New York University NYU Shanghai 51 courses 128 total credits
Neural science (NS) is a collection of disciplines unified by a concern for the function of the brain. Experimental approaches in neural science vary from analyses of molecular and cellular mechanisms in nerve cells and groups of nerve cells to behavioral and psychological studies of whole organisms. Theoretical tools include mathematical and computational modeling approaches that have proved useful in other areas of science. We attract students who are interested in understanding the brain’s command of all its diverse functions including but not limited to the following questions: How do cell circuits enable us to perceive, communicate, and solve problems? How do we think, remember, despair, or motivate? What are possible causes of devastating disorders of the brain and body, as well as ways to prevent or cure them? The NS major studies the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions, the understanding of which is regarded as the Holy Grail of the current century. Increasing understanding of the brain will enable scientists to develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease & Alzheimer’s disease) and mental illnesses. NS research will also help us find out more about normal human behavior and mental wellbeing, and can thus help develop artificial intelligence as well as treating illnesses. NS research could also lead to better understanding of how we learn, allowing us to optimize our intelligence. These developments are likely to provide significant benefits for society and have implications for a diverse range of public policy areas such as health, education, law, and security. The undergraduate NS curriculum blends courses from many of the basic sciences (such as mathematics, biology, physics, & chemistry) as a foundation for higher level work in NS. NS major requirement contains 6 required courses including one capstone course and 2 elective courses. In addition, students who demonstrate a genuine interest in research and achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.65 or higher in all courses required for the major and over all courses taken for credit can apply to be on Honors Track.
Core Courses
Social and Cultural Foundations
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CCSF-SHU 101L | Global Perspectives on Society | 4 |
Core Courses
Writing
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WRIT-SHU 102 | Writing as Inquiry | 4 |
| WRIT-SHU 201 | Perspectives on the Humanities | 4 |
Major Requirements
Foundational Courses
Major Requirements
Required Major Courses
Major Requirements
Select one approved upper-level Psychology or Biology course:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH-UA 29 | Cognition | 4 |
| Total Major Requirements | 4 credits | |
Major Requirements
PSYCH-UA 44
Major Requirements
Complete 4-8 credits of:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEUR-SHU 997 | Independent Study I - Neural Science Capstone | 4 |
| NEUR-SHU 998 | Independent Study II - Neural Science | 2-4 |
| Total Major Requirements | 4-8 credits | |
Major Requirements
Select two of the following:
General Electives
Recommended Computer Science General Electives
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI-SHU 101 | Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| CSCI-SHU 220 | Algorithms | 4 |
| CSCI-SHU 360 | Machine Learning | 4 |
| EENG-SHU 251 | Circuits | 4 |
General Electives
Recommended Mathematics General Electives
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH-SHU 140 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MATH-SHU 151 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH-SHU 235 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| MATH-SHU 238 | Honors Theory of Probability | 4 |
| MATH-SHU 263 | Partial Differential Equations | 4 |
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