Neuroscience is the scientific study of the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (nerves in body) nervous system. The Neurobiology major provides a rigorous education in neuroscience principles that prepares students for health-related, academic, and careers in health-related and scientific industries. Some of our graduates go on to consulting firms, law school, and nonprofit organizations. UW–Madison has more than 90 faculty engaged in neuroscience research. Undergraduates have access to this research faculty in formal classroom environments and through undergraduate research opportunities. Please see the Neurobiology major website for more information. See what graduates of the Neurobiology major are doing now.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Neurobiology students are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the world‘s leading researchers. Many opportunities for laboratory research experience are available on campus for undergraduate students, and this type of experience is strongly encouraged. Such an experience provides students the opportunity to apply what they‘re learning and complement their knowledge with practical skills. Research experience is highly valued by employers, graduate programs, and professional schools.
About the Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to give students a solid foundation in basic biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics before going on to study neuroscience at the molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive levels. It is strongly encouraged that students engage in independent research in a neuroscience laboratory on campus. The Neurobiology Major Steering Committee is committed to increasing opportunities for all students with interests in neuroscience and helping students accomplish their academic goals at UW–Madison. This major is tailored to attract students from a diverse array of backgrounds.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
Students who intend to major in Neurobiology may not combine this major (“double major”) with the Biology major.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details).
This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Communication | Complete both:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | Complete both:
|
| Ethnic Studies | one 3+ credit course with the Ethnic Studies designation |
| Language | Complete either:
|
| L&S Breadth: Humanities | Complete 12 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation, which must include at least 6 credits with the Literature designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Social Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Social Science designation. |
| L&S Breadth: Natural Sciences | Complete 12 credits with the Natural Science, Biological Science, or Physical Science designations, which must include both:
|
| Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) Coursework | at least 108 credits |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | at least 120 credits |
| UW-Madison Experience |
|
| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Math, Statistics, Chemistry & Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics -complete one of the following: | 5 | |
| Survey of Calculus 1 | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | ||
| Statistics -complete one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
| Data Science Modeling II | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics | ||
| General Chemistry -complete one option: | 5-9 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Principles I and Chemical Principles II | ||
| Organic Chemistry -complete one of the following: | 3-6 | |
| Elementary Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Physics - Choose a first and second semester physics option | 8-10 | |
| First Semester General Physics Course - complete one course | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| A Modern Introduction to Physics | ||
| Second Semester General Physics Course - complete one course | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| A Modern Introduction to Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 24-33 | |
Biology and Neurobiology
Complete 30 credits from General Biology, Neurobiology, Lab/Research Experience and Additional Elective (if required) sections.
General Biology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one option: | ||
| Option A, Introductory Biology | 10 | |
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Option B, Biology Core Curriculum | 16-18 | |
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics | ||
| Cellular Biology | ||
| Principles of Physiology | ||
| Biological Interactions | ||
| Plus two from: | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Option C, Animal Biology | 10 | |
| Animal Biology | ||
| Animal Biology Laboratory | ||
| General Botany | ||
Neurobiology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Neurobiology Courses -complete all three | ||
| ZOOLOGY/PSYCH 523 | Neurobiology | 3 |
| PSYCH 454 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 500 | Undergraduate Neurobiology Seminar | 1 |
| Distributed Neuroscience Coursework—complete 3 courses. Only one footnoted course may apply to this requirement. | 9 | |
| Physiology 1 | ||
| Fundamentals of Human Physiology 1 | ||
| Animal Physiology 1 | ||
| Introduction to Biochemistry 1 | ||
| General Biochemistry II 1 | ||
| Molecular Control of Metabolism and Metabolic Disease 1 | ||
| Stem Cell Bioengineering 1 | ||
| Special Topics in Bioinstrumentation and Medical Devices (Introduction to Neuroengineering) | ||
| Neural Basis of Communication | ||
