Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience (B.S.C.N.)

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscienceoffers a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between the brain and cognition. This interdisciplinary program bridges the fields of neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, and computational modeling, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to investigate the neural mechanisms that drive human thought, emotion, behavior, and consciousness.

Students in the program will engage in rigorous study and hands-on research to uncover how brain processes relate to cognitive functions such as memory, perception, decision-making, and emotional regulation. By combining theoretical frameworks with practical application, students gain a deep understanding of how neural circuits shape behavior and cognition at both the micro (cellular) and macro (systems) levels.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience is designed for students passionate about understanding the biological foundations of mental processes and behavior. This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the brain, integrating neurobiology, computational methods, and experimental psychology. Through coursework, lab experiences, and independent research projects, students will explore how neural activity correlates with cognitive processes, such as attention, language, problem-solving, and consciousness.

The program emphasizes both fundamental neuroscience concepts and cutting-edge developments in brain research. Key topics include neural imaging techniques, neuroplasticity, brain-computer interfaces, and neural network modeling. With a focus on computational and experimental approaches, students will have opportunities to conduct research in areas such as consciousness studies, neural regeneration, and neuroinformatics.

Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in neuroscience research, cognitive psychology, neurotechnology, and related fields. The program also serves as a strong foundation for advanced study in neuroscience, cognitive science, neuropsychology, and medical fields.

 

Key Areas of Study

  • Neural Mechanisms of Cognition – Understanding how neural circuits and brain regions support various cognitive processes, including memory, attention, and executive functions.
  • Brain Imaging and Neural Network Modeling – Gaining proficiency in brain imaging techniques (e.g., fMRI, EEG) and computational modeling of neural networks to analyze cognitive processes.
  • Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience – Examining how cognitive and emotional processes interact at the neural level and how they influence behavior and mental health.
  • Neuroplasticity and Learning – Exploring the brain’s capacity to adapt and reorganize itself through experience and learning, with implications for brain recovery and development.
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neurotechnology – Investigating emerging technologies that connect the brain with external devices to enhance cognitive function, control machines, and expand human capabilities.

Core Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Courses: 120 credits

Degree Requirements

Total Credits Required: 120 credits

Core Major Courses: 40 credits

Electives & Research Focus: 30 credits

General Education & Interdisciplinary Studies: 50 credits

Fall Semester 1

CNS 101 – Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits)

CEN 101 – Introduction to Cognitive Engineering (3 credits)

BIO 101 – Fundamentals of Neurobiology (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Research & Writing Foundations (3 credits)

Spring Semester 2

CNS 102 – Neural Basis of Behavior (3 credits)

CEN 204 – Risk and Decision Modeling (3 credits)

BIO 202 – Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Introduction to Computational Modeling (3 credits)

Fall Semester 3

CNS 201 – Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory and Learning (3 credits)

CEN 205 – Computational Models of Cognition (3 credits)

BIO 203 – Brain Imaging and Neural Network Analysis (3 credits)

Research Elective in Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester 4

CNS 204 – Neural Circuits and Cognitive Function (3 credits)

CEN 302 – Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science (3 credits)

PSY 301 – Cognitive and Affective Psychology (3 credits)

Research Elective in Neuroplasticity (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Falll Semester 5

ONT 301 – Advanced Theories of Cognitive Optimization (3 credits)

Investigates advanced cognitive optimization models and ontological applications.

ONT 302 – Perception Structuring & Thought Mechanics (3 credits)

Examines how perception is structured through ontological frameworks.

ONT 303 – Psychodynamic Collapse & Thought Stability (3 credits)

Studies how cognitive structures collapse into stable ontological models.

Research Elective (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester 6

ONT 304 – Non-Ordinary States of Awareness & Consciousness Evolution (3 credits)

Explores altered states of awareness and their role in ontological evolution.

ONT 305 – Ontological Philosophy & Theoretical Constructs (3 credits)

Analyzes historical and contemporary ontological philosophies.

ONT 306 – Experimental Methods in Thought Construction (3 credits)

Investigates experimental methodologies for cognitive and ontological analysis.

Elective in Applied Cognitive Structuring (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Fall Semester 7

CNS 401 – Independent Research in Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits)

CNS 402 – Neural Networks and Advanced Cognitive Models (3 credits)

CNS 403 – Senior Seminar: Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems (3 credits)

Research Elective in Neurotechnology (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester 8

CNS 404 – Capstone Project: Cognitive Neuroscience Research (6 credits)

CNS 405 – Advances in Brain-Computer Interfaces (3 credits)

Final Research Elective or Internship (3 credits)

General Education Elective (3 credits)