Program Overview

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Neuroscience Bachelor of Science Degree

Overview

The Neuroscience degree at RIT is a collaboration between the College of Science and the Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts, mixing critical coursework from both fields.

Why Pursue a Neuroscience Degree at RIT?

• Interdisciplinary Approach: The Neuroscience degree at RIT is a collaboration between the College of Science and the Department of Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts, mixing critical coursework from both fields.
• Three Dynamic Tracks: Choose from Neurobiology, Computational Neuroscience, or Behavioral Neuroscience.
• Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising Program: Receive personalized guidance to become a competitive candidate for admission to medical schools and graduate programs in the health professions.
• Active Neuroscience Research Laboratories: Get hands-on lab experience all four years focused on comparative cognition, psychopathology, color perception, facial perception, and multisensory integration in VR/AR.

BS in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is applied to a vast array of industries, including the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence (AI). At the intersection of science, technology, and innovation, RIT is uniquely positioned to offer students a rich background in programming and computing as well as access to AI research projects to prepare for this booming field.

The study of the brain is also essential for understanding and combating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Experts in neuroscience are at the forefront of treating mental illnesses and learning disabilities. With the combination of program electives and the opportunity to create your own track, you have the flexibility to design a neuroscience degree that will prepare you for admission to dental, medical, or optometry professional programs.

Neuroscience Courses

You may choose from three track options based on your course preferences and career goals: neurobiology, computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. In addition to tracks, program electives make it possible for a double major or twin minor to be completed by students who wish to do so. The track courses and program electives allow you to expand your knowledge in intersecting subfields of neuroscience, such as biology, cognitive science, health science, psychology, and computing.

The lab requirements provide experience in the practical use of the equipment and methods used in the field of neuroscience today. This background gives graduates from this program a leg up when entering the workforce or continuing education.

Neuroscience Capstone

You will be required to participate in a two-semester Capstone in your final year of study to enhance your skills in technical communication and scientific research practices. You will research, write, and present a proposal for an independent research project.

Neuroscience BS Tracks

Neurobiology

The neurobiology track explores the branch of life sciences that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. Neurobiology centers around the study of nerve cells and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behavior. Develop an in-depth understanding of how information is processed and stored in the brain and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural functioning.

Computational Neuroscience

The computational neuroscience track prepares students to use mathematical modeling and computer simulations together with the theories and experimentally gained knowledge of how the brain works to understand the principles that underlie perception, cognition, learning, and other processes in the nervous system. Computational neuroscience addresses the relationship between neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI). The development of artificial neural networks was inspired by studying brain function. AI researchers aim to emulate human intelligence by building models and developing biologically-inspired architectures that can make decisions and solve problems in the same way that humans do. Artificial intelligence is also increasingly used as a research tool in neuroscience to advance our understanding of how the human brain works and to accelerate neuroscience development.

Behavioral Neuroscience

The behavioral neuroscience track focuses on the relationship between behavior and behavioral science, such as psychology and neuroscience. Behavioral neuroscience examines what is happening in the brain and the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that are associated with those processes. A range of topics are studied in this field, including learning and memory, motivation, emotion, and sensory processes.

Careers in Neuroscience

A BS in neuroscience is versatile, and you can apply your knowledge to a variety of industries. Graduates are well qualified for positions as research analysts, forensic science technicians, lab managers, neuroradiology technicians, pharmaceutical sales representatives, patient care assistants, science writers, neurotechnologists, data science specialists, and AI research associates. Those interested in advanced study can continue their education in graduate degree programs. Some typical job titles for those with advanced degrees include clinical psychologist, physician, speech-language pathologist, machine learning research scientist, occupational therapist, audiologist, AI systems engineer, public policy consultant, medical research scientist, MRI technician, lawyer, and neuroeconomist.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising

RIT’s Office of Pre-Health Advising offers an advising program that’s open to all majors and provides personal, individualized academic counseling to help you create a comprehensive long-term strategy to assist you in building successful applications to medical, dental, and veterinary schools or graduate degrees in the health professions (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.). Our pre-health advisors will have in-depth conversations with you around critical topics that include academic planning and course selection, MCAT and other admission exams, undergraduate research opportunities, clinical experiences and field work, timelines, and much more. Learn more about pre-med/pre-health advising.

Pre-Law Advising Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. If you are interested in pursuing law school, RIT’s Pre-Law Advising Program is designed to maximize your chances of admission to law school. The program includes personalized advising, LSAT preparation, academic counseling, and a timetable for law school admission.

