"Cognitive Neuroscience--With its concern about perception, action, memory, language and selective attention---will increasingly come to represent the central focus of all Neurosciences in the 21st century."
-Eric R. Kandel, M.D. (Nobel Laureate)
The department currently offers a minor in cognitive neuroscience (requirements listed below).
Students interested in ultimately pursuing graduate
study in neuroscience, should discuss this with their advisor as soon as possible to insure they enroll in the appropriate additional courses in a timely manner.
For a personal account of preparing for a career in neuroscience, please see this interview with Dr. Sue Grigson ('84), who works as a researcher at the Neural and Behavioral Sciences Department at Penn State Hershey
Courses required for the
Cognitive Neuroscience minor
PSY 105 General Psychology
4 credits. (Core: Social Science) An introduction to psychological science, including methods of inquiry, learning and motivation, abnormal behavior, developmental and social influences, cognition, sensation and perception, neuroscience, and personality. Fall and Spring semesters. Dennis, Lemley, Price, Smith, Teske.
111 Introduction to Neuroscience
4 credits. (Natural & Physical Sciences Core) A survey of the biological basic of psychological processes, including neurons and brain organization, the endocrine system, motor control, higher cortical functions and dysfunctions. Recovery from brain damage, sexual behavior, emotion, language mood disorders, schizophrenia and additional related topics are also covered. Includes virtual laboratory work and simulation. Prof. Lemley; Price (syllabus)
Psy 241. Sensory Psychology. 4 credits. A survey of the visual, auditory, cutaneous, gustatory, and olfactory senses including the major theories and methods in sensory psychology. Includes laboratory work and demonstrations. Prerequisite: Psychology 105. Spring semester. Prof. Lemley.
311 Neuropsychology 4 credits. An examination of the relationship between brain function and behavior in healthy and brain-damaged populations. Focuses on the manner in which various neural mechanisms are themselves interconnected and how they connect with a variety of everyday or abnormal behaviors. The course will specifically address the use of particular neuropsychological tests in evaluating brain dysfunction. Prerequisites: Psychology 111 and junior status or permission of instructor. Fall semester. Prof. Price (syllabus)
341 Human Cognition 4 credits. A study of the theoretical models, methods, and empirical findings involving mental abilities including perceiving, reasoning, memory, problem solving, creativity, language and attention. Students will propose a laboratory research project. Prerequisite: Psychology 105 and junior status or permission of instructor. Prof. Lemley.
Any Psychology Course (any level)
Total: 24 Credits
