Introductory Biology (1 course)

• BIOL 2100 - Introduction to Biology with Laboratory: Cell Biology & Genetics Credits: 4

Introductory Chemistry I and II (Lecture and Labs, 4 courses)

• Chemistry I Lecture, fulfilled by one of the following courses:
  • CHEM 1410 - Introductory College Chemistry I Credits: 3
  • CHEM 1810 - Principles of Chemical Structure (Accelerated) Credits: 3
• Chemistry II Lecture, fulfilled by one of the following courses:
  • CHEM 1420 - Introductory College Chemistry II Credits: 3
  • CHEM 2820 - Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics (Accelerated) Credits: 3
• Chemistry I and II Labs, fulfilled by one of the following options:
  • Option 1
    • CHEM 1411 - Introductory College Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1 -AND-
    • CHEM 1421 - Introductory College Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 1
  • Option 2
    • CHEM 1811 - Principles of Chemical Structure Laboratory (Accelerated) Credits: 2

Calculus I (1 course)

Fulfilled be one of the following courses:

• MATH 1210 - A survey of Calculus I Credits: 3
• MATH 1310 - Calculus I Credits: 4 (Math 1310 is strongly recommended)

Statistics (1 course)

Fulfilled be one of the following courses:

• STAT 1601 - Introduction to Data Science with R Credits: 3
• STAT 1602 - Introduction to Data Science with Python Credits: 3
• STAT 2020 - Statistics for Biologists Credits: 4
• STAT 2120 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis Credits: 4
• PSYC 2005 - Research Methods and Data Analysis I Credits: 3

Introductory Physics 1 and 2 (Lecture and Workshops, 4 courses)

Physics 1 Lecture, fulfilled be one of the following courses:

• PHYS 1420 - Introductory Physics 1: Classical Mechanics, Waves, and Thermodynamics Credits: 3
• PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers Credits: 3
• PHYS 2010 - Principles of Physics 1 for Pre-Health Students Credits: 3

Physics 1 Workshop, fullfilled by one of the following courses:

• PHYS 1429 - Introductory Physics 1 Workshop Credits: 1
• PHYS 2030 - Principles of Physics 1 Workshop Credits: 1

Physics 2 Lecture, fulfilled by one of the following courses:

• PHYS 2020 - Principles of Physics 2 for Pre-Health Students Credits: 3
• PHYS 2410 - Introductory Physics 2: Electricity, Magnetism and Optics Credits: 3
• PHYS 2415 - Introductory Physics 2 for Engineers Credits: 3

Physics 2 Workshop, fulfilled by one of the following courses:

• PHYS 2040 - Principles of Physics 2 Workshop Credits: 1
• PHYS 2419 - Introductory Physics 2 Workshop Credits: 1

Major GPA

To remain in good academic standing within the major, students must maintain a minimum major GPA of 2.5.

Students who fall below the 2.5 major GPA requirement will be placed on major probation for the following semester. While on probation, students are expected to raise their major GPA to at least 2.5. Failure to meet these expectations while on probation may result in removal from the major. Students placed on probation are required to meet with the Undergraduate Director to develop a plan for the timely completion of major requirements.

Core Requirements (4 core courses + 1 core lab)

Students are required to take 4 core courses (12 credits) and 1 core NESC lab (3-6 credits). Core courses may be taken in any order.

Core Courses (4 Courses)

• BIOL 3000 - Cell Biology Credits: 3
• BIOL 3010 - Genetics and Molecular Biology Credits: 3
• PSYC 3160 - Cognitive Neuroscience Credits: 3
• BIOL 3050 - Introduction to Neurobiology Credits: 3 -OR- 
  PSYC 3200 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience Credits: 3

Core NESC Laboratory Requirement (1-2 Courses)

• The core NESC laboratory requirement may be fulfilled by one of the following options: 
  • NESC Lab Course Option, fulfilled by one of the following:
    • NESC 4030 - The Study of Neuroscience from Molecules to Minds Credits: 4
    • NESC 4047 - Neural Development Laboratory: The Zebrafish Model Credits: 3
  • NESC Research Option
    • NESC 3960 - Research in Neuroscience Credits: 3 (2 semesters of 3 credits each)

Elective Courses (4 Courses)

Elective courses are organized into three groups. Students must complete four elective courses (12 credits), including at least one course from each group. The fourth elective may be chosen from any group. Additional courses may be approved as electives with permission of the Program Director. Because course offerings change regularly, students should consult the NESC website for the most current list.

