Program Overview
The Behavioral Neuroscience major educates the next generation of scientists with a foundation in biological sciences and behavioral neuroscience. Students in the behavioral neuroscience major are prepared to join the workforce or attend professional or graduate school. Rider achieves this through small class and laboratory sizes allowing direct, hands-on instruction, and faculty accessibility. Students also have opportunities to do research with faculty via work study or independent study. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides academic advice and career guidance tailored to the student's needs. Areas of professional and graduate study include medical, dental, and veterinary school; allied health programs in optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing; as well as programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the life sciences; and programs in science education.
Many graduates of the Behavioral Neuroscience program have pursued graduate studies at prestigious institutions including Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College and Cornell University. Others have entered medical school, or have gone on to become educators, surgical assistants, marine biologists, mental health technicians, nurses, behavioral therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for majors has been shaped to prepare students for a life of learning in the sciences. Students are expected to gain knowledge, and develop technical and analytical skills and competency in writing and speaking. Classes include coursework focused on the principles of evolution and diversity, neuroscience, and psychology, among other courses. Rider’s faculty are research-oriented, and encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity to engage in internships and research by doing work study, an independent research project and/or a senior thesis. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a three-week internship course through the Capital Health System Hospitals, summer research and other off-campus internships.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Behavioral Neuroscience major will be able to:
- Explain foundational concepts in biological sciences.
- Apply scientific methods of inquiry through testing of newly formed hypotheses with observation and experimentation.
- Apply concepts from other disciplines in the analysis and interpretation of biological information.
- Demonstrate the ability to locate, critically analyze, and communicate relevant scientific information.
- Explain the ethical practice of scientific research and its societal applications.
Honors Programs
Honors in Behavioral Neuroscience
The objective of the honors program in Behavioral Neuroscience is to introduce talented undergraduate majors to the methods of basic research in behavioral neuroscience. Qualified biology or behavioral neuroscience majors may participate in the Departmental Honors program. For consideration, a student must have at least a 3.25 overall grade point average at the end of their junior year. In the senior year, a student seeking Honors must write and orally defend a written honors thesis based upon their independent research. A candidate who has a 3.25 cumulative average, a 3.5 average in their science courses, and who has completed an acceptable Honors Thesis, will be awarded Honors in Behavioral Neuroscience upon graduation.
Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
"Tri-Beta" is a national honor society affiliated with the American Association for Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Invitations for membership are extended to majors in the life sciences who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. Students are usually invited to join in their sophomore year when they have accumulated 12 credits in the sciences. Active membership is available to those with an overall grade point average of at least 2.8, and at least 3.0 in their science courses. The benefits of membership include academic recognition; a subscription to the journal Bios, to which members may submit research articles; opportunities to present papers at conventions; and research awards. Behavioral neuroscience majors should make membership in Tri-Beta one of their goals.
Pre-medical and Pre-allied Health Advising Programs
The pre-medical studies and pre-allied health advising programs assist students with academic and extra-curricular planning required to become competitive applicants for programs in the health professions.
Rider and Thomas Jefferson University have a long-standing articulation agreement for students who wish to pursue training in the allied health professions. This agreement does not guarantee admission of Rider students into Jefferson's programs; it does mean that Rider faculty members are familiar with Jefferson's academic requirements and that Rider’s courses are eligible for transfer to Jefferson.
Rider University offers students with baccalaureate degrees the opportunity to take the undergraduate science course prerequisites for medical, dental, veterinary or graduate school. For more information, visit the Premedical Studies page.
