The objective of the cognitive neuroscience minor is to provide training through coursework and research experience aimed at enhancing students' understanding of the structure and operation of the nervous system and its contribution to behavior and cognition. Through coursework and research experience, students will gain knowledge of contemporary neuroscience techniques, and learn to critically evaluate neuroscience research discoveries. Students that engage in research will acquire laboratory skills, as well as experience in data analysis and presentation.

Requirements

All students who intend to declare a minor in cognitive neuroscience must fill out a Declaration of Minor form, located in the main office of the Department of Psychology (301 Smith Hall). All minors must meet with a cognitive neuroscience faculty member who will advise them on the requirements for the minor. The faculty member must sign the minor form.

To complete the minor, students must earn a 3.0 GPA.

For psychology majors: courses earned toward the cognitive neuroscience minor will not count toward the psychology major. The only exception to this rule is Psychology 484 (Physiological Psychology).

The minor requirements consist of two core courses (6 credits) and a choice of electives (12 credits).

Core courses (6 credits):

830:484 Physiological Psychology (3)
830:411 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (3); or 830:486 Neuropsychology (3)

Electives (12 credits):

Psychology

830:327 Cognitive Development (3)
830:330 Psychology of Learning (3)
830:346 Psychology of Language (3)
830:412 Neuroscience of Decision-Making (3)
830:486 Neuropsychology (3)
830:487 Pain and Pleasure (3)
830:496 Emotional Brain (3)
830:512** Neuroimaging Methods and Theory (3)

Philosophy

730:380 Philosophy of Psychology (3)
730:381 Philosophy of Neuroscience (3)
730:472 Mind and Metaphysics (3)

Linguistics

615:322 Language Acquisition (3)

Students can apply a maximum of 6 credits toward the minor elective requirement, if they are earned under the supervision of one of the cognitive neuroscience minor mentors, using one of the following:

830:491,492 Research in Psychology
830:493,494 Individual Study in Psychology
830:497,499 Honors Thesis