The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program emphasizing the relationship between the biology and chemistry of the nervous system and the behavior of an organism. The BS prepares students for graduate level study in both medical school and doctoral and master's level programs in neuroscience and other health-related fields, and work in the neuroscience field.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core.
NEUR 410 Current Topics in Neuroscience (Mason Core) or NEUR 411 Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) fulfill the writing intensive requirement.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Foundation Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) 1 | 4 |
| Select one from the following: 1,2 | 3-4 | |
| General Genetics | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| CHEM 212 & CHEM 214 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Mathematics | ||
| Select one option (4 or 6 credits) from the following: | 4-6 | |
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | ||
| Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core) | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Select one course (3 or 4 credits) from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biostatistics for Biology Majors | ||
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Statistics in Psychology | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Physics | ||
| Select one of the following sequences: | 8 | |
| College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) and College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) and University Physics II (Mason Core) and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
| Psychology 1,3 | ||
| PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PSYC 375 | Brain and Sensory Processes | 3 |
| PSYC 376 | Brain and Behavior | 3 |
| Computer Science | ||
| CDS 130 | Computing for Scientists (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Core Courses in Neuroscience 1 | ||
| NEUR 327 & NEUR 328 | Cellular Neuroscience and Cellular Neuroscience Lab | 5 |
| NEUR 335 | Developmental and Systems Neuroscience | 3 |
| Technical Writing 1,2,4 | ||
| NEUR 410 | Current Topics in Neuroscience (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or NEUR 411 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) | |
| Required Psychology Lab Course 1 | ||
| PSYC 373 | Biopsychology Laboratory | 2 |
| Total Credits | 55-59 | |
- 1
Students must earn a minimum grade of 1.67 (C-) in these courses.
- 2
The course chosen to fulfill this requirement cannot be applied as a Major Elective.
- 3
Transfer students who have earned transfer credit for PSYC 372 Biopsychology may substitute this course for PSYC 375 Brain and Sensory Processes.
- 4
Either course fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Major Electives
Students should consult with an advisor to choose elective courses. The list below includes pre-approved courses. Elective courses not on the list must be approved by an advisor. Only courses not already taken in the degree will apply as electives, with the exception of seminar and topics courses; a different topic must be addressed in the second instance of a seminar or topics course. Students may apply no more than 6 credits of courses with a grade of 'D' to this requirement.
Students intending to pursue a doctorate in neuroscience or a medical degree are advised to take CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry Lab I, and consult an advisor for other elective recommendations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 22 credits of major electives. The list below includes pre-approved courses. Elective courses not on the list must be approved by an advisor. | 22 | |
| Introduction to Bioengineering | ||
| Computational Modelling of Neurons and Networks | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| General Genetics | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Lab for Developmental Biology | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Selected Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (when the topic is: Foundations of the Mammalian Brain) | ||
| Vaccines | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Mechanisms of Aging | ||
| Biological Foundations of Pharmacology | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Clinical Applications in Human Physiology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Evolution | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry | ||
| Cell Signaling and Disease | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Organic Chemistry Lab I | ||
| Organic Chemistry Lab II | ||
| Quantitative Chemical Analysis | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| General Biochemistry II | ||
| Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | ||
or MATH 116 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (Honors) | |
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | ||
| Cross-Cultural Studies in Scientific Inquiry (Mason Core) | ||
| Elementary Differential Equations | ||
| RS: Laboratory Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Zebrafish Neurodevelopment Laboratory | ||
| Lab Investigations Using Voltage Clamp Electrophysiology | ||
| Current Topics in Neuroscience (Mason Core) (when not used to fulfill the technical writing requirement) 1 | ||
| Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) 1 | ||
| Glutamatergic Systems | ||
| Sleep and Circadian Rhythms (Mason Core) | ||
| Independent Study in Neuroscience | ||
| Honors Thesis Proposal | ||
| Honors Thesis | ||
| Special Topics in Neuroscience | ||
| Current Neuroscience Research in Germany (Mason Core) | ||
| Biological Bases of Alzheimer's Disease | ||
| University Physics III (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics III Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
| Principles of Learning (Mason Core) | ||
| Sensation, Perception, and Information Processing (Mason Core) | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Criminal Behavior: Psychological and Neurological Aspects | ||
| Current Topics in Brain and Behavior | ||
| Total Credits | 22 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 39-43 credits which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Honors in the Major
Highly-qualified students may apply to graduate with honors in the major.
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission, neuroscience majors must have completed at least 60 credits and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in neuroscience courses.