Group 1: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

• BIOL 3260 - Editing Genes and Genomes Credits: 3
• BIOL 4011 - Homeostasis: The Wisdom of the Body Credits: 3
• BIOL 4045 - Neurodegenerative Diseases Credits: 3
• BIOL 4190 - Biological Clocks Credits: 3
• BIOL 4280 - The Genetic Basis of Behavior Credits: 3
• BIOL 4310 - Sensory Neurobiology Credits: 3
• BIOL 4330 - Wiring the Brain Credits: 3
• BIOL 4660 - How do they do it? Method and Logic in Biomedical Science Credits: 3
• NESC 4046 - Neural Injury and Disease Credits: 3
• NESC 4245 - Neuroscience through the Nobels Credits: 3
• NESC 4265 - Developmental Neurobiology Credits: 3
• PSYC 3235 - Introduction to Epigenetics Credits: 3
• PSYC 4260 - RM: Genetic and Epigenetic Research in Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 5280 - Neuropsychopharmacology Credits: 3

Group 2: Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience

• PSYC 3100 - Learning and the Neuroscience of Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 3240 - Animal Minds Credits: 3
• PSYC 3420 - The Nature Nurture Debate Credits: 3
• PSYC 3440 - Child Psychopathology Credits: 3
• PSYC 4100 - Neuroscience of Emotions & Motivated Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 4155 - Autism: From Neurons to Neighborhoods Credits: 3
• PSYC 4200 - Neural Mechanisms of Behavior Credits: 3
• PSYC 4215 - RM: Computational Methods in Psychology and Neuroscience Credits: 3
• PSYC 4250 - Brain Systems Involved in the Neurobiology of Memory Credits: 3
• PSYC 4280 - Neural Basis of Empathy Credits: 3
• PSYC 4290 - Memory Distortions Credits: 3
• PSYC 4310 - Cognitive Aging Credits: 3
• PSYC 4420 - RM: Brain Mapping with MRI Credits: 3
• PSYC 4755 - Social Neuroscience Credits: 3
• PSYC 5270 - RM: Computational Neuroscience Credits: 3
• PSYC 5326 - The Neuroscience of Social Relationships Credits: 3
• PSYC 5332 - Quantified Cognition Credits: 3

Group 3: Related Science and Quantitative Courses

• BIOL 3030 - Biochemistry Credits: 3
• BIOL 3040 - Developmental and Regenerative Biology Credits: 3
• BIOL 3090 - Our World of Infectious Disease Credits: 3
• BIOL 3240 - Introduction to Immunology Credits: 3
• BIOL 4040 - Laboratory in Cell Biology Credits: 3
• BIOL 4070 - Developmental Biology Laboratory Credits: 3
• BIOL 4014 - Cellular Origins of Animal Diversity Credits: 3
• BIOL 4017 - The Immortal Germ Line Credits: 3
• BIOL 4250 - Human Genetics Credits: 3
• BIOL 4260 - Cellular Mechanisms Credits: 3
• BIOL 4320 - Signal Transduction: How cells talk to each other Credits: 3
• BIOL 4770 - Synthetic Biology Credits: 3
• BIOL 5070 - Practical Aspects of Light Microscopy Credits: 3
• CHEM 4410 - Biological Chemistry I Credits: 3
• CHEM 4411 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 3
• CHEM 4420 - Biological Chemistry II Credits: 3
• CHEM 4421 - Biological Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 3
• CHEM 4440 - Biochemistry for Pre-Health Credits: 3
• PSYC 5323 - RM R in Psychology Credits: 3

Admission Requirements

The requirements to apply to the Distinguished Major Program are:

• UVA Cumulative GPA: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.400. 
• Major GPA: A cumulative major GPA of at least 3.400 including all courses taken as part of the Neuroscience major.
• Research Proposal: Submission of a brief (1–2 page) research project proposal.
• Faculty Endorsement: Written endorsement of the proposed project by a faculty member of the Neuroscience Graduate Program who agrees to serve as the student’s research mentor.
• Academic and Conduct Standing: Students must be in good academic and conduct standing with the University.

