Program Overview

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Introduction to the Neuroscience Program

The Neuroscience program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a multidisciplinary science dedicated to understanding how nervous systems are built and function at different scales, from molecules and cells to circuits and systems. Neuroscientists are involved in work to improve the human condition with new discoveries that could prevent or treat neurodevelopmental defects and disorders, psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Program Overview

The Neuroscience major is listed under both the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. The requirements are the same in both listings. A neuroscience major is an excellent starting point for a career in human or animal medicine, psychology, medical research, pharmaceuticals, public health, or science writing.

Career Opportunities

Entry-level jobs for students with a bachelor's degree include positions as assistants in hospitals and private healthcare clinics; as technicians in academic, governmental, or commercial research laboratories; in pharmaceutical sales and marketing; and in government agencies and nonprofits in roles related to grant writing, regulatory management, or technical assistance. Many of these occupational areas are projected to grow faster than average in the next decade. The average annual salary for a neuroscientist with a BS degree is $66,975 (as of 2021). The major is also excellent preparation for students pursuing doctoral degrees in medicine, medical research, or professional counseling.

Program Details

The courses for the major come primarily from the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Students will learn about the structure and function of nervous systems, from the cellular level to the systems level; the connections between the brain and behavior; experimental design and research methods; and data analysis, interpretation, and use. Within the major, students can take coursework in neuroscience subdisciplines such as cognitive, cellular and molecular, or computational neuroscience.

Program Type

• Major

Program Format

• On Campus

Why Study Neuroscience at UWM?

• Research and discover new knowledge alongside nationally renowned faculty with expertise in aging, new drug development, and hormone-related cognitive decline.
• Gain hands-on lab experience as early as freshman year to prepare for a science-based career or graduate program in medicine, research, biomed technology, and more.
• Bridge your interest in both the social and physical determinants of behavior.

Degree Requirements

The program requires at least 120 credits, which include University-wide General Education Requirements, 24 credits of mandatory preparatory courses, 23-24 credits of required core courses, 11 credits of elective courses within the major, a research experience course at the end of the coursework, and additional elective courses to fulfill the overall credit requirement.

Preparatory Courses

• Chemistry:
  • CHEM 102: General Chemistry (5 credits)
  • CHEM 104: General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis (5 credits)
  • CHEM 343: Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
  • CHEM 345: Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
• Physics:
  • PHYSICS 120: General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment) (4 credits)
  • or PHYSICS 209: Physics I (Calculus Treatment)
  • PHYSICS 122: General Physics II (Non-Calculus Treatment) (4 credits)
  • or PHYSICS 210: Physics II (Calculus Treatment)

Required Courses

• Biological Sciences:
  • BIO SCI 150: Foundations of Biological Sciences I (4 credits)
  • BIO SCI 152: Foundations of Biological Sciences II (4 credits)
  • BIO SCI 315: Cell Biology (3 credits)
  • BIO SCI 455: Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology (3 credits)
• Psychology:
  • PSYCH 101: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 254: Introduction to Neuroscience (3 credits)
• Statistics:
  • One of the following courses:
    • BIO SCI 465: Biostatistics
    • MTHSTAT 215: Elementary Statistical Analysis
    • PSYCH 210: Psychological Statistics

Elective Courses

Students must complete 11 credits of elective courses within the major. Approved elective courses include:

• BIO SCI 203: Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
• BIO SCI 290: Independent Study and Research (1-3 credits)
• BIO SCI 316: Laboratory in Genetics and Cell Biology (2 credits)
• BIO SCI 325: Genetics (4 credits)
• BIO SCI 356: Developmental Biology (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 370: Mammalian Physiology (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 469: Genomic Data Analysis (2 credits)
• BIO SCI 490: Molecular Genetics (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 539: Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology (4 credits)
• BIO SCI 542: Biological Electron Microscopy (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 543: Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory (2 credits)
• BIO SCI 544: Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 564: Endocrinology (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 565: Gene Regulation in Stem Cells and Regeneration (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 566: Cell Biology of Human Disease (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 572: Functional Genomics (3 credits)
• BIO SCI 672: Undergraduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology (1 credit)
• BIO SCI 697: Independent Study in Cell and Molecular Biology (1-3 credits)
• BMS 610: Pharmacology (3 credits)
• CHEM 501: Introduction to Biochemistry (3 credits)
• PSYCH 214: Introduction to Conditioning and Learning (3 credits)
• PSYCH 290: Undergraduate Research: Lower Division (1-3 credits)
• PSYCH 325: Research Methods in Psychology (4 credits)
• PSYCH 433: Neuropsychology (3 credits)
• PSYCH 454: Psychopharmacology and Addiction (3 credits)
• PSYCH 503: Perception (3 credits)
• PSYCH 510: Advanced Psychological Statistics (3 credits)
• PSYCH 610: Experimental Design (3 credits)
• PSYCH 611: Current Topics (3 credits)
• PSYCH 623: Perceptual Processes (4 credits)
• PSYCH 627: Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits)
• PSYCH 645: Hormones and Behavior (3 credits)
• PSYCH 654: Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (4 credits)
• PSYCH 656: Psychophysiology (4 credits)
• PSYCH 657: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (3 credits)
• PSYCH 682: The Aging Brain (3 credits)
• PSYCH 690: Undergraduate Research: Upper Division (1-3 credits)

Research Experience

Students must complete a research experience course at the end of the coursework. Options include:

• NEURO 690: Undergraduate Research in Neuroscience (3 credits)
• NEURO 699: Independent Study (1-3 credits)
• BIO SCI 672: Undergraduate Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology (1 credit)
• BIO SCI 697: Independent Study in Cell and Molecular Biology (1-3 credits)
• BIO SCI 699: Independent Study (1-3 credits)
• PSYCH 654: Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (4 credits)
• PSYCH 656: Psychophysiology (4 credits)
• PSYCH 690: Undergraduate Research: Upper Division (1-3 credits)

Advising

Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. College advisors advise across the entire degree program, while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major. Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester.