The courses included in this minor emphasize the behavioral consequences of both normal and abnormal neuronal and physiological processes. These in-depth courses will broaden the students' knowledge in understanding brain and behavior, specifically, but not exclusively, the cognitive aspects.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.80. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 21
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 304 | Principles of Learning (Mason Core) | 4 |
| PSYC 373 | Biopsychology Laboratory | 2 |
| PSYC 375 | Brain and Sensory Processes | 3 |
| PSYC 376 | Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of 9 credits from the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Cellular Neuroscience | ||
| Developmental and Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing (Mason Core) | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology 2 | ||
| Special Topics 3 | ||
| Biological Bases of Alzheimer's Disease | ||
| Current Topics in Brain and Behavior 4 | ||
Other course as approved by the undergraduate associate chair | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Students who are accepted into and successfully complete the Psychology Department Honors Program (PSYC 490 Psychology Honors I, PSYC 491 Psychology Honors II, and PSYC 492 RS: Psychology Honors III (Mason Core)) with an honors thesis/project focused on cognitive and behavioral neuroscience may apply this coursework to the minor.
- 2
With permission of CBN faculty member.
- 3
When approved by the undergraduate associate chair and topic is Music and the Brain, Neuronal Aspects of Cognitive Development, Animal Cognition, or Psychology of Stress and Health.
- 4
When approved by the undergraduate associate chair and topic is Neuronal Bases of Learning and Memory, Drugs and the Brain, or Brain in Books and Film.