Degrees Offered
- B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience
Contact
Related Programs
Major Requirements
(51-54 credits)
Departmental Course Repeat Policy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAS General Education Curriculum | ||
| Biology | ||
| BIO 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Lab 1 | 4 |
| BIO 116 & 116L | Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Lab 1 | 4 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| BNS 275 & 275L | Behavioral Neuroscience and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab 1 | 4 |
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Neurobiology and Neurobiology Lab | ||
| Neurochemistry and Neurochemistry Lab | ||
| Neuroethology: Circuits of Behavior and Neuroethology Lab | ||
| Select one of the following | ||
| PSY 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| or BNS 107 | Life Science: Brain and Behavior | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MTH 105 | Algebra and Trigonometry 2 | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Biostatistics and Biostatistics Lab 2 | ||
| Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences and Statistical and Computer Applications in the Natural Sciences Lab 2 | ||
| Statistics and Research Design (requires PSY 105 prerequisite) 2 | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHE 120 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHE 122 | Intro to Chemical Systems | 3 |
| CHE 123 | Quantitative Methods Lab | 1 |
| Biology/Psychology Electives | ||
| Select two (2) of the following: | 6-8 | |
| Upper-level Biology Course | ||
| Medical Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
| Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells and Principle of Biology: Cells Lab | ||
| Genetics and Genetics Lab | ||
| Intro to Marine Biology and Marine Biology Laboratory | ||
| Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab | ||
| Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab | ||
| Plant Biology and Modern Plant Biology Lab | ||
| Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Biology Lab | ||
| General Ecology and General Ecology Lab | ||
| Immunology and Immunology Lab | ||
| Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach and Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach Lab | ||
| Any PSY 200-level or higher course | ||
| Additional Electives | ||
| Select one (1) of the following: | 4 | |
Any additional BNS 300-level course with a lab | ||
Any PSY 300-level course with a lab | ||
Any BCH 200 or higher course with a lab | ||
| Senior Capstone Seminar | ||
| BNS 415 | Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| Total Credits | 51-54 | |
- 1
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in this course to meet the major requirements and before enrolling in upper-level courses for which these courses are prerequisites.
- 2
Students must place into MTH 105 Algebra & Trigonometry or higher level mathematics in order to register for BIO 115, BIO 116 and BNS 275.
Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Health Sciences Course Repeat Policy
The following guidelines apply to courses offered by the Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Health Sciences. Students may repeat any biology (BIO), behavioral neuroscience (BNS), health sciences (HSC) or exercise science (EXS) course once without special permission. A course will be considered repeated if the student has previously earned a letter grade in the course, or if the student has previously withdrawn from the course after the Friday of the seventh week of classes (previously Withdrawal II or Withdrawal III). To take a biology, behavioral neuroscience, health science, or exercise science course for a third time, written permission must be obtained from the department chair before the registrar will allow the student to enroll in that course.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| BIO 115 & 115L |
Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Lab |
4 |
| CHE 120 | Principles of Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 121 | Principles of Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| MTH 105 | Algebra and Trigonometry 1 | 4 |
| CMP 120 | Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 116 & 116L |
Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Lab |
4 |
| CHE 122 | Intro to Chemical Systems | 3 |
| CHE 123 | Quantitative Methods Lab | 1 |
| CMP 125 | Seminar in Writing and Research | 3 |
| Social Perspectives | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BNS 275 & 275L |
Behavioral Neuroscience and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab |
4 |
| BNS 250 & 250L |
Biostatistics and Biostatistics Lab |
4 |
| PSY 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| HIS 150 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BNS 310 & 310L |
Neurobiology and Neurobiology Lab |
4 |
| BCH 225 & 225L |
Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry and Introduction to Organic & Biochemistry Lab 3 |
4 |
| HIS 151 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Elective course 2 | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Upper-level Neuroscience (select one) | 4 | |
| Neurochemistry and Neurochemistry Lab |
||
| Neuroethology: Circuits of Behavior and Neuroethology Lab |
||
| Social Perspectives | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Philosophical Perspective | 3 | |
| Aesthetic Perspectives: Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Biology/Psychology Elective (select one) | 3-4 | |
| Medical Microbiology and Microbiology Lab |
||
| Principles of Biology: Evolution, Diversity, and Biology of Cells and Principle of Biology: Cells Lab |
||
| Genetics and Genetics Lab |
||
| Intro to Marine Biology and Marine Biology Laboratory |
||
| Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab |
||
| Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab |
||
| Microbiology and Microbiology Lab |
||
| Plant Biology and Modern Plant Biology Lab |
||
| Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Biology Lab |
||
| General Ecology and General Ecology Lab |
||
| Immunology and Immunology Lab |
||
| Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach and Behavior of Marine Organisms: Evolutionary Approach Lab |
||
Any 200-level PSY course |
||
| Aesthetic Perspectives: Literature | 3 | |
| Three Elective Courses 2 | 9 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Upper-level Neuroscience | 4 | |
| Four Elective Courses 2 | 12 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Biology/Psychology Elective | 3-4 | |
| BNS 415 | Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| Three Elective Courses 2 | 9 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Credit Hours for Graduation | 122-124 | |
- 1
For course placement information see http://www.rider.edu/offices-services/orientation/course-placement .
