Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience program at Wright State University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the organization and function of the body's systems, cellular and organ system physiology, and information processing. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, research opportunities, and a capstone project, preparing students for careers in the health sciences, including research, medicine, and therapy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience program offers students an in-depth foundation in physiology and neuroscience developed by an interdisciplinary team of Wright State University faculty.
The program emphasizes how prerequisite coursework from multiple fields of science relates to and can be applied to physiological and neuroscientific concepts.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide students with:
• A comprehensive understanding of the organization and function of various systems of the body
• Knowledge of cellular and organ system physiology
• Insights into peripheral and central information processing
• An understanding of how various systems of the body work together to elicit responses to conditional needs
• Program Description: The program includes coursework in foundational neuroscience topics related to cellular neuroscience, physiological neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience.
Additionally, students will study foundational physiology and anatomy topics related to homeostasis, metabolism, and the function and structure of various organ systems of the body. The program also provides training in fundamental research techniques and opportunities to work with faculty members on cutting-edge research in these fields.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide range of topics in physiology and neuroscience, including:
• Cellular neuroscience
• Physiological neuroscience
• Behavioral neuroscience
• Homeostasis
• Metabolism
• Function and structure of various organ systems of the body
• Structure: The program is typically completed in four years with a total of 120 credit hours.
The program includes:
• Core courses in physiology and neuroscience
• Elective courses in related fields
• Research experience
• Capstone project
• Course Schedule: The course schedule will vary depending on the student's individual program of study.
However, the following sample schedule provides an overview of the typical coursework in the program:
• First Year:
• General Chemistry I
• General Chemistry II
• Biology I
• Biology II
• Calculus I
• Second Year:
• Organic Chemistry I
• Organic Chemistry II
• Physics I
• Physics II
• Physiology
• Third Year:
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Anatomy
• Research Methods
• Elective courses
• Fourth Year:

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Capstone projects
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria for the program are based on the program's learning goals and objectives.
These criteria include:
• Knowledge of physiology and neuroscience concepts
• Ability to apply physiological and neuroscientific principles to real-world problems
• Ability to conduct research and present findings
• Ability to communicate effectively

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students in learning, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Labs
• Research projects
• Simulations
• Faculty: The program's faculty are experts in their fields and are committed to providing students with a high-quality educational experience.
Some of the notable faculty members include:
• Dr. Patrick Sonner, Director of the Undergraduate Physiology and Neuroscience Program
• Dr. Eric S. Bennett, Chair of the Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology
• Unique Approaches: The program offers several unique approaches to teaching physiology and neuroscience, including:
• Emphasis on hands-on learning
• Opportunities for independent research
• A capstone project that allows students to apply their knowledge to a real-world problem

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the health sciences, including:
• Research scientist
• Medical doctor
• Physician assistant
• Nurse
• Pharmacist
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech-language pathologist
• Opportunities: The program provides students with opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these careers, including:
• Research experience
• Clinical experience
• Internships
• Career counseling
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including the health sciences, education, and research.