Computational Neuroscience Undergraduate Curriculum
Computational Neuroscience links the information processing features of the
nervous system with information processing of computer systems. Accordingly,
the Computational Neuroscience track supplements the neuroscience core
curriculum with information technology courses. In this way, students learn not
only of the brain and its information processing mechanisms but also of modern
computer hardware and software technologies. Courses in science and engineering
have been selected to give as broad an exposure as possible to subjects that
underlie the basic neural and computational sciences with an emphasis on the
organisms and the machine as information processing entities. Upon completion
of the four-year curriculum, a B.S. degree in Neuroscience will be awarded.
Furthermore, the program is designed to allow students to acquire breadth in
computational subjects or, alternatively, to focus on either software or
hardware aspects of computation. Students choosing to acquire breadth in
computational subjects will be well prepared for graduate study in most areas of
neural and biomedical science, including bioengineering. Students choosing a
software focus may obtain a minor in either computer science or computer
engineering. All subject requirements for entry into medical school are met by
completion of the program of study in Computational Neuroscience.
Certification Requirements
To certify a major in Computational Neuroscience, students must complete
a minimum of 24 credit hours and have a cumulative 3.0 minimum grade point
average (GPA) in the following math and science courses:
3.0 minimum GPA in the following:
Biol 106 and 107
Chem 105 and106
Math 171 and 172
Phys 201
The student must also complete Neuro 301 or 302, although there is no minimum
grade point average required for this course.
Once a student has completed 60 hours, the university requires certification in
a major as a condition for further enrollment (usually by the end of the
sophomore year). The Neuroscience baccalaureate degree program currently has a
cap of 40 majors. Thus, we may be unable to certify all qualified students. In
this situation, the most highly qualified students who apply will be selected
for certification up to the enrollment limit.
Students who have certified must continue to maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA in
courses required to fulfill the degree or they may be de-certified from the
major and their folders returned to the Student Advising and Learning Center
(SALC) for reassignment.
Core Prerequisites
Years 1 and 2
|
Prefix |
Course No. |
[GER] |
Title |
Credits
|
|
Biol |
106, 107 (L) |
[B] |
Introduction to Biology |
4/4 |
|
Chem |
105, 106 (L) |
[P] |
Principles of
Chemistry |
4/4 |
|
Chem |
345 |
|
Elementary
Organic Chemistry |
4 |
|
Cpt S |
121, 122 |
|
Program Design and Development,
Data
Structures |
4/4 |
| EE |
214 |
|
Design of Logic Circuits |
4 |
| Math |
171, 172, 216 |
[N] |
Calculus I & II, Discrete Structures |
4/4/3 |
| Physics |
201, 202 |
[P] |
Physics for Scientists & Engineers |
4/4 |
| Psych |
105 |
[S] |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
|
Total Credits for Years 1 & 2 |
50 |
| |
Major Core Courses
|
|
|
Years 3 and 4 |
|
|
Prefix |
Course No. |
[GER] |
Title |
Credits |
|
Biol |
353 |
|
Mammalian Physiology |
4 |
|
Engl |
402 |
[M] |
Technical and Professional Writing |
3 |
|
MBioS |
301 |
|
General Genetics |
4 |
|
MBioS |
303 |
|
Introductory Biochemistry |
4 |
|
Neuro |
301 or 302 |
|
Exploring the Brain or Honors |
3 |
|
Neuro |
403 |
[M] |
Cellular Neurobiology |
3 |
|
Neuro |
404 |
|
Neuroanatomy |
3 |
|
Neuro |
430 |
[M] |
Principles of Neurophysiology |
4 |
Neuro
Neuro |
495 or
499 |
|
Directed Research or
Special Problems |
2 credits total from 495 or 499
|
|
Neuro |
490 |
|
Senior Project |
1 |
|
Phil |
201 |
[H] |
Elementary Logic |
3 |
|
Total Credits for Years 3 &
4 |
35 |
|
|
Plus select one of the three tracks below:
|
|
|
|
1. Breadth-of-field Track (No Minor)
The Breadth of Field Track allows the student to balance
software and hardware courses and, in addition, include the
modeling aspects of computation in their course of study. This
track is recommended for students who wish to maximize the
opportunities for advanced study following the BS degree. |
|
|
|
Prefix |
Course No. |
Title |
Credits |
|
BE |
340 |
Unified Bioengineering I |
4 |
|
EE |
261/262 |
Electrical Circuits |
3/1 |
|
Math |
220, 273, 315 |
Linear Algebra, Calculus III, Differential Equations |
2/2/3 |
| Electives |
(see
below)1 |
Select
nine (9) credits from elective courses list below |
9 |
|
|
|
Total |
24 |
|
|
2. Software Emphasis Track (Computer Science Minor)
Programmed instructions are the basis of machine intelligence.