Further Your Career in Neuroscience

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

+1 MBA

Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

Curriculum for Neuroscience BS

Neuroscience, BS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • BIOL-123: Introduction to Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education)
  • BIOL-125: Introduction to Biology Laboratory: Organisms and Ecosystems (General Education)
  • BIOL-124: Introduction to Biology: Molecules and Cells (General Education)
  • BIOL-126: Molecules and Cells (General Education)
  • CHMG-141: General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • CHMG-145: General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • CHMG-142: General & Analytical Chemistry II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
  • CHMG-146: General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
  • MATH-161: Applied Calculus* (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
  • PSYC-101: Introduction to Psychology (General Education)
  • ISCH-110: Principles of Computing (General Education)
  • UWRT-150: Writing Seminar (General Education – First-Year Writing) (WI)
  • YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
  • General Education – Elective†
• Second Year
  • CGNS-222: Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
  • ISCH-370: Principles of Data Science
  • PHYS-111: College Physics I* (General Education)
  • PSYC-222: Biopsychology
  • PSYC-223: Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYC-255: Behavioral Science Research Methods
  • STAT-145: Introduction to Statistics I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
  • General Education – Artistic Perspective
  • General Education – Global Perspective
  • General Education – Social Perspective
• Third Year
  • CGNS-310: Experimental Lab Methods in Neuroscience
  • CGNS-451: Cognitive Neuroscience Seminar A
  • CGNS-452: Cognitive Neuroscience Seminar B
  • CHMO-231: Organic Chemistry I (General Education)
  • CHMO-235: Organic Chemistry I Lab (General Education)
  • General Education – Ethical Perspective
  • General Education – Immersion 1, 2
  • Program Electives‡
• Fourth Year
  • CGNS-501: Neuroscience Capstone I
  • CGNS-502: Neuroscience Capstone II (WI-PR)
  • Open Electives
  • General Education – Immersion 3
  • Program Electives‡

Tracks

Neurobiology

• CGNS-401: Neurobiology
• CGNS-322: Animal Vision
• CGNS-410: Imaging in Neuroscience
• BIOL-302: Cell Biology
• BIOL-315: Tissue Culture Laboratory

Computational Neuroscience

• CGNS-421: Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence
• CGNS-410: Imaging in Neuroscience
• LING-581: Natural Language Processing I
• PSYC-432: Decision Making, Judgment, and Problem Solving

Behavioral Neuroscience

• CGNS-410: Imaging in Neuroscience
• PSYC-224: Perception
• PSYC-410: Psychophysiology
• PSYC-411: Psychopharmacology

Program Electives

• BIOL-205: Animal Behavior
• BIOL-206: Molecular Biology
• BIOL-303: Cell Physiology
• BIOL-309: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
• BIOL-313: Comparative Animal Physiology
• BIOL-314: Tissue Culture
• BIOL-315: Tissue Culture Laboratory
• BIOL-330: Bioinformatics
• BIOL-428: Eukaryotic Gene Regulation and Disease
• BIOL-470: Statistical Analysis for Bioinformatics
• CHMB-402: Biochemistry I
• CLRS-600: Fundamentals of Color Science
• CSCI-331: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• EEEE-547: Artificial Intelligence Explorations
• ENGL-482: Speech Processing I
• ENGL-582: Natural Language Processing II
• LING-584: Undergraduate Speech Processing
• IMGS-221: Vision & Psychophysics
• IMGS-351: Fundamentals of Color Science
• IMGS-361: Image Processing
• MEDS-250: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• MEDS-425: Introduction to Neuroscience
• MEDS-525: Advanced Clinical Neuroanatomy
• PHIL-404: Philosophy of Mind
• PSYC-412: Biological Basis of Mental Disorders
• PSYC-430: Memory and Attention
• PSYC-431: Language and Thought
• PSYC-450: Visual System & Psychophysics
• PSYC-451: Color, Form & Object Perception
• PSYC-452: Depth, Motion & Space Perception
• PSYC-462: Cognitive and Perceptual Development

Admissions and Financial Aid

First-Year Admission

First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of social studies and/or history
• 3 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus isrecommended.
• 2-3 years of science is required and must include biologyand chemistry.

Transfer Admission

Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:

• A minimum of college algebra is required. Pre-calculus or calculus ispreferred.
• Chemistry and biology are required.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.

Faculty

• Elena Fedorovskaya
• Rebecca Houston
• Joseph Baschnagel

Research

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Many students join research labs and engage in research starting as early as their first year. Participation in undergraduate research leads to the development of real-world lab techniques, enhanced problem-solving skills, and broader career opportunities. Our students have opportunities to travel to national conferences for presentations and also become contributing authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts. Explore the variety of neuroscience undergraduate research projects happening across the university.