UTM has introduced Neuroscience as a new minor for undergraduate students that will be available beginning in the 2019-20 academic year.
Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that studies the workings of the nervous system from an anatomical, psychological, behavioral, cognitive and computational approach.
The minor encompasses multiple majors, including Biology and Psychology, and will benefit students in fields of healthcare, research, education and behavioral sciences.
“The Neuroscience Minor will add dimension and depth to existing majors, including the natural sciences, social sciences, education, health and human performance, nursing, computer science and majors related to pre-health professions,” said Dr. Michelle Merwin, professor of psychology.
The minor has two groups for students to choose from.
Both groups require students to have PYSC 101 and either a complete sequence of BIOL 130 and 140, or BIOL 110 and 120, though 130 and 140 are preferred. A full sequence of NEUR 200 and 481 are also required for both groups.
Group A: Basic Neuroscience, focuses on biological, chemical and physical sciences, and consists of classes in biology, zoology, chemistry and physics.
Group B: Applied Neuroscience, focuses on cognitive, behavioral and functional systems, and consists of classes in English, History, Psychology, Human Performance and a Neuroscience travel-study.
Students taking the Group A track must have eight hours from Basic Neuroscience and three from Applied Neuroscience. Vice versa applies for those taking the Group B track.
“In the fall semester, we conducted a student survey of all UTM students,” Merwin said. “Over 300 students completed the survey. Of those who responded, over 75% expressed some interest in our developing the minor.”
“We believe that many students are interested [in] and will benefit from this innovative program.”
Brady Heath, a junior Cell and Molecular Biology major from Paris, is interested in the new courses being provided.
“I want to pursue this minor because neurosurgery is a branch of surgery I could see myself doing one day. And I love the complexity and fascination of the human brain,” Heath said.
“With that versatility just in one minor, you have so much potential with the knowledge that can be taught to students. It’s definitely one of a kind on campus.”
For more information about the Neuroscience minor, contact Dr. Ann Gathers at agathers@utm.edu or Merwin at mmerwin@utm.edu.