Through the software emphasis track, the student acquires a
thorough background in machine instructions leading to
intelligent operations. The two courses that culminate this
sequence (one in artificial intelligence, the other in human
cognition) provide contrast between machine and human
intelligence. |
|
|
|
Prefix |
Course No. |
Title |
Credits |
|
CptS |
223 |
Advanced Data Structures |
3 |
|
CptS |
224 |
Programming Tools |
2 |
|
CptS |
322 |
Software Engineering Principles |
3 |
|
CptS |
440 |
Intro
to Artificial Intelligence |
3 |
|
Psych |
490 |
Cognition and Memory |
3 |
|
Electives |
(see below)1 |
Select five (5) credits from elective courses list below. At
least three (3) credits must be from the upper division CptS
courses. |
5 |
|
|
|
Total |
19 |
|
|
3. Hardware Emphasis Track (Computer Engineering Minor)
Neural circuitry and neural system components are both similar
and different from electronic circuitry and computational system
components. These similarities and differences are fundamental
to the link between neurosciences and computational science. The
hardware emphasis track provides the neuroscience student the
opportunity to explore these similarities and differences. |
|
|
|
Prefix |
Course No. |
Title |
Credits |
|
EE |
261/262 |
Electrical Circuits |
3/1 |
|
EE |
234 |
Microprocessor Systems |
4 |
|
EE |
324 |
Fundamentals of Digital Systems |
4 |
|
EE/CptS |
300/400 level |
Select three (3) credits of upper division EE or CptS from
the elective course list below.1 |
3 |
|
Math |
220, 273, 315 |
Linear Algebra, Calculus III, Differential Equations |
2/2/3 |
|
Electives |
(see below)1 |
Select two (2) credits from elective courses list below. |
2 |
|
|
Total |
24 |
|
|
|
|
1
Elective Courses |
|
|
(Other science courses may be substituted based on advisor
approval.) |
|
Prefix |
Course No. |
Title |
Credits |
|
Biol |
315 |
Gross and Microanatomy |
4 |
|
Biol |
321 |
Principles of Animal Development |
4 |
|
Biol |
352 |
Cell Physiology |
3 |
|
Biol |
438 [M] |
Animal Behavior |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
422 |
Software Engineering Principles |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
423 |
Software Engineering Laboratory |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
434 |
Neural Network Design and Application |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
440 |
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
443 |
Computer-Human Interaction |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
445 |
Digital Image Processing |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
446 |
Animation Programming |
3 |
|
Cpt S |
450 |
Design and Analysis of Algorithms |
3 |
|
EE |
311 |
Electronics |
3 |
|
EE |
321 |
Electrical Circuits II |
3 |
|
EE |
324 |
Fundamentals of Digital Systems |
4 |
|
EE |
341 |
Signals and Systems |
3 |
|
EE |
441 |
Digital Control |
3 |
|
EE |
442 |
Robotics |
3 |
|
EE |
451 |
Digital Communication Systems |
3 |
|
EE |
464 |
Digital Signal Processing |
3 |
| MBioS |
378 |
Intro to
Molecular Biology Computer Techniques |
3 |
|
MBios |
401 |
Introductory Cell Biology |
3 |
|
Neuro |
409/509 |
Affective Neuroscience |
3 |
|
Neuro |
506* |
Generation, Degeneration, Regeneration
in the Nervous System |
2 |
|
Neuro |
520* |
Fundamental Neuroscience |
4 |
|
Neuro |
526* |
Domestic and Exotic Animal Behavior |
2 |
|
Neuro |
529* |
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology |
4 |
|
Neuro |
540* |
Special Topics in Integrative
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
Neuro |
541* |
Special Topics in Cellular and
Molecular Neuroscience |
3 |
|
Neuro |
542* |
Special Topics in Disciplinary
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
Neuro |
543* |
Special Topics in Behavioral/Clinical
Neuroscience |
3 |
|
Psych |
490 |
Cognition and Memory |
3 |
|
*Graduate Study By Seniors:
Seniors who have at
least a 3.00 grade point average in the last half of their
undergraduate coursework at Washington State University may
register for up to six semester hours of work in the Graduate
School in excess of the number of hours required to complete the
bachelor's degree. Graduate School approval is required at the
time of registration. Only grades of "B" or higher may be
applied toward an advanced degree. Seniors who wish to enroll in
500-level courses for undergraduate credit must obtain the
approval of their major advisor and the Chair of the department
or program in which the course is offered.
Suggested Course of Study for Computational Neuroscience |
Last Edited: Sep 06, 2007 11:29 AM
