Interested first-year students should take Biology 107 and Biology 108 (required) and Neuroscience 105 (required; to be taken after Biology 107 or with AP (5) /IB HL (6 or 7) equivalent credit); other recommended courses include, but are not limited to Psychological Science 105, Cognitive Science 100, Chemistry 125. 

For more information about the courses, the faculty, and what to do with a degree in Neuroscience and Behavior after graduation, or if you have questions that are not answered on this website, please email neuroscienceandbehavior@vassar.edu. 

Many of our majors pursue independent research during the academic year or during the summer under the auspices of Vassar’s Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI). They often present their work at the annual URSI Symposium, as well as international and national meetings such as the Society for Neurosciences meeting and others.

The student-run Majors Committee is very active and provides opportunities for majors to get together, discuss research opportunities and other aspects of the major.

View courses in the Vassar College Catalogue:

• Program course offerings
• Approved courses from other departments and programs

Major

• Neuroscience and Behavior Major Requirements

To be eligible for academic honors in Neuroscience and Behavior, majors must have:

• A GPA of at least 3.7 in the major.
• Evidence of superior integrative ability in the senior seminar.
• Evidence of independence and initiative in research, usually but not necessarily through NEUR 395.

Neuroscience and Behavior majors are often interested in study abroad opportunities. There are many programs that offer coursework that enhances the Neuroscience and Behavior major. If you are interested in studying abroad, you will need to do careful planning with your advisor, and we encourage you to begin your planning in your first year. For more information see the Office of International Programs.