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NCSBS - Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

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Mind, Brain & Behav, SchCollege of ScienceBS - Bachelor of Science

Overview

Program Requirements

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
The course sequence required is determined by the Foundations Writing Evaluation (link).

Two course sequence:
1. Writing 101 or 101A or 107
2. Writing 102 or 108

One course sequence:
1. Writing 109H* or Writing 305
* A grade of C or higher is required in Writing 109H to satisfy the requirement with this course.

Three course sequence:
1. Writing 106
2. Writing 107**
3. Writing 108**
**Upon recommendation of the Writing Program students who complete Writing 106 may take:
- Writing 101 or 101A instead of Writing 107
- Writing 102 instead of Writing 108
Complete at least 1 of the following :
Complete 2 courses.
Two course sequence:
1. Writing 101 or 101A or 107
2. Writing 102 or 108
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:
OR
Complete 1 course.
One course sequence:
1. Writing 109H* or Writing 305
* A grade of C or higher is required in Writing 109H to satisfy the requirement with this course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
OR
Complete 3 courses.
Three course sequence
1. Writing 106
2. Writing 107**
3. Writing 108**
**upon recommendation of the Writing Program students who complete Writing 106 may take:
- Writing 101 or 101A instead of Writing 107
- Writing 102 instead of Writing 108
Complete at least 3 of the following Courses:
AND
Your major may have more specific math requirements. Please consult your major advisor to ensure you enroll in the math courses best suited to your plan of study.
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 1 course. Please review your major requirements or consult your advisor before enrolling in a Foundations Mathematics course.
Earn at least 2.67 credits from the following:
AND
Credit will not be given for a course at an equivalent or lower level than prior language credit earned. Course must be taken for a grade, not as pass/fail. Third semester or higher courses used to fulfill this requirement may also be used to fulfill other requirements. A grade of C or higher is required in the course that satisfies the second language requirement.

Demonstrate second semester proficiency in a second language by completing a sequence of courses through a second semester or higher level or by passing a language proficiency examination at the second semester level or higher.
Complete at least 1 of the following :
Complete 1 course with a grade of C or better.

Not from: FREN 325, 391, 393, 396H, 399, 399H, 414, 425, 432, 433, 434, 442, 443, 448, 453, GRK 412, 422, HIST 465D, ITAL 330A, 330B, 330C, 330D, 393, 393H 399, 399H, 410, 431, 496A, 498H, LAT 411, 413, 414, 415, 421, 425, 426, PORT 325A, 430, 440, 449, RSSS 305, 405A, 405B, SPAN 204C, 303, 305, 340, 343, 350, 360, 371A 371B 375, 381, 382, 397W, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 406A, 410, 411, 412, 414, 423A, 423B, 433, 435, 436, 437, 438, 441, 442, 445, 446, 447, 448, 452, 453, 455A, 457, 458, 459, 465A, 465C, 465D, 465E, 471, 472, 473, 482, TTE 414.
Complete at least 1 courses in the following Course Sets:
AND
General Education Introduction and Capstone
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Introduces students admitted to the university as First-Year students to General Education, reflecting on learning, and developing an ePortfolio. (1 unit)
Earn at least 1 credits from the following:
AND
Designed to help students reflect upon and make meaning of the General Education experience through the refinement of their ePortfolio. (1 unit)
Earn at least 1 credits from the following:
AND
Choose one course from each category.
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 1 course, 3 units total. Transfer students with quarter system credits may satisfy requirement with 1 course and 2.67 units.
Earn at least 2.67 credits from the following:
AND
Complete 1 course, 3 units total. Transfer students with quarter system credits may satisfy requirement with 1 course and 2.67 units.
Earn at least 2.67 credits from the following:
AND
Complete 1 course, 3 units total. Transfer students with quarter system credits may satisfy requirement with 1 course and 2.67 units.
Earn at least 2.67 credits from the following:
AND
Complete 1 course, 3 units total. Transfer students with quarter system credits may satisfy requirement with 1 course and 2.67 units.
Earn at least 2.67 credits from the following:
AND
Building Connections brings together knowledge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines and/or perspectives. Choose two courses (6 units minimum).
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 2 courses, 6 units total. Transfer students with quarter system credits may satisfy requirements with 2 courses and 5.34 units.
Earn at least 5.34 credits from the following:
AND
Civic Institutions
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 1 course, 3 units total. Transfer students with quarter system credits may satisfy requirement with 1 course and 2.67 units.
Earn at least 2.67 credits from the following:
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Foundation Courses
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
The NSCS major offers students a choice between two focuses within the major: a Neuroscience Focus and a Cognitive Science Focus. Each focus leads to the same degree (BS in NSCS) and a substantial number of courses are common to both focuses. Students should be prepared to select a focus by the end of their first semester.
AND
Complete 4 units.
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
AND
Students in the Neuroscience Focus must complete 4 units.
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
AND
Students in the Neuroscience Focus must complete 4 units.
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
AND
Complete 4 units.
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
AND
Complete 4 units.
Note: Students may complete either PHYS 102 and 181 OR PHYS 141 with lab.
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
AND
Students in the Neuroscience Focus must complete 4 units.
Note: Students may complete either PHYS 103 and 182 OR PHYS 241 with lab
Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
AND
Complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
AND
Complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
AND
Complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
AND
Students in the Cognitive Science Focus must complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
AND
Complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
Students in the Cognitive Science Focus must complete 3 courses total from at least 2 of the following categories: Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, and Philosophy
Complete at least 2 of the following :
Students in the Cognitive Science Focus must complete 3 courses total from at least 2 of the following categories: Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, and Philosophy.
Complete 1 - 2 course(s) and earn credit(s) from the following:
OR
Students in the Cognitive Science Focus must complete 3 courses total from at least 2 of the following categories: Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, and Philosophy.
Complete 1 - 2 course(s) and earn credit(s) from the following:
OR
Students in the Cognitive Science Focus must complete 3 courses total from at least 2 of the following categories: Cognitive Psychology, Linguistics, and Philosophy.
Complete 1 - 2 course(s) and earn credit(s) from the following:
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Major Core
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 4 courses. Note: Students must complete NSCS 200 prior to taking these core courses.
Complete at least 4 of the following Courses:
AND
Complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
AND
Students in the Neuroscience Focus must complete 2 courses.
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:
AND
Students in the Cognitive Science Focus must complete 2 courses.

