BS(Hons) Behavioral Neuroscience

The BS(Hons) Behavioral Neuroscience program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the neural basis of behavior and cognition. The program covers a range of topics, including neural development and plasticity, sensory and motor systems, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, and neurological disorders. Students will learn how to apply cutting-edge techniques in neuroscience research, such as electrophysiology, imaging, and optogenetics, to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying various behaviors and cognitive processes. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of neuroscience, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in academia, industry, or clinical settings.

Additional Information

The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, or clinical settings. The curriculum is tailored to provide a balance of theoretical and practical knowledge, with an emphasis on hands-on training in the laboratory. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are leaders in their fields and to participate in research projects that address important questions in the field of behavioral neuroscience.

Discover the Unique Opportunities of Western Washington University's Behavioral Neuroscience Program

Western Washington University is an ideal location for students interested in pursuing a degree in behavioral neuroscience. The university's location in Bellingham, Washington provides access to a diverse range of ecosystems and environments, including coastal areas, forests, and mountains, which offer unique opportunities for studying the neural basis of behavior in different contexts. Additionally, the university is home to a number of research centers and institutes dedicated to the study of neuroscience, including the Center for the Study of Neurodiversity and the Neuroscience Research Institute.

Behavioral neuroscience explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. This major emphasizes an understanding of nervous system structure and function from the molecular/cellular level to the systems level. For example, behavioral neuroscientists study the neurobiological basis of normal learning and memory, psychiatric illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and drug abuse and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

This interdisciplinary field provides students with the specialized preparation and technological sophistication critical for success in a variety of graduate-training programs, including neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, mental health, and neurobiology; and in health care, including medicine and dentistry. For those students who do not anticipate pursuing post-graduate education, the degree program provides an excellent platform for entry-level positions in such areas as biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry.

Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

• Completed application form

• Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)

• Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates

• SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

• A cumulative GPA of 2.0

• Personal Statement or essay

• One letter of recommendation

• List of extracurricular activities(if any)

• Portfolio