Undergraduate

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DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Behavioral Neuroscience BS Major

Questions & Answers for the KU Psychology BS in Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience (BN) is a new major in Psychology at the University of Kansas.  The concentration in behavioral neuroscience is designed for students with a focused interest in the biological bases of behavior and thought. The concentration is well suited for students that are contemplating professional or research careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals, veterinarian medicine, animal science, neurology, and neuroscience.  It is also suitable as a degree for those headed into other health fields or graduate school in other areas of psychology.  As a behavioral neuroscience major, you will take courses in many different departments because as you explore the neural basis of behavior and prepare to enter the neuroscience research field, you will need to explore the realms of chemistry, biology, psychology, statistics, and in even computer science.

What is it?

Neuroscience is a large discipline that encompasses an extremely wide variety of scientists and scientific interests. However, all neuroscientists are interested in the brain and how the brain works. Some neuroscientists (e.g., in biology) are only interested on learning about the basic physiology of the brain and of brain tissue. Biologically oriented neuroscientists might be interested in such questions as: What cellular processes enable neurons to communicate with each other via neurotransmitters? But behavioral neuroscientists are interested in the relationship between the physiological processes that occur in the brain and the behavior of an organism. The Behavioral Neuroscientist is likely to be interested in the biological basis of normal learning & memory as well as psychiatric illness (e.g., depression, drug abuse, schizophrenia).  They might also be interested in how the nervous system influences thoughts, emotions, or abnormal behaviors.  This focus on the behavior of the entire organism is what is distinctive about behavioral neuroscience and at KU, this is typically studied in humans.

Is it Hard?

Yes. Do not enter this major lightly as it will not be easy.  What it will do is give you excellent opportunities in scientific research and a strong background in neuroscience, health and neuro-related topics, research methods, statistics, and even some computer science.  You will also have to take the general education courses for a BS which are typically more difficult and time intensive than the BA requirements for psychology.  That being said, if you are planning on going on to Medical School, you will find that these requirements overlap substantially with pre-med requirements.  Furthermore, if you are planning on proceeding into a neuroscience or health-related field, this will prepare you for the challenges to come.  If you have any questions about this, you should discuss it with the BN director, Dr. Pressman or one of the other neuroscience related faculty in the department.

Why should I do this?

This interdisciplinary program gives students exceptional experience with research, writing, and technological sophistication that will prepare you well for a variety of neuroscience related graduate programs (neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, mental health fields, neurobiology, medicine, dentistry, nursing).  It also provides an excellent background for entry-level positions in research (e.g., biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotech).

How do I declare?

In order to apply to the major, students will be invited (around mid-semester) via an Academic Notice in their KYOU PORTAL to a psychology admission orientation if they are in their application term.  This is a semester in which you (the student) have enrolled in the minimum required courses to declare the major. This includes: PSYC 102, 104/105, 200/201 or 210/211, and one of the following core courses (PSYC 370/371 or 380/381).  You must have a 2.5 or greater GPA for these courses.  After you meet the above requirements and attend the admissions orientation, you will be asked to sign a DECLARATION INTENT FORM for the major.  At this point, you will be admitted to the major.

What can I do for my research component?

An important part of the BS degree in Behavioral Neuroscience is the research experience. This is typically done through some combination of PSYC 480 (independent study) and an Honor’s thesis.  To get involved in one of these, you need to meet with a suitable mentor in the Psychology program.  Ideally, you will find a mentor with neuroscience interests, however, this is not a requirement. You should simply find a professor whose research interests overlap with yours and your future career goals.  Some possibilities with direct neuroscience relevance include (but are not limited to):

Dr. David Johnson, Dr. John Colombo, Dr. Omri Gillath, Dr. Ruth Ann Atchley, Dr. Doug Denney, Dr. Lila Chrysikou (incoming 2011), and Dr. Cary Savage (KUMC).

