Science Education (Minor)

Overview

The science education minor at Viterbo University is geared towards those in the School of Education. There is a high credit requirement for this minor as a result of the minor's purpose of preparing students to become science teachers upon graduation. The relevant academic routes for students pursuing a science minor would fall into the Middle/Secondary Early Adolescence through Adolescence (6–12) program. This program includes: - biology - broad field science - chemistry. What this means, is that a science minor greatly enhances the education and qualification for those who plan on majoring to become biology, science, or chemistry teachers at the 6-12th grade levels. The total credits of the minor are 27-28. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Neuroscience (BS)

Overview

Neuroscience majors develop the knowledge and skills necessary to systematically evaluate relationships between the brain and human/animal behavior. Students learn and test foundational and contemporary theories through scientific reasoning, laboratory experiences, and independent research. Graduates pursue professional degrees in health-related fields, advanced degrees in neuroscience or related disciplines, and entry-level careers in mental health services or biomedical research.

Policy
  • Students majoring in neuroscience must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The neuroscience GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in neuroscience and required support courses. Any student whose neuroscience GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the neuroscience GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further neuroscience courses. An earned grade of a D or lower in any neuroscience or support course will not be credited toward the neuroscience major.
  • Directed research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the listed courses with faculty approval.
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand and explain fundamental concepts in neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
  •  Read and analyze primary scientific literature in neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
  • Integrate research findings across disciplines and levels of analysis.
  • Develop hypotheses and design experiments.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data.
Addendum
Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in neuroscience can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) program for provisional admittance. Students must meet the following requirements:
• 2nd semester of junior year
• GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Prerequisites of PSYC 171, 340 and a research methods course

Students would complete all admission requirements for the MSMHC program with the exception of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submission of their final undergraduate transcript; these will be required upon completion of their bachelor degree program. Provisionally admitted students could enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits (provided availability of seats). Refer to the Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Course policy in this catalog. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the MSMHC Program Director.
 
  
Subscribe to STEM