To apply to the DMP, students submit an application to the DMP Director that includes a research proposal, endorsement from the primary faculty mentor (research advisor) and secondary faculty reader, and unofficial transcripts.

Program Structure and Requirements

Students admitted to the Distinguished Major Program complete four required courses (12 total credits) associated with their thesis research in their final year. These courses do not count toward the GPA of the major.

In NESC 4970, students conduct research under the supervision of their faculty mentor. In the second semester, students enroll in NESC 4980 to complete and finalize the thesis, culminating in a journal-style manuscript. The research project is intended to foster independent thought and develop the student’s critical ability to formulate and conduct scientific research.

Fall Semester (Final Year) Courses

• NESC 3980 - NESC DMP - Current Topics in Neuroscience I Credits: 3
• NESC 4970 - Distinguished Majors Thesis Credits: 3

Spring Semester (Final Year) Courses

• NESC 3985 - NESC DMP - Current Topics in Neuroscience II Credits: 3
• NESC 4980 - Distinguished Majors Thesis Credits: 3

Thesis Submission and Evaluation

The final submission of the DMP thesis to the student’s committee is due two weeks before the last day of classes. The two-member faculty committee (the research mentor and the second reader) evaluates the thesis and reports one of the following outcomes to the DMP Director:

• Distinction
• High Distinction
• Highest Distinction

The PFN Undergraduate Committee then considers the thesis evaluation along with the student’s academic record and submits the final level of distinction to the College Registrar.

Standards for Continued Participation

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, make consistent progress toward completion of their thesis research, and adhere to all University academic and conduct policies in order to remain in the Distinguished Major Program. Failure to meet these expectations may result in removal from the program at the discretion of the DMP Director.

DMP Contact

For further information on entering the Distinguished Major Program in Neuroscience, students should contact the current director, Dan Meliza at cdm8j@virginia.edu. 

Transfer Credit and Study Abroad

Major coursework is expected to be completed at the University of Virginia. At most one study abroad course may be applied toward the elective requirements of the major. Study abroad courses may not be used to satisfy the core courses or core NESC laboratory requirements. UVA study abroad programs that offer direct credit are eligible for major credit.

Students transferring to UVA from another four-year institution who have previously completed coursework comparable to Neuroscience major requirements may petition to have those courses reviewed for equivalency. Approval is granted at the discretion of the Undergraduate Director based on course content and relevance to the neuroscience curriculum.

Double Majoring and Minor Policies

The Neuroscience program permits students who pursue another major to share up to one course between programs. All shared courses require approval from the Neuroscience Director of Undergraduate Programs.

Because the Neuroscience major already requires extensive coursework in both Psychology and Biology, students pursuing this degree are not permitted to add a double major or minor in the following programs:

• Psychology BA
• Behavioral Neuroscience BS
• Psychology Minor
• Biology BA
• Biology BS
• Biology Minor

Students may pursue a double major in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science; however, their Cognitive Science concentration must be in an area other than Neuroscience.

Courses applied toward a minor may not be shared with any major.

Beyond these conditions, students considering a second major or minor are responsible for understanding and complying with the course-sharing policies of each major, as well as the double major and course-sharing rules set by the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Independent Research Courses

The NESC major offers course credit for students engaging in independent research. These course options allow students to gain hands-on research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students may enroll in these courses with approval from their faculty research advisor and the Undergraduate Director. Independent Research courses provide a pathway for students to engage in research, explore scientific questions, develop technical skills, and prepare for the Distinguished Majors Program.

• NESC 3960 - Research in Neuroscience Credits: 3 - Open to Neuroscience majors, this course provides supervised laboratory or research experience. Two semesters of NESC 3960 may be used to fulfill the core NESC laboratory requirement for the major.
• NESC 3995 - Research in Neuroscience Credits: 3 - Open to undeclared students planning to declare the NESC major.
• NESC 4970 - Distinguished Majors Thesis Credits: 3 - Fall semester thesis research for NESC DMP students.
• NESC 4980 - Distinguished Majors Thesis Credits: 3 - Spring semester thesis research and writing for NESC DMP students, culminating in completion of the thesis.