Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular BS

Overview

Offered by the Department of Biology, the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular is designed to provide rigorous preparation in scientific knowledge at the molecular and cellular level to those students interested in pursuing advanced studies and professional development in neuroscience, medicine or a related field in life sciences. In addition to neuroscience, graduates in the major will be well prepared for graduate or professional studies in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biomedical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and many allied health fields. Neuroscience graduates who do not pursue graduate studies will be prepared to accept technical positions in industry (pharmaceutical, biotech) or government and university laboratories. Graduates will be ready to conduct research on a range of neuroscience and related topics at the level of cells or molecules, including nervous system function, development, disease or injury.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: ST-NSCM-BS

Distinction in the Major

To graduate with distinction in this major, a student must satisfy the following criteria:

  • achieve a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA;
  • successfully complete two semesters of BIOL 4591;
  • submit final research paper; and
  • present their research at a departmental research poster session.

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated programs provide a pathway for students to pursue both an undergraduate degree and an advanced degree in a shorter amount of time. Below is a list of available accelerated programs for students in the BS in Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular.

Undergraduate Contact Information

Robert Sanders, Chair
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 255
215-204-8851

Erik Cordes, Vice Chair
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 315
215-204-8876

Eleni Anni, Faculty Advisor for Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular Majors
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 352B
215-204-5764
eleni.anni@temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

  1. University Requirements (123 total s.h.)
    • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
    • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
      BIOL 2297Research Techniques in Genetics3
      BIOL 4396Advanced Study in Biology3
    • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
      • See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
      • Students who complete CST majors receive a waiver for 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
    • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
  2. College Requirements
    • A minimum of 90 total credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and/or the College of Engineering (ENG).
      • A minimum of 45 of these credits must be upper-level (courses numbered 2000 and above).
    • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
      • SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar for every entering first-year CST student.
      • SCTC 2001 CST Transfer Seminar for every entering transfer CST student.
  3. Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (77-83 s.h.)
    At least 9 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple. At least 4 Biology courses must be completed at Temple.
    Biology
    BIOL 1111Introduction to Organismal Biology4
    or BIOL 1911 Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
    BIOL 2112Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology4
    or BIOL 2912 Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
    BIOL 2207Genetics3
    BIOL 2297Research Techniques in Genetics (WI) 13
    BIOL 3204Cell Structure and Function (F)4
    BIOL 3352Systems Neuroscience3
    BIOL 3358Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (S)3
    BIOL 4396Advanced Study in Biology (WI)3
    Chemistry
    CHEM 1031
    & CHEM 1033    		General Chemistry I
    and General Chemistry Laboratory I    		4
    or CHEM 1951
    & CHEM 1953    		 Honors General Chemical Science I
    and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I
    CHEM 1032
    & CHEM 1034    		General Chemistry II
    and General Chemistry Laboratory II    		4
    or CHEM 1952
    & CHEM 1954    		 Honors General Chemical Science II
    and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II
    CHEM 2201
    & CHEM 2203    		Organic Chemistry I
    and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I    		4
    or CHEM 2211
    & CHEM 2213    		 Organic Chemistry for Majors I
    and Organic Majors Laboratory I
    or CHEM 2921
    & CHEM 2923    		 Organic Chemistry for Honors I
    and Organic Honors Laboratory I
    CHEM 2202
    & CHEM 2204    		Organic Chemistry II
    and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II    		4
    or CHEM 2212
    & CHEM 2214    		 Organic Chemistry for Majors II
    and Organic Majors Laboratory II
    or CHEM 2922
    & CHEM 2924    		 Organic Chemistry for Honors II
    and Organic Honors Laboratory II
    Mathematics
    Select one of the following:4
    MATH 1041
    		Calculus I
    MATH 1941
    		Honors Calculus I
    Select one of the following:4
    MATH 1044
    		Introduction to Probability and Statistics for the Life Sciences
    MATH 1042
    		Calculus II
    MATH 1942
    		Honors Calculus II
    Neuroscience
    Neuroscience electives - select four of the following: 212-16
    BIOL 3265
    		Developmental Biology
    BIOL 3312
    		Biostatistics
    BIOL 3324
    		Molecular Biology
    BIOL 3325
    		Research Techniques in Molecular Biology (S)
    BIOL 3333
    		Advanced Techniques in Microscopy (S)
    BIOL 3334
    		Mammalian Physiology (S)
    BIOL 3337
    		Comparative Biomechanics
    BIOL 3354
    		Neural Basis of Animal Behavior ( F)
    BIOL 3356
    		Organization and Development of the Nervous System (S)
    BIOL 3361
    		Molecular Neuropharmacology (F)
    BIOL 3365
    		The New Neuroimmunology (S)
    BIOL 3514
    		Biological Models in Python
    BIOL 4364
    		Biochemistry of Embryogenesis
    BIOL 4375
    		General Biochemistry I
    NSCI 3087
    		Techniques in Neuroscience (non-CST course)
    PSY 2501
    		Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience (non-CST course)
    PSY 2502
    		Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience (non-CST course)
    Neuroscience Research/Independent Study courses 3
    Take the following for a total of 6-8 credits:6-8
    BIOL 3082
    		Independent Research II
    BIOL 4591
    		Research in Neuroscience
    Physics
    PHYS 2021General Physics I4
    or PHYS 2921 Honors General Physics I
    PHYS 2022General Physics II4
    or PHYS 2922 Honors General Physics II
    Total Credit Hours77-83
    1

    This course has a co-requisite of BIOL 2207.