If your interests swing more towards medicine, clinical psychology and health, you might confer with Dr. Nancy Hamilton, Dr. Sarah Pressman, Dr. Steve Ilardi, Dr. Ric Steele, Dr. Michael Roberts, and Dr. Michael Rapoff (KUMC).

To find out if these professors have research opportunities in their laboratories, simply drop them an email or stop by their office hours. You can find out more about their specific interests by visiting their unique websites.  A good starting point it here: http://www.psych.ku.edu/psych_people/faculty.shtml

Keep in mind that the relationships that you foster with these faculty members may turn into presentations at conferences, great mentoring, publications, and of course, helpful guidance and recommendation letters for graduate programs. 

What are some examples of student research in Behavioral Neuroscience?

Look in the hallways on the 4^th floor of Fraser and you will see lots of posters with Neuroscience related research including that of undergraduates.  These might include studies using EEG, ERP, or MRI.  Ask the neuroscience faculty (e.g., Dr. Chrysikou, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Gillath, or Dr. R. Atchley) for some examples of their students’ work.  For those students who are more pre-med or health oriented, their research might have more of a clinical orientation such as work on fibromyalgia patients (Dr. Hamilton), multiple sclerosis patients (Dr. Denney), and Alzheimer patients (Dr. Johnson) or work on more general physiological processes like studying cardiovascular, hormonal, and other psychophysiological changes under stress in the lab (Dr. Pressman).

Can I complete this degree in 4 years?

YES!  While the concentration requires careful planning, you can do this in 4 years (see recommended curriculum).  Some students take summer courses to accelerate their progress through the major or allow them greater flexibility during the school year (e.g., taking some of the lower level psychology courses or general education courses).  To insure that you are on track you should consult with your faculty advisor, with the psychology advisor or with a behavioral neuroscience advisor early in your 2^nd year at KU. 

Some of the electives in the BS program are only offered every few years so if there is one in particular you want to take you should PLAN AHEAD by contacting the professor who teaches it to find out when it will next be offered.  You can find out who teaches it by looking at past semesters on the KU course page or asking in the main psychology department office.  You may also take other upper level courses as alternatives to the listed electives (the more health/neuro/bio oriented psych courses); however, you should get approval from Dr. Pressman first.

With the exception of some introductory courses, most courses will have prerequisites. In mapping out your long-term course plan, list all prerequisites to insure that you take your courses in the appropriate order.

What types of careers does BN prepare me for?

Clinical Psychology, Medicine, Pharmacology, Animal Science & Veterinary Science, Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Nursing, Health Psychology, Psychophysicist, Psychophysiologist, Psychiatry, Scientific Writer/journalist and many others. 

Taking this degree will also provide you with many skills that will be valued broadly by employers and will be transferable from job to job. This includes: research design, data collection and analysis, sophisticated statistical techniques, computer programming ability, analytical ability, writing skills, problem solving, critical thinking and more.

Careers in most of the fields listed above require a post-graduate (M.S., Ph.D., Psy.D., or M.D.) degree. However, many entry-level positions in medical, clinical, biotech, or pharmaceutical research are available to individuals with a B.S. degree.

Useful Places to Learn More about Neuroscience:  Society for Neuroscience: http://www.sfn.org/  and http://www.neuroguide.com/

How do I join the BS Major in Behavioral Neuroscience 

The requirements for ADMISSION to a major in Psychology are distinct and different from the requirements for graduation with a major in Psychology.

In order to apply to the major, students will be invited (around mid-semester) via an Academic Notice in their KYOU Portal to a Psychology Admission Orientation if they are in their application term (semester in which student has enrolled in the minimum number of required courses to declare major, as noted below).   