Note: some of these courses are also offered as emphasis electives. The same course cannot be used to fulfill more than one requirement.


A maximum of 1 course may be taken from PSY 313 and PSY 413.
Complete at least 2 courses in the following Course Sets:
AND
All students planning to complete a Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (NSCS) degree at UA, including transfer students, will declare a Neuroscience & Cognitive Science major (Bachelor of Science). Students will take a series of 100/200-level science courses (supporting courses). Upon completion of these courses, students' academic records will be evaluated, and those who qualify will be offered an "Advanced Standing" in the major.

Enrollment in most of the core courses and the majority of upper division elective NROS/CGCS courses is limited to students with Advanced Standing in the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science major.

Foundational & Supporting Courses and Requirements to Progress to Advanced Standing

Semester 1
-MATH 122B - First-Semester Calculus (4 units)
[Enrollment in MATH 122B requires C or better, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 122A, transfer credit not allowed.]

-CHEM 151 - Chemical Thinking I (4 units)
[Enrollment in CHEM 151 requires 60+ Math Placement Exam score or MATH 112]

Semester 2
-MCB 181R and MCB 181L - Intro Molecular & Cellular Biology & Lab (4 units)
[Enrollment in MCB 181R requires 40+ Math Placement Exam score or MATH 112/120R/122B/125].

-PHYS 110 (formerly PHYS 102) - Introductory Studio Physics I or PHYS 141 -Introductory Mechanics (4 units)
[Enrollment in PHYS 110 requires PPL 60+ or SAT I MSS 610+ or ACT MATH 26+ or one course from MATH 108, 112, 113, 116, 119A, 120R, 122B, 125, 129, or 223. Test scores expire after 2 years. Must not have taken PHYS 102.; enrollment in PHYS 141 requires MATH 122B, 124, or 125, or appropriate Math Placement Level]

Semester 3
-NSCS 200 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience & Cognitive Science (3 units)
[Enrollment in NSCS 200 requires MCB 181R and PSY 101 or equivalent].

-MATH 263 - Introduction to Statistics & Biostatistics or PSY 230 - Psychological Measurement & Statistics (3 units);
[Enrollment in MATH 263 requires 60+ Math Placement. Exam score or MATH 112/122B/125; enrollment in PHYS 230 requires MATH 112 & PSY 150A1 or PSY 101].

Requirements for Advanced Standing:
- Cumulative UA GPA of 2.4 or higher
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in best attempts at the following 3 courses, taken at UA or elsewhere:
MCB 181R, CHEM 151, PHYS 110, and NSCS 200.
A emphasis is required for this major. Please consult with your advisor.
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Students pursuing the Neuroscience and Cognitive Science major must complete one of the following emphasis areas:

Cognition
Computation
Language & Communication Science
Neurobiology
Thematic
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

Complete the foundation courses, major core courses, and an emphasis area.
Emphasis in Cognition
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 15 units.

