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»Minor In Neuroscience
The 22 credit Neuroscience minor is a rigorous, inter-disciplinary exploration of the brain, mind, and nervous system through a combination of coursework and research opportunities.
The minor consists of prerequisites, a core, and two areas of concentration. All neuroscience minors must complete the neuroscience core classes (10 credits) and two courses (6 credits minimum) in the two emphasis areas.
Core Classes: 10 credits
Philosophy and Psychological Sciences: 6 credits
Natural, Health, and Technological Sciences: 6 credits
Total: 22 credits
Pre-Requisites
Chapman University undergraduate students are eligible to declare this minor if they have completed the pre-requisites listed below with a minimum grade of B for each course (P/NP not accepted). The prerequisites are not part of the credits towards the minor, but completion of them allows a student to apply to the program.
| PHILOSOPHY: Any 100 or 200 level course |
| MATH 203, PSY 203, or MATH 303 |
| BIOL 204, BIOL 204L |
| PSY 101 |
| COMPUTER SCIENCE 230 or 292 |
Core Classes
| Course # | Description | Credits | Term |
| NEUR 301 | Introduction to Neuroscience | 3 | fall |
| NEUR 302L | Neuroscience Lab | 1 | fall |
|
PSY 333 or BIOL 407 |
Physiological Psychology (offered every semester) or Neuroanatomy (offered alternate spring) |
3 | |
| NEUR 495 | Capstone in Neuroscience | 3 | spring |
| Total Credits: | 10 |
Philosophy and Psychological Sciences Courses
| Course # | Description | Credits | Term |
| PHIL 300 | Symbolic Logic | 3 | every semester |
| PHIL 321 | Philosophy of Science | 3 | fall |
| PHIL 340 | Philosophy of Mind | 3 | fall |
| PHIL/PSY 365 | Philosophy and Neuroscience of Free Will | 3 | fall |
| PSY 315 | Sensation and Perception | 3 | every semester |
| PSY 317 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | every semester |
| PSY 319 | Motivation and Emotion | 3 | every semester |
| *NEUR 499 | Independent Research in Neuroscience | 3 max | every semester and interterm |
| *BIOL, HSCI, PSY, PHIL, CPSC 491 | Student-Faculty Research | 3 max | every semester and interterm |
*A maximum of 3 credits of research may be substituted for coursework in one emphasis area. Research credits must receive prior approval of the Neuroscience Director. If 3 credits of research are applied to one area of concentration, research credits cannot be applied to the other area of concentration.
Note: Psychology majors may only take up to 3 credits of PSY (including cross-listed and research) from this emphasis area.
Natural, Health, and Technological Sciences Courses
| Course # | Description | Credits | Term |
| BIOL 309 | Hormones and Behavior | 3 | alternate fall |
| HSCI 301 | Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy | 3 | spring |
| CPSC 392 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 | as needed |
| CPSC 358 | Assistive Technology | 3 | fall |
| HSCI 440 | Applied Human Neurophysiology | 3 | spring |
| NEUR 436/ CS 536 | Neural Computation | 3 | as needed |
| *NEUR 499 | Independent Research in Neuroscience | 3 max | every semester and interterm |
| BIOL 433 | Animal Behavior | 3 | alternate spring |
| BIOL 343 | Computational Neuroscience | 4 | spring |
| HSCI 460 / PSY 433 | Principals of Pharmacology or Psychopharmacology | 3 |
HSCI 460 - fall PSY 433 - spring |
| *BIOL, HSCI, CPSC 491 | Faculty-Student Research | 3 max | every semester and interterm |
*A maximum of 3 credits of research may be substituted for coursework in one emphasis
area. Research credits must receive prior approval of the Neuroscience Director. If
3 credits of research are applied to one area of concentration, research credits cannot
be applied to the other area of concentration.
Application Process
Applications are open from Feb 1, 2026 - March 1, 2026.
Application to the Neuroscience minor occurs in spring, prior to course registration for fall. If you need more information on the application process, please contact the Director of the minor, Dr. Wilson (cawilson@chapman.edu).
The application form will outline your coursework and require you to write a short statement of interest in the minor. Before filling out the form, please note the following:
- First-year students: You are encouraged to contact the Neuroscience Director (cawilson@chapman.edu) for advising on course work. First-year students cannot officially apply until all prerequisites are met or are in the process of being completed
- 2nd year students: Declaration of the minor can only occur after all prerequisites are met with a "B" or above, but you may apply and enroll in NEUR 301 / 302L for fall of your third year if no more than 2 courses are incomplete.
- Please see the additional instructions on the Application Form.
- DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MARCH 1, 2026. Applications received before the deadline will be given priority.
Optional Internships
For students who wish to earn optional, additional credit and experiences in Neuroscience
- NEUR 490 - Independent Internship 1-3 credits