Investigate the vast complexities of the nervous system. Explore the relationship between brain function and human behavior.

Emmanuel's biology major with a concentration in neuroscience is focused on neurobiology and neurochemistry and is ideal if you are looking to explore the genetics, molecular biology, anatomy and biochemistry of the brain as they relate to brain function and neurological disorders. You will also have the opportunity to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world research and internships in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area and any of Boston’s storied or startup health and research organizations.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

B.S. in Biology with Concentration in Neuroscience

Requirements for Concentration:

  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
  • NEURO2201 Neurobiology with lab
  • NEURO3137 Medical Neuroscience OR NEURO3205 Neuroendocrinology OR NEURO3214 Psychopharmacology OR NEURO3216 Neurobiology of Addiction OR NEURO3200 Computational Neuroscience
  • BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences (with permission of instructor; a one-semester experience with approved research component)
  • Two upper-level biology electives that must cover one lab, one 3000-level and a category 1

Note: For BIOL4160 Seminar requirement, students should take the neuroscience section.

Category 1: Cellular/Molecular Electives

  • BIOL2115 Determinants of Health and Disease
  • BIOL2119 Current Topics in Biological Research
  • BIOL2151 Marine Microbiology with Lab
  • BIOL3101 Developmental Biology with Lab
  • BIOL3103 Cell Biology with Lab 
  • BIOL3119 Immunology
  • BIOL3125 Molecular Biology
  • BIOL3127 Microbiology
  • BIOL3132 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry
  • BIOL3135 Cancer Biology
  • BIOL4194/BIOL4195 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I and II
  • * BIOL4149 counts as a 3000-level biology laboratory elective for a B.S. in biology if the entire two-semester internship sequence (BIOL4194 and BIOL4195) is completed. The student's advisor determines the appropriate category for the internship. Students receive academic credit for the second internship course (BIOL4195), but it would not be counted as one of the 11 required biology courses.

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

  • Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
  • Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
  • Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
  • Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
  • Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
  • Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.