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Computational Neuroscience

College of Veterinary Medicine


 

QUICK JUMP
  Computational Neuroscience
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Careers in Computational Neuroscience
  Salaries
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Campus Organizations and Activities
  Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
  Contact Information

Computational Neuroscience

Computational neuroscience links the information processing features of the brain and nervous system with the information processing systems of computer hardware and software. The computational neuroscience track supplements the neuroscience core curriculum with information technology courses. In this way, students learn not only about the brain and its information processing mechanisms, but also about modern computer hardware and software technologies.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in neuroscience, with an option in computational neuroscience and a minor in computer science or computer engineering
• Available at: Pullman

Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with an Option in Computational Neuroscience

WSU’s computational neuroscience program is an interdisciplinary offering that allows students to study both neurobiology and computer science. The program emphasizes the organism and the machine as information processing entities, with students learning not only of the brain and its information processing mechanisms, but also of modern computer hardware and software technologies.

The computational option supplements the neuroscience core curriculum with computer software and hardware design courses. Courses in computer science and engineering are selected to provide as broad an exposure as possible to subjects that underlie the basic neural and computational sciences.

A bachelor of science in neuroscience is awarded upon completing the four-year curriculum. The program is designed to allow students to acquire a breadth of knowledge in computational subjects (math, bioengineering, computer science, and electrical engineering), or to focus on either software design or hardware design aspects of computation (culminating in a minor in either computer science or computer engineering). The curriculum also meets all subject requirements for application to medical school and graduate study in most areas of neural and biomedical science, including bioengineering.

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the catalog to graduate.

REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING THE PROGRAM
Students interested in Computational Neuroscience are assigned an advisor in the program beginning their freshman year. To certify, or declare, the major, students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours and have a cumulative 3.0 minimum GPA in the following courses: Biol 106, Biol 107, Chem 105, Chem 106, Math 171, Math 172, Neuro 301 OR 302, and Phys 201. The neuroscience program currently has a cap of 40 certified majors.

REQUIRED CORE PREREQUISITES
Biol 106 & 107—Introduction to Biology I & II
Chem 105 & 106—Principals of Chemistry I & II
Psych 105—Introduction to Psychology
Cpt S 121—Program Design and Development
Math 171—Calculus I
Math 172—Calculus II
Phys 201—General Physics
Phys 202—General Physics
E E 214—Design of Logic Circuits
Math 216—Discrete Structures
Chem 345—Organic Chemistry I
Cpt S 122—Data Structures

MAJOR COURSES
Biol 353—Mammalian Physiology
Engl 402—Technical and Professional Writing
MBios 301—General Genetics
MBios 303—Introductory Biochemistry
Neuro 301 OR 302—Exploring the Brain OR Honors Exploring the Brain
Neuro 403—Cellular Neurobiology
Neuro 404—Neuroanatomy
Neuro 430—Principles of Neurophysiology
Neuro 490-Senior Project
Neuro 495—Directed Research    
     or 499—Special Problems
Phil 201—Elementary Logic

PLUS, COMPLETION OF ONE TRACK:

• BREADTH-OF-FIELD TRACK
Math 220—Linear Algebra
Math 273—Calculus III
Math 315—Differential Equations
BE 340—Unified Bioengineering I
E E 261/262—Electrical Circuits
Electives—Select nine credits from the approved elective list.

• SOFTWARE TRACK (computer science minor)
CptS 223—Advanced Data Structures
CptS 224—Programming Tools
CptS 322—Software Engineering Principles
CptS 440—Intro to Artificial Intelligence
Psych 490—Cognition and Memory
Electives—Select five credits from the approved elective list. (At least three credits must be from upper-division computer science courses.)

• HARDWARE TRACK (computer engineering minor)
Math 220—Linear Algebra
Math 273—Calculus III
Math 315—Differential Equations
E E 234—Microprocessor Systems
E E 261/262—Electrical Circuits
E E 324—Fundamentals of Digital Systems
E E 300/400 level—Select three credits of upper-division electrical engineering or computer science courses from the approved electives list.
Electives—Select two credits from the approved elective list.

Careers in Computational Neuroscience

A bachelor’s degree in computational neuroscience uniquely prepares graduates to enter the rapidly growing industries of software and computer design, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, where much research is devoted to neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AIDS, dementia, and multiple sclerosis are just a few of the important research areas where graduates find intriguing employment opportunities.

Additionally, students who complete the degree program in computational neuroscience can apply to professional programs such as medical, veterinary, or graduate school.

Salaries

After graduation, students with a computer science or engineering minor can expect to make between $40,000 and $60,000. However, salaries can rise dramatically with on-the-job experience.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University, Honors College, Neurosciene Program, and College of Engineering and Architecture award many scholarships to students. For more information or to apply for scholarships, contact the offices of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services, Neuroscience Program, Honors College, or College of Engineering and Architecture.

Campus Organizations and Activities

The Neuroscience Club and the Neuroscience Ambassadors program provide opportunities to pursue leadership experiences, network with current professionals, and meet other neuroscience students.

Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

• Bioengineering
• Neuroscience
• Pre-Health Sciences

Contact Information
Neuroscience Program
Washington State University
110 McCoy Hall
PO Box 646520
Pullman, Washington, 99164-6520
neuromajor@wsu.edu
509-335-7675
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Engage in cutting-edge neuroscience research such as movement disorders, substance abuse, addictions, eating disorders, sleep disorders, vision disorders, reproduction, and biorobotics.
  • Discover new knowledge about the natural world and technology, and design and build new devices, processes, and algorithms—all in a program that provides a balanced curriculum of science.
  • Work side-by-side with more than 40 renowned neuroscientists and bioengineers, many of whom are among the very best in the world.
  • Work in a laboratory where you can apply knowledge learned in the classroom into hands-on experience.
  • Learn in centrally located, state-of-the-art buildings that feature classrooms with Internet connections and the latest in audiovisual technology.
  • The program draws faculty from six colleges: Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources; Engineering and Architecture; Liberal Arts; Sciences; Veterinary Medicine; and the Honors College.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us