Honors Requirements
If accepted, students must take a sequence of three courses, which culminates in the successful completion and presentation of an independent honors thesis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEUR 410 | Current Topics in Neuroscience (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or NEUR 411 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) | |
| NEUR 450 | Honors Thesis Proposal | 2-3 |
| NEUR 451 | Honors Thesis | 3-4 |
| Total Credits | 8-10 | |
To graduate with honors, students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.50 in their honors courses, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, and complete an honors thesis.
Neuroscience, BS/Biology, Accelerated MS
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Neuroscience, BS and the Biology, MS degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
GRE scores are not required for students in this accelerated program.
Students must obtain a graduate faculty advisor prior to beginning graduate coursework.
Successful applicants will have an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.10. Two letters of recommendation, including one from a prospective thesis or project advisor, are required. Additionally, they will have completed2 the following courses with a GPA of 3.001 or higher:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| One Course in Statistics: | 3-4 | |
| Biostatistics for Biology Majors | ||
or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
or PSYC 300 | Statistics in Psychology | |
or MATH 352 | Statistics | |
| BIOL 311 | General Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 313 & CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I 1 | 5 |
| NEUR 327 | Cellular Neuroscience 2 | 3 |
- 1
Grades of 2.50 in CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I and CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry Lab I are acceptable for admission into this accelerated pathway.
- 2
Registration in, as opposed to completion of, NEUR 327 Cellular Neuroscience is sufficient.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 682 | Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 689 | Interdisciplinary Tools in the Biosciences | 3 |
| BIOL 690 | Introduction to Graduate Studies in Biology | 1-2 |
| BIOL 695 | Seminar in Molecular, Microbial, and Cellular Biology | 1 |
| NEUR 612 | Bioscience, Neurotechnology Society | 3 |
| NEUR 601 | Developmental Neuroscience | 3 |
| NEUR 602 | Cellular Neuroscience | 3 |
| NEUR 603 | Mammalian Neuroanatomy | 3 |
| NEUR 634 | Neural Modeling | 3 |
| NEUR 651 | Molecular Neuropharmacology | 3 |
Bachelor's Degree (selected), Bioinformatics Management, Accelerated PSM
Overview
This bachelor's/accelerated master's degree program allows academically strong undergraduates with a commitment to advance their education to obtain both the Biology, BS, or the Chemistry, BS, or the Computational and Data Sciences, BS, or the Physics, BS, or the Neuroscience, BS and the Bioinformatics Management, PSM degrees within an accelerated timeframe. Upon completion of this 138 credit accelerated program, students will be exceptionally well prepared for entry into their careers or into a doctoral program in the field or in a related discipline.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits. This flexibility makes it possible for students to complete a bachelor's and a master's in five years.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies. For more information on undergraduates enrolling in graduate courses, see AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Important application information and processes for this accelerated master's program can be found here.
Students in the Biology, BS; Chemistry, BS; Computational and Data Sciences, BS; Neuroscience, BS; or Physics, BS with an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits are welcome to apply to the Bioinformatics Management, PSM accelerated master's program. Applicants to this accelerated master's should have previously taken courses in molecular biology, computer science, calculus, physical chemistry, and statistics. Students with deficiencies in one or more of these areas may be required to take additional courses from the undergraduate curriculum.
The GRE requirement is waived for students accepted into this accelerated program.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in choosing the appropriate graduate courses and help prepare the student for graduate studies.
Accelerated Option Requirements
After the completion of 75 undergraduate credits, students may complete 3 to 12 credits of graduate coursework that can apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In addition to applying to graduate from the undergraduate program, students in the accelerated program must submit a bachelor's/accelerated master's transition form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) to the College of Science's Office of Academic and Student Affairs by the last day to add classes of their final undergraduate semester. Students should enroll for courses in the master's program in the fall or spring semester immediately following conferral of the bachelor's degree, but should contact an advisor if they would like to defer up to one semester.
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework and should consult with their faculty advisor to coordinate their academic goals.
Reserve Graduate Credits
Accelerated master's students may also take up to 6 graduate credits as reserve graduate credits. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree, but will reduce the master's degree by up to 6 credits. With 12 graduate credits counted toward the undergraduate and graduate degrees plus the maximum 6 reserve graduate credits, the credits necessary for the graduate degree can be reduced by up to 18.
Graduate Course Suggestions
The following list of suggested courses is provided for general reference. To ensure an efficient route to graduation and post-graduation readiness, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor before registering for graduate-level courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BINF 630 | Bioinformatics Methods | 3 |
| BINF 631 | Molecular Cell Biology for Bioinformatics | 3 |
| GBUS 623 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| GBUS 643 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| GBUS 738 | Data Mining for Business Analytics | 3 |