A maximum of 1 course may be taken from PSY 313 and PSY 413.
3 courses from emphasis listing (9 units)
1 upper division writing emphasis elective (3 units)
1 upper division elective
Up to 3 units of upper division research, internship, thesis/capstone, independent study or preceptorship credit may be applied.
Earn at least 15 credits from the following:
Cognition Major Graduation Requirements
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
A minimum of 35 units must be completed in the major.
AND
A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the major coursework.
AND
A minimum of 32 units of upper-division major coursework must be completed.
AND
A minimum of 18 units in the major must be taken at the University of Arizona.
A minor is optional for this major. Consult with your advisor to select a minor or discuss other options such as selecting a second major.
Emphasis in Cognition
Emphasis in Computation
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Fulfill ANY of the following requirements:
Complete 2 courses.

Neuroscience Focus students must take PHYS 241 if PHYS 141 will be utilized in both the Neuroscience Supporting Coursework and the Computation Emphasis.
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:
OR
Complete 1 course.
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
AND
Complete 12 units including:
1 upper division writing emphasis elective (3 units)
Up to 3 units of upper division research, internship, thesis/capstone, independent study or preceptorship credit may be applied.
Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
Computation Major Graduation Requirements
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
A minimum of 35 units must be completed in the major.
AND
A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the major coursework.
AND
A minimum of 32 units of upper-division major coursework must be completed.
AND
A minimum of 18 units in the major must be taken at the University of Arizona.
A minor is optional for this major. Consult with your advisor to select a minor or discuss other options such as selecting a second major.
Emphasis in Computation
Emphasis In Language and Communication Science
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 15 units.
3 courses from emphasis listing (9 units)
1 upper division writing emphasis elective (3 units)
1 upper division elective
Up to 3 units of upper division research, internship, thesis/capstone, independent study or preceptorship credit may be applied.
Earn at least 15 credits from the following:
Language and Communication Science Major Graduation Requirements
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
A minimum of 35 units must be completed in the major.
AND
A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the major coursework.
AND
A minimum of 32 units of upper-division major coursework must be completed.
AND
A minimum of 18 units in the major must be taken at the University of Arizona.
A minor is optional for this major. Consult with your advisor to select a minor or discuss other options such as selecting a second major.
Emphasis in Language and Communication Science
Emphasis in Neurobiology
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 15 units.
A maximum of 1 course may be taken from ECOL 487R/L and NROS 381.
A maximum of 1 course may be taken from ECOL 346, ISTA 457, and CGSC 344.
A maximum of 1 course may be taken from PSY 313 and PSY 413.
3 courses from emphasis listing (9 units)
1 upper division writing emphasis elective (3 units)
1 upper division elective
Up to 3 units of upper division research, internship, thesis/capstone, independent study or preceptorship credit may be applied.
Earn at least 15 credits from the following:
Neurobiology Major Graduation Requirements
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
A minimum of 35 units must be completed in the major.
AND
A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the major coursework.
AND
A minimum of 32 units of upper-division major coursework must be completed.
AND
A minimum of 18 units in the major must be taken at the University of Arizona.
A minor is optional for this major. Consult with your advisor to select a minor or discuss other options such as selecting a second major.
Emphasis in Neurobiology
Under unusual circumstances, when a student has a particular passion and very well articulated objective for studying a topic area not found within the array of defined emphasis areas, the student may work with their NSCS Advisor to customize an emphasis to their specific interests from courses offered within the Departments that comprise the School of Mind, Brain and Behavior or from courses offered elsewhere at the University. Before beginning thematic emphasis courses, students wishing to do a thematic emphasis must meet with their NSCS Advisor, complete a thematic emphasis contract specifying the agreed-upon series of courses, and have that contract approved by the Program Leadership. An NSCS Advisor will then add the selected courses to the student's Advisement Report and the contract will be kept in the student's file. Any amendments to the contract must be approved by the Program Leadership.
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete 15 units in coordination with your NSCS Advisor, including:
1 upper division writing emphasis elective (3 units)
1 upper division elective
Up to 3 units of upper division research, internship, thesis/capstone, independent study or preceptorship credit may be applied.
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Thematic Emphasis Major Graduation Requirements
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
A minimum of 35 units must be completed in the major.
AND
A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the major coursework.
AND
A minimum of 32 units of upper-division major coursework must be completed.
AND
A minimum of 18 units in the major must be taken at the University of Arizona.
A minor is optional for this major. Consult with your advisor to select a minor or discuss other options such as selecting a second major.
Thematic Emphasis