Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of nervous systems, touching diverse fields such as biology, psychology, biochemistry, philosophy and computer science. Students of neuroscience are also diverse. For example, some students are primarily interested in questions of how consciousness arises from the human brain, while others become fascinated with the inner workings of individual nerve cells, and still others with the development of these complex neural systems. Neuroscience students at Smith receive excellent preparation for a wide range of careers including research, medicine, biotechnology, pharmacology and a variety of other careers. The breadth of neuroscience encourages learning about many areas of science.

Students who major in neuroscience graduate with deep knowledge of neuroscience and several well-developed skills. They learn fundamental principles about the nervous system at multiple levels of analysis, from molecular and cellular aspects through systems, behavioral and cognitive levels. They receive extensive training in scientific writing, data analysis and public speaking, including presentations in classes and often also at regional and national scientific meetings. All of our students engage in research-based laboratory work, either through research projects in our upper-level laboratory courses, or in many cases through one-on-one mentoring in a faculty research laboratory. Finally, students begin to read primary research papers in our sophomore methods course and then continue to develop their skills in analyzing and critiquing current articles in our upper-level courses and seminars. They graduate from Smith with the skills and understanding that prepares them for the next steps in their careers.

Advisers: Mary Harrington (Study Abroad); Virginia Hayssen (Transfer Students)

Required Core Courses

Take each of these core courses:
BIO 132/133 Cells, Physiology and Development + lab
CHM 111 Chemistry I: General Chemistry (or CHM118) and CHM 222 Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry
NSC 210 Fundamentals of Neuroscience
NSC 230 Experimental Methods in Neuroscience
SDS 201 or SDS 220 (and SDS 100 coreq) Statistics

Take two of these biology courses as part of the core:
BIO 200 Animal Physiology
BIO 202 Cell Biology
BIO 230 Genomes and Genetic Analysis

Advanced Lecture / Research Lab Courses 

Take three advanced courses, at least one of which must be a lab course and one a lecture course, from these options:
Lecture courses:

NSC 310 Human Neuroscience
NSC 314 Neuroendocrinology
NSC 318 Systems Neurobiology
BIO 300 Neurophysiology
BIO 302 Developmental Biology
BIO 310 Cell & Molecular Neuroscience
BIO 362 Animal Behavior

Lab courses:
NSC 324 Research in Behavioral Neuroscience
NSC 325 Research Methods in Cellular Signaling 
NSC 328 Research in Systems Neurobiology
NSC 334 Research in Computational Neuroscience
NSC 335 Research in Human Neuroscience
BIO 330 Research in Cellular Neurophysiology
BIO 303 Research in Developmental Biology
ESS 310 (with lab) Neuromuscular Control of Human Movement
BIO 363 Research in Animal Behavior

Seminars 

Take one seminar from these options:
NSC 312 Seminar in Neuroscience
NSC 313 Seminar in Organismal Neuroscience
NSC 316 Neuroscience in the Public Eye
BIO 323 Topics in Developmental Biology: Regeneration
​PSY 314cf Cognition in Film
PSY 315 Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorders
PSY 326 Seminar in Biopsychology
NSC327 Race and Gender in Neurological Disorders
ESS 300md Seminar:  Topics in Exercise Sports Studies - Neuromuscular Mechanisms of Movement Disorders

Elective Courses 

Complete one elective course:
PSY 130 Clinical Neuroscience
PSY 218 Colloquium: Cognitive Psychology 
PSY 227 Brain, Behavior and Emotion
PSY 230 Psychopharmacology

The neuroscience major requires 51-56 credits, depending on which courses are chosen. A student who places out of required courses with AP or IB credits is expected to replace those courses with others offered in the major. NSC 230 is not open to seniors. NSC 400 Special Studies is S/U grading only. We allow no other S/U credits within the major.

The supplemental website for the neuroscience program provides links to syllabi and other information about selected neuroscience courses.

An updated schedule for the current academic year shows which courses will be taught.

How to Find a Major Adviser and Declare Your Major

 The first step in declaring your Neuroscience major is to find a major adviser.  The Neuroscience Program seeks to match students with faculty advisers who can best meet their academic advising needs.  To be matched with an available adviser, please fill out the file NSC Advising Form and email the completed form to Sarah Lanzoni at slanzoni@smith.edu. You will be notified by email with the name of your new adviser.  

To declare your major, fill out the Program of Study Declaration Form.  You will enter your new adviser's name on the declaration form.  

The neuroscience minor consists of 6 courses.

• BIO 132 Cells, Physiology and Development, or the equivalent
• NSC 210 Fundamentals of Neuroscience
• NSC 230 Experimental Methods in Neuroscience
• Three elective courses, chosen in consultation with the NSC minor adviser from courses that count toward the NSC major, and with at least 2 at the 300 level. 

PSY 202 can be substituted for NSC 230, but only if one of the 300-level elective courses is also a lab course. 

The supplemental website for the neuroscience program provides links to syllabi and other information about selected neuroscience courses.

Director:  Michael Barresi

NSC 430D Honors Project 
This is a full-year course. Credits: 4 
Normally offered both fall and spring semesters 

Please consult the director of honors for specific requirements and application procedures.

Students have the option of counting one semester of Honors as fulfilling the requirement for one Advanced (300-level) Lab course. 

For information on your Honors Application please follow this link 

https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/class-deans/honors-apply

Color Code

Typical Neuroscience Schedule

Neuroscience Major, Starting Chemistry and Biology in the Second Year

Typical Neuroscience Major Schedule Meeting Premed Requirements

Neuroscience Major Schedule, With Junior Year Abroad

Typical Neuroscience Schedule, With Honors