The Department of Psychology requires the following to be admitted as a Behavioral Neuroscience major:

• Students must have satisfactorily completed PSYC 102
• Students must have taken:
• 104/105
• 200/201 or 210/211 (previously known as PSYC 300 and PSYC 310)
• and one of the following core courses (PSYC 370/371 or 380/381) 
• Students must have a 2.5 or greater GPA for the group of courses listed in #2.
• Students must sign a Declaration Intent Form by attending a Psychology Admission Orientation during their application term.  

All applicants who meet the above requirements will be admitted.

Students should speak with Dr. Pressman , Dr. Chrysikou ,or Heidi Waltz prior to entering the BS program in behavioral neuroscience.

Undergraduate Advising Specialist             Co- Chairs of Bachelor of Science Program

                    Heidi Waltz                              Sarah Pressman, PhD     Evangelia G Chrysikou, PhD

                211A Fraser Hall                            445 Fraser Hall                 457 Fraser Hall

                   785-864-9834                              785-864-9822                     785-864-9711

                  hhwaltz@ku.edu                           pressman@ku.edu         lilachrysikou@ku.edu

 

Recommended Course Schedule for BS in Behavioral Neuroscience
1st Year Fall	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours	1st Year Spring	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours
engl 101	general education	3	engl 102	general education	3
math 103 (or other math if exempt)	Math Requirement	3	math 115	Math Requirement	3
chem 184	Natural Science Req	5	biol 150/151	Natural Science Req	4
psyc 102	major requirement	1	psyc 200 or 210	major requirement	3
psyc 104/105	major requirement	3	coms 130 or PHIL 148	general education	3
total		15	total		16
Get involved with student organizations this semester! It furthers your classroom experience, looks great on a resume, and lets you meet people with common interests!			Registering at career services is free and gives you countless opportunities
2nd Year Fall	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours	2nd Year Spring	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours
engl  203-211	General education	3	psyc 370 or 380 or 644	major	3
psyc 200 or 210	major requirement	3	biol 152	Natural Science Req	4
psyc 370 or 380	major requirement	3	chem 188	Natural Science Req	5
eecs 138	Computing Req	3	math 116	Math Requirement	3
BS psyc elective	major	3
total		15	total		15
Now eligible for entry to BS major after this semester's courses with 2.5 gpa in grey highlighted courses.  Admission/Declaration of Major required this semester.			Falling behind in anything or looking to expand into a minor? Look into summer school options and on line courses.
3rd year fall	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours	3rd year spring	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours
psyc 625	major requirement	6	eecs advanced course (e.g., computational neuro or other)	Computing Req	3
advanced bio (e.g., 435)	Natural Science Req	3	psyc 651, 679,687,692,693,694,695, 696	major requirement	4
psyc 500 (int stats)	major requirement	3	BS psyc elective	major requirement	3
WC 204	general education	3	WC 205	general education	3
			psyc 480	major requirement	2
total		15	total		15
Interested in an internship or a position in a research lab? This is an ideal time research possibilities			Have you considered departmental honors? Inquire with the Psychology Department.  Applying to grad school? Start researching standardized testing requirements so that you can study over the summer.
4th year fall	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours	4th year spring	Requirement Fulfilled	Hours
math upper level or PSYC stats 6XX	Math Requirement	3	psyc 460 (honors)	major requirement	1
psyc 460 (honors)	major requirement	1	BS psyc elective	major requirement	3
psych 480	major requirement	2	humanties elective	general education	3
BS psyc elective	major requirement	3	elective/possible minor		3
humanities elective	general education	3	elective/possible minor		3
elective/possible minor		3	elective/possible minor		3
total		15	total		16
Apply for Spring graduation this semester & meet with your faculty mentor.  Applying for grad school? Talk it over with your mentor as well. Most deadlines are in the late summer and fall.  Don't forget to give your recommendation letter writers at least a month to work on your letters.			Celebrate your accomplishment at May Graduation with your fellow Jayhawks!!  Did you do a Quantitative Methods in Psychology  minor or some other minor? This is a good time to polish off those courses.

