The Major program in Neuroscience focuses primarily on Cellular/Molecular and Systems/Behavioural Neuroscience and requires less research-intensive coursework than the Specialist programs. The Major focuses more on how to be a skilled consumer of neuroscience research, providing a valuable foundation for a variety of career paths.
Students may not combine a Neuroscience Major program with a Minor program from the Department of Biological Sciences. Students who wish to combine the Major in Neuroscience with another Major from the Department of Psychology or Department of Biological Sciences are advised to pay careful attention to the 12.0 distinct credits requirement to receive a certification of the completion of both programs. Consultation with the respective Program Supervisors in the selection of credits is recommended. For more information, see the Degree Requirements section in the UTSC Calendar.
Enrolment in the Program is limited. The admission requirements may change each year depending on available spaces and the pool of eligible applicants, and students are cautioned that there is no guarantee of admission; as such, students are strongly advised to plan to enrol in backup programs.
The minimum requirements to be considered for admission are: Completion of 4.0 credits including BIOA01H3, BIOA02H3, CHMA10H3, [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3], PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3, and [PSYA06H3 or STAB22H3 or STAB23H3], and a CGPA of 2.0 or higher.
Application for admission will be made to the Office of the Registrar through ACORN, during the Limited Program application periods. For more information on applying to limited enrolment programs, please visit the Office of the Registrar website.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a total of 9.0 credits.
1. Scientific Foundations (3.5 credits)
BIOA01H3 Life on Earth: Unifying Principles
BIOA02H3 Life on Earth: Form, Function and Interactions
CHMA10H3 Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
[CHMA11H3 Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms or CHMA12H3 Advanced General Chemistry]
PSYA01H3 Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
PSYA02H3 Introduction to Clinical, Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology
and
0.5 credit from the following:
PSYA06H3 Introduction to Data Analysis for Scientific Literacy*
STAB22H3 Statistics I
STAB23H3 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
Notes:
*1. Department of Psychology students are strongly encouraged to choose the PSYA06H3 course option.
2. For students who have completed the retired (PSYB07H3) course, please contact the Undergraduate Program Administrator for guidance.
2. Neuroscience Foundations (3.5 credits)
BIOB10H3 Cell Biology
BIOB11H3 Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
NROB60H3 Neuroanatomy Laboratory
NROB61H3 Neurophysiology
PSYB06H3 Applied Statistical Analysis for Psychology & Neuroscience
PSYB55H3 Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYB70H3 Methods in Psychological Science
3. Advanced Foundations (1.5 credits)
at least 1.0 credit must be taken from:
BIOC44H3/(NROC34H3) Neuroethology
NROC36H3 Molecular Neuroscience
NROC61H3 Learning and Motivation
NROC64H3 Sensorimotor Systems
NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization and Physiology of the Brain
the remaining 0.5 credit should be taken from the following:
BIOC14H3 Genes, Environment and Behaviour
NROC60H3 Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory
NROC63H3 Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory
NROC90H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
NROC93H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience
PSYC62H3 Drugs and the Brain
4. Capstone Course (0.5 credit)
0.5 credit from the following:
BIOD06H3 Advanced Topics in Neural Basis of Motor Control
BIOD07H3 Advanced Topics and Methods in Neural Circuit Analysis
BIOD08H3/(NROD08H3) Theoretical Neuroscience*
BIOD45H3 Animal Communication
BIOD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System
NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience
NROD61H3 Emotional Learning Circuits
(NROD66H3) Drug Addiction
NROD67H3 Neuroscience of Aging
NROD98Y3 Thesis in Neuroscience
PSYD12H3 Me and I: The Self in Mind and Brain
PSYD51H3 Current Topics in Perception
PSYD54H3 Current Topics in Visual Recognition
PSYD62H3 Neuroscience of Pleasure and Reward
PSYD66H3 Current Topics in Human Brain and Behaviour
*Note: BIOD08H3/(NROD08H3) has a calculus prerequisite that is not part of this program. Students interested in this course should plan accordingly.