- 2
Elective credits may be used to complete requirements in a second major or minor.
- 3
Natural and Physical Sciences and Mathematics core requirements are included in the major.
Courses and Descriptions
BNS 107 Life Science: Brain and Behavior 3 Credits
An introduction to the biology of the human brain and the rest of the human nervous system. Topics in neuroscience are covered in molecular, cellular, and systematic terms. Additional material is presented on the origins and effects of neurological and psychiatric diseases. This course counts towards the fulfillment of the Disciplinary Perspectives element of the CLAS general education curriculum.
BNS 250 Biostatistics 4 Credits
This course will assist students with acquiring the skills necessary to design, conduct, and interpret research studies. Emphasis will be on learning how to develop experimental designs to translate theoretical concepts into testable hypotheses. Experiments conducted during laboratory sessions will use laboratory mice and will use equipment for measuring animal behavior. Students will gain experience collecting, analyzing, writing and orally presenting their research results. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or higher or placement into MTH 210, grade of “C” or better in one lab science course.
Corequisite(s): BNS 250L.
BNS 250L Biostatistics Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequiste(s): BNS 250.
BNS 275 Behavioral Neuroscience 4 Credits
An introductory behavioral neuroscience course including basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of movement, ingestive, reproductive, emotional, and learning behaviors. Emphasis is on the structure/function relationships that allow animals to make appropriate physiological and behavioral responses to the environment. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115 & BIO 116.
Corequisite(s): BNS 275L.
BNS 275L Behavioral Neuroscience Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BNS 275.
BNS 310 Neurobiology 4 Credits
A lecture-laboratory course investigating the structure and function of the nervous system. Lecture topics include organization of the nervous system, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, physiology of sensory systems, biological aspects of nervous system diseases, and behavior. Laboratory exercises include study of anatomy of the nervous system, nerve cell recording, modern neuroanatomical techniques, and the neural basis of animal behavior. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequiste(s): BNS 310L.
BNS 310L Neurobiology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BNS 310.
BNS 360 Neurochemistry 4 Credits
Examines the fundamentals of neurochemistry, including the neuroanatomical distribution, pharmacology, and functions of neurotransmitters; signal transduction pathways; behavioral and physiological effects of chemicals either used therapeutically to treat biopsychological disorders or that may be abused for their psychotropic effects; and mechanisms and models for the study of drug action. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116, CHE 122, CHE 123 with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BNS 360L.
BNS 360L Neurochemistry Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequiste(s): BNS 360.
BNS 375 Neuroethology: Circuits of Behavior 4 Credits
Neuroethology is the study of the neural and physiological basis of animal behavior. This course focuses on the specific behavioral problems faced by animals in their natural habitats, and the ways in which their nervous systems solve these problems. The mechanisms that underlie complex behaviors such as spatial orientation and navigation, escape mechanisms, and animal communication will be examined, as well as the extraordinary sensory adaptation of organisms to their environments (e.g., echolocation, electroreception, and magnetic reception). The neural control of motor programs and temporally-patterned behaviors will be studied in simpler neuronal systems. Finally, recent cellular and molecular approaches to the study of behavior will be addressed. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 with a grade of C or better in each course.
Corequisite(s): BNS 375L.
BNS 375L Neuroethology Lab 0 Credits
This lab is a co-requisite and must be taken with the corresponding course.
Corequisite(s): BNS 375.
BNS 415 Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience 3 Credits
Critical analysis of the scientific literature pertaining to current topics in behavioral neuroscience. Topics include mechanisms through which the brain influences physiology and behavior and the integration of nervous and endocrine systems. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 115, BIO 116 or BNS 118, BIO 117, junior standing and permission of instructor.
BNS 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression 1-4 Credits
Immerses the student in laboratory research. The student learns to organize material, use the literature, make precise measurements, and obtain reproducible data. If possible, the student will publish the results or present them at a scientific meeting.
BNS 491 Internship in Behavioral Neuroscience 1-4 Credits
A supervised work experience in an approved organization where qualified students gain real-world knowledge and utilize their academic training in a professional environment. Placement may be in private, public, non-profit, or governmental organizations. These can include educational or research institutions. The method of evaluation will be formalized prior to the approval of the internship by the sponsoring faculty and should include keeping a journal of activities, a term paper or project report and a poster presentation.
Prerequisite(s): 2.5 GPA and permission of the instructor.