 

* The general requirements are listed below but can be tailored to individual interests via consultation with the BS program chair (Dr. Sarah Pressman)

Non-psychology- General Education Courses. A total of 84 hours with classes in these four areas and additional electives

Humanities      English: ENGL 101 & 102 (6 hrs.) & ENGL 203, 205, 209, 210, or 211 (3 hrs.)  

Argument and Reason: COMS 130 or PHIL 148 (3 hrs.)       

Western Civilization: WC 204-205 (6 hrs.)      

Humanities: Two electives in humanities (6 hrs.)

Natural Sciences -- A minimum of 15 hours; two of the following four sequences, an extension of one, or an approved alternative

Biology: BIOL 150 & 152 (8 hrs.)   RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE- required for Psychology brain courses

Chemistry: CHEM 184 & 188 (10 hrs.)   (Will become 130 & 135 in the near future-general chem I & II)

Physics: PHSX 114 & 115 (8 hrs.)

 Biological Anthropology: ANTH 104/304 & 340, 341, 350, 442, or 447 (6 hrs.)

Mathematics -- A minimum of 12 hours, 6 of which must be calculus or calculus based

          MATH 103 (3 hrs.)

          MATH 115 & 116 (6 hrs.)

          plus one additional MATH course

Computing -- a minimum of 6 hours

EECS 138 Intro to Computing (3 hrs.)

The second 3 hours could either be a second semester of EECS 138 (focused on a second programming language) or be from an additional approved course that provides an opportunity to gain computing experience (e.g., Computational Neuroscience- special topics EECS).  This second course could be PSYC 480 or PSYC 481 if this Independent Study requires independent, original application of the student’s computing skills such as computer simulation of cognitive processes, or experience with computationally complex neuroscience techniques, such as brain imaging and mapping, or physiological data collection and analysis.

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Behavioral Neuroscience- Required Psychology Courses- A total of at least 40 hours with classes in these four areas (28 hrs.), and additional JR/SR-level psychology electives or approved neuroscience related courses (12 hrs.).

Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology Courses --6 hours total

          PSYC 370/371 Brain and Behavior (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 380/381 Brain and Pathology (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 644 Pharmacology and Behavior (3 hrs.)

Laboratory Courses -- 9 hours total      

PSYC 200 Research Methods in Psychology (3 hrs.)          

PSYC 625 Exp Psychology: Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychophysiology (6 hrs.)

Quantitative Courses -- a minimum of 9 hours

          PSYC 210        Statistics in Psychological Research (3 hrs.)

        PSYC 500       Intermediate Statistics in Psychological Research (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 650         Statistical Methods in Behavioral and Social Science Research I (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 651         Statistical Methods in Behavioral and Social Science Research II (4 hrs.)       

        PSYC 679         Applied Nonparametric Statistical Methods (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 687         Factor Analysis (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 692         Test Theory (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 693         Multivariate Analysis (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 694         Multilevel Modeling (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 695         Categorical Data Analysis (4 hrs.)

          PSYC 696         Structural Equation Modeling (4 hrs.)

Applied Research Experience -- 4 hour minimum         PSYC 449 Laboratory/Field Work in Human Biology

          PSYC 460 Psychology Honors

          PSYC 480 Independent Study

          PSYC 481 Research Practicum

Optional Elective Courses in Psychology or other disciplines –- 12 hour minimum

          PSYC 412 Introduction to Motivation and Emotion (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 418 Introduction to Cognitive Science (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 432 Human Behavioral Genetics (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 482 Sensation and Perception (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 555 Evolutionary Psychology (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 605 Health Psychology (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 630 Clinical Psychology (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 646 Mental Health & Aging (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 656 Social Neuroscience (3 hrs.)

          PSYC 678 Drugs and Behavior (3 hrs.)

          LING 438 Neurolinguistics (3 hrs.)

          SPLH 320 Introduction to the Neuroscience of Human Communication (3 hrs.)