should take 9 semester credit hours (3 courses) from the Neuroscience Core courses:
NSC 3361 Introduction to Neuroscience
NSC 4352 Cellular Neuroscience
NSC 4354 Integrative Neuroscience
NSC 4356 Neurophysiology
NSC 4363 Neuropharmacology
NSC 4366 Neuroanatomy
Plus 9 semester credit hours (3 courses) from one of the Neuroscience career tracks:
Medical Neuroscience (9 semester credit hours)
NSC 4350 Medical Neuropathology
NSC 4351 Medical Neuroscience
NSC 4358 Neuroscience of Pain
NSC 4362 Molecular Neuroscience
NSC 4364 Journey into Medicine
NSC 4372 Neuroimmunology
NSC 4373 Sensory Neuroscience
NSC 4382 Neurobiology of Emotion
Research Neuroscience (9 semester credit hours)
NSC 4353 Neuroscience Laboratory Methods
NSC 4357 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
NSC 4358 Neuroscience of Pain
NSC 4362 Molecular Neuroscience
NSC 4367 Developmental Neurobiology
NSC 4371 Neural Plasticity
NSC 4372 Neuroimmunology
NSC 4373 Sensory Neuroscience
NSC 4382 Neurobiology of Emotion
Industrial Neuroscience (9 semester credit hours)
NSC 4360 Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Neuroscience
NSC 4361 Pathway Into Industrial Neuroscience
NSC 4391 Writing and Independent Study
NSC 4193 Internship Preparation
NSC 4394 Internship in Neuroscience
NSC 4395 Internship in Neuroscience II
NSC 4397 Thesis Research
NSC 4V99 Independent Study
1. Incoming freshmen must enroll and complete requirements of UNIV 1010 and the corresponding school-related freshman seminar course. Students, including transfer students, who complete their core curriculum at UT Dallas must take UNIV 2020.
2. Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from institutions of higher education. The courses listed are recommended as the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.
3. A required preparatory course that also fulfills a Core Curriculum requirement. Eighteen (18) semester credit hours are counted in Core Curriculum.
4. May be repeated for credit, up to 9 semester credit hours.
5. May be repeated for credit, up to 6 semester credit hours.