Psychology: Behavioral Neuroscience, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
Behavioral Neuroscience is the study of the biological mechanisms underlying behavior. Biological psychologists generally are interested in the brain and the nervous system, in the endocrine system, and in other organismic processes.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
Please see your academic advisor. A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Academic Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours).
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Minimum required major and supporting course work: Normally equates to 32-36 hours of Psychology courses.
Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level in the major must be taken on this campus.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one introductory course from the following: | 4 | |
| Intro Psych | ||
PSYC 103 | ||
| Statistics: | 3-5 | |
| Intro to Statistics (or equivalent) | ||
| Select one foundation course from the following: | 3 | |
| Intro to Brain and Cognition | ||
| Images of Mind | ||
| Cognitive Psych | ||
| Perception & Sensory Processes | ||
| Learning and Memory | ||
| Select two foundation courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Intro to Social Psych | ||
| Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination | ||
| Child Psych | ||
| Psychopathology and Problems in Living | ||
| Community Psych | ||
| Industrial Org Psych | ||
| Psych of Personality | ||
| Concentration core course: | 3 | |
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Concentration research methods course: | 4 | |
| Behavioral Neuroscience Lab | ||
| Select four elective courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Animal Behavior (Same as PSYC 329) | ||
| Stress, Trauma and Resilience | ||
| Intermediate Current Topics in Psychology 1 | ||
| Human Behavior Genetics | ||
| Advanced Neuropsychopharmacology | ||
| Brain, Learning, and Memory | ||
| Neuroscience of Eating & Drinking | ||
| Genes and Behavior | ||
| Evolutionary Neuroscience | ||
| Adv Current Topics in Psych 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 35 | |
- 1
PSYC 396 & 496 seminars taught by faculty members in the Behavioral Neuroscience program area.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements.
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| Free Elective course | 1 |
| PSYC 100 | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| PSYC 235 | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (4th level) | 4 |
| General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 13 | |
| Total Hours 13 | |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| PSYC 210 | 3 |
| PSYC Foundation course list 1 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| PSYC Foundation course list 2 | 3 |
| PSYC Foundation course list 2 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| PSYC 311 | 4 |
| PSYC elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| PSYC elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| PSYC elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| PSYC elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
Total Hours: 120
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
1. Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral phenomena. This includes 1.1) describing key concepts, principles and overarching themes; 1.2) developing a working knowledge of the different content or program areas in psychology; and 1.3) describing the application of psychology to everyday life.
2. Students will develop scientific reasoning and problem solving skills, including effective research methods. This includes 2.1) using scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena; 2.2) demonstrating psychology information literacy; 2.3) engaging in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving; 2.4) interpreting, designing, and conducting basic psychological research; and 2.5) incorporating sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry when appropriate.
3. Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. This goal encompasses 3.1) applying ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice; 3.2) building and enhancing interpersonal relationships; and 3.3) adopting values that build community at local, national, and global levels
4. Students will be prepared to apply psychology‐specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project‐management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation to optimize their competitiveness for securing places in a graduate school, professional school, or in the workforce. For example, students should be able to 4.1) apply psychological content and skills to career goals; 4.2) demonstrate project‐management skills and teamwork capacity; and 4.3) develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
department faculty: Psychology Faculty
advising: Psychology advising
overview of college admissions & requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences
email: psych-advising@illinois.edu