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 411 Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) fulfills 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.
Students must complete the Foundation Courses, then they have the option of choosing a concentration. The remaining credits are fulfilled via Mason Core requirements and electives.
Foundation Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| BIOL 213 & BIOL 215 | Cell Structure and Function and Cell Structure and Function Laboratory | 4 |
| Select one from the following: 1 | 3-4 | |
| General Genetics and General Genetics Laboratory | ||
| 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 2 | ||
| 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 | ||
| NEUR 327 & NEUR 328 | Cellular Neuroscience and Cellular Neuroscience Lab | 5 |
| NEUR 335 | Developmental and Systems Neuroscience | 3 |
| Technical Writing 1,3 | ||
| NEUR 411 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Required Psychology Lab Course | ||
| PSYC 373 | Biopsychology Laboratory | 2 |
| Total Credits | 55-59 | |
- 1
The course chosen to fulfill this requirement cannot be applied as a Major Elective.
- 2
Transfer students who have earned transfer credit for PSYC 372 Biopsychology may substitute this course for PSYC 375 Brain and Sensory Processes.
- 3
This course fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Concentration in Computational Neuroscience (CMPU)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| NEUR 430 | Introduction to Computational Neuroscience | 3 |
| NEUR 431 | Neuroinformatics Methods | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select six credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Neural Systems Design | ||
or BENG 350 | Neural System Designs | |
| Independent Study in Neuroscience | ||
| Honors Thesis Proposal 1 | ||
| Honors Thesis 1 | ||
| Special Topics in Neuroscience (when the topic is "Computational and Social Neuroscience") | ||
| Biomedical Imaging (Mason Core) | ||
| Computational Modelling of Neurons and Networks | ||
| Bioinformatics for Life Sciences | ||
| Scientific Information and Data Visualization | ||
| Scientific Data Mining | ||
| Students seeking to take elective courses not listed above must first obtain approval from their academic advisor. | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
Must be in neuroinformatics and approved by undergrad director or chair.
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 10-22 credits of major electives. The list below includes pre-approved courses. Elective courses not on the list must be approved by an advisor. | 10-22 | |
| Introduction to Bioengineering | ||
| Computational Modelling of Neurons and Networks | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| General Genetics and General Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Environmental Effects on Embryonic Development | ||
| 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 | ||
| Elementary Differential Equations | ||
| Cross-Cultural Studies in Scientific Inquiry (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Laboratory Methods in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Lab Investigations Using Voltage Clamp Electrophysiology | ||
| Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) 1 | ||
| Glutamatergic Systems | ||
| Sleep and Circadian Rhythms (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Computational Neuroscience | ||
| Neuroinformatics Methods | ||
| Neural Systems Design | ||
or BENG 350 | Neural System Designs | |
| 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 | ||
| Total Credits | 10-22 | |
- 1
This course 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.
All Integration-level requirements must be completed at George Mason and cannot be satisfied through transfer credit. These courses are integral to the university's educational philosophy and ensure that all graduates demonstrate proficiency in writing, critical thinking, and integrative learning consistent with the university's standards. Rare exceptions to this policy may only be granted by the Provost's Office.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories with the exception of Written Communication, which must be met by transferring in or taking an approved coruse at George Mason University. 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. Students who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in this area may choose to enroll in a Just Societies-flagged course. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely with 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 411 | Seminar in Neuroscience (Mason Core) | 3 |
| 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
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's and accelerated master's degree pathway program (accelerated master’s or BAM) and obtain a Neuroscience, BS and a Biology, MS through the Neuroscience, BS/Biology, Accelerated MS in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated master’s degree program must fulfill all university
requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission 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 and accelerated master's degree policies.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00, and:
- Students should seek out the Biology, MS Program Director who will aid in preparing the plan of study and the student for success in graduate studies,
- Provide two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources, and
- Students are encouraged to have completed a selection of the courses listed below with a grade of B or better:
Undergraduate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Structure and Function and Cell Structure and Function Laboratory | ||
| General Genetics and General Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Neuroscience | ||
One statistics course from the following: | ||
| Biostatistics for Biology Majors | ||
or MATH 352 | Statistics | |
or PSYC 300 | Statistics in Psychology | |
or STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | |
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate-level courses after the successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Students should seek out the graduate program's advisor who will aid in preparing the plan of study and the student for success in graduate studies.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the intended master’s program, if they have met the following criteria that will be verified:
- Submission of BAM Transition Form by the deadline stated on the form.