    2

    Three of the four electives must be within the College of Science & Technology.

    3

    Research in Neuroscience (BIOL 4591)/Independent Research II (BIOL 3082) course choice should be determined in consultation with the Neuroscience faculty advisor. Students are required to have BOTH a B- or above in BIOL 3352 AND a Science GPA of 3.2 to take BIOL 4591 Research in Neuroscience. Students are required to have BOTH a B- or above in BIOL 3352 AND a Science GPA of 3.0 to take BIOL 3082 Independent Research II. The Science GPA consists of all required courses in Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.

    (F) - Fall course only
    (S) - Spring only course

With the exception in footnote 3 above, the research and independent study courses shown below do not count as Neuroscience electives, but may count as free elective credits toward graduation. Most research courses can only be taken ONCE for a letter grade. Check individual course descriptions for details and/or exceptions.

BIOL 2082Independent Research I1 to 4
BIOL 3082Independent Research II1 to 4
BIOL 3181Cooperative Research in Biochemistry3
BIOL 3681Cooperative Studies2 to 4
BIOL 3685Externship Studies3
BIOL 4291Extradepartmental Research1 to 4
BIOL 4391Accelerated Research in Biology1 to 4
BIOL 4483Accelerated Research in Biochemistry3
BIOL 4491Research in Biochemistry3
BIOL 4591Research in Neuroscience1 to 4

Note: Grades of C- or higher are required unless otherwise specified in all courses for the major, including course prerequisites. The College of Science and Technology requires that students have a GPA of at least 2.00 overall and at least 2.00 in the courses applicable to their major and/or minor GPA to graduate.

A total of one semester of Biology research courses numbered lower than 4000 (to include: BIOL 2082, BIOL 3082, BIOL 3181, and BIOL 3681) may be taken for a letter grade. Any additional semesters in research courses in this category can be taken only on a CR/NC basis.

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
Select one of the following: 4
CHEM 1031
& CHEM 1033
 General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I		  
CHEM 1951
& CHEM 1953
 Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)		  
MATH 1041
or MATH 1941
 Calculus I
or Honors Calculus I
 4
SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar 1
ENG 0802
or ENG 0812
or ENG 0902
 Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
 4
Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Spring
BIOL 1111
or BIOL 1911
 Introduction to Organismal Biology
or Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
 4
Select one of the following: 4
CHEM 1032
& CHEM 1034
 General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II		  
CHEM 1952
& CHEM 1954
 Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)		  
Select one of the following: 4
MATH 1044
 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for the Life Sciences  
MATH 1042
 Calculus II  
MATH 1942
 Honors Calculus II  
IH 0851
or IH 0951
 Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
 3
 Credit Hours15
Year 2
Fall
BIOL 2112
or BIOL 2912
 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
or Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
 4
Select one of the following: 4
CHEM 2201
& CHEM 2203
 Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I		  
CHEM 2211
& CHEM 2213
 Organic Chemistry for Majors I
and Organic Majors Laboratory I		  
CHEM 2921
& CHEM 2923
 Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)		  
IH 0852
or IH 0952
 Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
 3
Elective 5
 Credit Hours16
Spring
BIOL 2207 Genetics 3
BIOL 2297 Research Techniques in Genetics [WI] 3
BIOL 3352 Systems Neuroscience 3
Select one of the following: 4
CHEM 2202
& CHEM 2204
 Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II		  
CHEM 2212
& CHEM 2214
 Organic Chemistry for Majors II
and Organic Majors Laboratory II		  
CHEM 2922
& CHEM 2924
 Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)		  
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Year 3
Fall
BIOL 3204 Cell Structure and Function (F) 4
PHYS 2021
or PHYS 2921
 General Physics I
or Honors General Physics I
 4
Neuroscience Elective 1 3-4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 1-0
 Credit Hours15
Spring
BIOL 3358 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (S) 3
PHYS 2022
or PHYS 2922
 General Physics II
or Honors General Physics II
 4
Neuroscience Elective 1 3-4
GenEd Breadth Course 3-4
Elective 2-0
 Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Select one of the following: 2 3-4
BIOL 3082
 Independent Research II  
BIOL 4591
 Research in Neuroscience  
Choose one of the following: 3 3-4
BIOL 4396
 Advanced Study in Biology [WI]  
Neuroscience Elective 1
  
Neuroscience Elective 1 3-4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 3-0
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 2 3-4
BIOL 3082
 Independent Research II  
BIOL 4591
 Research in Neuroscience  
Choose one of the following: 3 3-4
BIOL 4396
 Advanced Study in Biology [WI]  
Neuroscience Elective 1
  
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 7-5
 Credit Hours16
 Total Credit Hours123
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
1

Select from the Neuroscience Electives list under Requirements.

2

Research in Neuroscience (BIOL 4591)/Independent Research II (BIOL 3082) course choice should be determined in consultation with the Neuroscience faculty advisor. Students are required to have BOTH a B- or above in BIOL 3352 AND a Science GPA of 3.2 to take BIOL 4591 Research in Neuroscience. Students are required to have BOTH a B- or above in BIOL 3352 AND a Science GPA of 3.0 to take BIOL 3082 Independent Research II. The Science GPA consists of all required courses in Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.

3

Either BIOL 4396 or a Neuroscience elective can be chosen in the fall term. The course not completed in the fall must be completed in the spring term.

Accelerated Programs

Students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.

The following accelerated programs may be of interest to students in the Neuroscience: Cellular and Molecular BS:

College of Science and Technology