Program Overview

Neuroscience and Cognitive Science: Computation Emphasis

Bachelor of Science

Overview

The Computation emphasis within the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science major will appeal to students interested in linking information processing of the brain and nervous system with the information processing systems of computer hardware and software. The interdisciplinary studies of neuroscience and cognitive science require individuals with strong data-mining skills to further the world's understanding of the nervous system, brain and behavior. Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with a Computation emphasis study math and physics. They apply this knowledge base to topics such as biomedical informatics, machine learning and computational modeling. Undergraduate laboratory opportunities with faculty help further their expertise and prepare them for graduate studies and advanced research along with careers in medicine, bioengineering, electrophysiology and more.

Learning Outcomes

• Core knowledge-specific content; Students will develop a firm understanding of the theories, fundamental principles and concepts, and technologies of brain organization and function from both neuroscience and cognitive science perspectives.
• Scientific inquiry; Students will develop the capacity to think critically and with cognitive flexibility about complex problems involving the brain and mind, and will develop the capacity to skillfully communicate concepts and research results to professionals and to the public.
• Ethics and Professionalism; Students will apply ethical and professional standards to their evaluation of brain and mind-related research and technical development in the context of their own work and in the context of issues in the larger societal community.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• ISTA 421: Introduction to Machine Learning
• ECOL 346: Bioinformatics
• NSCS 344: Modeling the Mind: Computational Models of Cognition

Career Fields

• Healthcare
• Medicine
• Machine learning
• Robotics
• Research
• Education
• Nonprofit

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge

This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Science

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Neuroscience and Cognitive Science: Computation Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
  • Second Language
  • MATH 122 A Functions for Calculus
  • MATH 122B First-Semester Calculus
  • CHEM 151 General Chemistry
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
  • Second Language
  • Foundation Focus 1
  • PSY 101 Intro Psychology

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • MCB 181 R Intro Biology
  • MCB 181L Intro Lab I
  • PHIL 241 Consciousness & Cognition
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Foundation Focus 2
• 4th Semester
  • NSCS 200 Fundamentals of Neurosci & Cog Sci
  • Statistics
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Elective

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • NSCS 307 Cellular Neurophysiology
  • NSCS 308 Methods in Neuroscience
  • PHYS 102 Intro Physics I
  • PHYS 181 Intro Lab I
  • NSCS 311 Scientific Programming w/MATLAB
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 6th Semester
  • Major Focus 1
  • Foundation Focus 3
  • Emphasis Elective 1
  • Emphasis Elective 2
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • NSCS 320 Issues & Themes in Cognitive Science
  • NSCS 321 Methods in Cognitive Science
  • Emphasis Elective 3
  • Emphasis Elective 4
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Elective (UD)
• 8th Semester
  • Major Focus 2
  • Emphasis Elective 5
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Elective (UD)
  • General Elective (UD)