- Sufficient minimum overall 3.00 cumulative GPA for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits), including a GPA of 3.00 in biology coursework.
- Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses that have met the minimum grade requirement (please refer to AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees).
- Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion of any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
- Successfully meeting George Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submission of the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing Courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses, while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12:
| 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 601 | Developmental Neuroscience | 3 |
| NEUR 602 | Cellular Neuroscience | 3 |
| NEUR 603 | Mammalian Neuroanatomy | 3 |
| NEUR 612 | Bioscience, Neurotechnology Society | 3 |
| NEUR 634 | Neural Modeling | 3 |
| NEUR 651 | Molecular Neuropharmacology | 3 |
Reserve Graduate Credits
While in undergraduate student status, students may complete up to 6 credits of graduate-level coursework that will only count toward the graduate degree program. Reserve credits must be selected from the curated list of courses above.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.
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 | Introduction to Machine Learning for Business Applications | 3 |
Bachelor's Degree (selected)/Quantum Science and Engineering, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the combined bachelor's and accelerated master's degree pathway program (BAM Pathway) and obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in any College of Science major and a Master of Science in Quantum Science and Engineering in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs in the College of Science and the Quantum Science and Engineering, MS program, which is jointly offered by the College of Science and the College of Engineering and Computing.
Students in an accelerated master’s degree program must fulfill all university
requirements for the master's degree. See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and accelerated master's degree policies.
Students must major in a College of Science Bachelor of Science program and will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Undergraduate students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the intended master’s program if they have met the following criteria that will be verified:
- Submission of BAM Transition Form by stated deadline.
- Sufficient minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for conferred undergraduate degree (which does not include any earned reserve graduate credits).
- Completion of approved advanced standing courses and any reserve graduate courses; please refer to policy A.P. 6.7.
- Successful completion of required minimum of 120 credits needed for undergraduate degree conferral (after exclusion any satisfactory reserve graduate credits earned).
- Successfully meeting George Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and timely submitting the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing Courses
Students must complete at least 3 credits from the following list of graduate-level courses while in undergraduate status, up to a maximum of 12.
Students are encouraged to consult with both their undergraduate advisor and the Quantum Science and Engineering, MS advisor:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select from the following options: | 3-12 | |
| Up to one 500-600 level specialized course from the following: | ||
| Computer Simulation in Astronomy | ||
| Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics | ||
| Analysis of Algorithms | ||
| Advanced Algorithms | ||
| Foundations of Parallel Computation | ||
| Numerical Methods | ||
| Computer Architecture | ||
| Applied Cryptography | ||
| Error Control Coding | ||
| Post-Quantum Cryptography | ||
| Remote Sensing | ||
| Numerical Linear Algebra | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Numerical Solutions of Differential Equations | ||
| Operations Research: Deterministic Optimization | ||
| Operations Research: Stochastic Models | ||
| Stochastic Optimization | ||
| Computational Physics I | ||
| Computational Physics II | ||
| Remaining credits are selected from the following: | ||
| Ideas in Quantum Science and Technology | ||
| Mathematical Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Programming Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Classical and Quantum Information Theory | ||
| Quantum Algorithms | ||
| Applications of Quantum Technology | ||
| Quantum Computing System Design | ||
or ECE 570 | Quantum Computing System Design | |
Reserve Credit Courses
Students may complete up to 6 credits while in undergraduate student status, of graduate-level coursework from the list below that will only count toward the graduate degree program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select up to 6 credits of not previously completed courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Ideas in Quantum Science and Technology | ||
| Mathematical Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Programming Foundations of QSE 1 | ||
| Classical and Quantum Information Theory | ||
| Quantum Algorithms | ||
| Applications of Quantum Technology | ||
| Quantum Computing System Design | ||
or ECE 570 | Quantum Computing System Design | |
- 1
As only one of these courses count for Quantum Science and Engineering, MS, credit, and these courses may not be necessary for all students, consult with an academic advisor prior to enrolling in QSE 501 Mathematical Foundations of QSE or QSE 502 Programming Foundations of QSE.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree and AP.1.4.4 Graduate Course Enrollment by Undergraduates.