| Neural Mechanisms of Speech, Hearing and Language | ||
| Mind, Brain and Education | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology (Brain & Behavioral Development) | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology (Development Cognitive Neursci) | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology (Ed Neuroscience and Creativity) | ||
| Neurogenetics | ||
| Functional Genomics of Brain Disorders | ||
| Neural Control of Movement | ||
| Methods for Neuroimaging Research | ||
| Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Memory | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Computational Neuroscience: From Single Cells to Whole Brain Models | ||
| Neuroscience of Consciousness and its Disorders | ||
| Special Topics (Functional Brain Imaging of Cognitive Disorders) | ||
| Special Topics (Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Damage) | ||
| Special Topics (Trauma and Physiology Therapy) | ||
| Special Topics (Neuroendocrinology) | ||
| Special Topics (Brain Mapping in Health and Disease: Applications) | ||
| Basic Sleep Mechanisms and Sleep Disorders: from Neurobiology to Sleep Medicine | ||
| Drugs and Their Actions | ||
| Pharmacology I | ||
| Neuroscience of Psychedelics | ||
| Psychology of Perception | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Depth Topic in Biological Science (Cognitive Neuroscience: Bridging Mind and Brain) | ||
| Depth Topic in Biological Science (Learning and Decision-Making) | ||
| Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | ||
| Current Topics in Psychology (Neural Basis of Cognitive Control) | ||
| Current Topics in Psychology (Neuropsychology and Development) | ||
| Current Topics in Psychology (The Neuropsychology of Vision) | ||
| Epigenetics and the Brain | ||
| Neuropharmacology | ||
| Topics in Biology (Brain Communication & Evolution) | ||
| Topics in Biology (Music and the Brain) | ||
| Topics in Biology (Neuroscience and Society) | ||
| Topics in Biology (Neural Movement Health & Disease) | ||
| Topics in Biology (Neuroanatomy and Systems) | ||
| Neuronal Cell Biology in Health and Disease | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Introduction to Animal Development 1 | ||
| Laboratory in Developmental Biology | ||
| Computer-based Gene and Disease/Disorder Research Lab | ||
| Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology | ||
| Biology of Mind | ||
| Neuroethology Seminar | ||
| Modeling Neurodevelopmental Disease | ||
| Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Seminar | ||
Lab/Research Experience
Students are only required to take 1 of the 3 options below; Directed Study (recommended), Neuroscience Laboratory Course or Honors/Senior Thesis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Directed Study—3 credits from: 2 | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Directed Studies | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Research Problems | ||
| Advanced Independent Studies | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Research Experience in Educational Psychology | ||
| Independent Reading Undergrad | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Independent Study in Human Cancer Biology | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Reading or Research | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Small Animal Cardiology Rotation | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Studies in Molecular Biology | ||
| Neurosurgery: Directed in Study in Research | ||
| Directed Research in Neurology | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Special Research Problems | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Advanced Independent Study | ||
| Independent Work | ||
| Independent Reading | ||
| Mentored Research and Seminar | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Studies in Zoology | ||
| 2. Neuroscience Laboratory Course—one course: | ||
| Fundamentals of Human Physiology | ||
| Principles of Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Computational Neuroscience: From Single Cells to Whole Brain Models | ||
| Laboratory in Developmental Biology | ||
| Computer-based Gene and Disease/Disorder Research Lab | ||
| Comparative Physiology Laboratory | ||
| 3. Honors/Senior Thesis (two semesters): | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Thesis and Senior Thesis | ||
| Honors in Research and Honors in Research | ||
Additional Electives (if needed)
Students may take additional credits from the list of Distributed Neuroscience Coursework, Independent/Directed study, or the following list, to attain 30 credits in the major:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physiology | ||
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Veterinary Genetics | ||
| Reproductive Physiology | ||
| Quantitative Genetics | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | ||
| Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function | ||
| Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | ||
| Eukaryotic Molecular Biology | ||
| Mechanisms of Action of Vitamins and Minerals | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Eukaryotic Molecular Biology | ||
| Introductory Neuroscience | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Anatomy of Human Movement | ||
| Physiology of Exercise | ||
| Pathogenic Bacteriology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Biology of Viruses | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms | ||
| Microbial Genetics & Molecular Machines | ||
| Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry | ||
| Physiology of Microorganisms | ||
| Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology | ||
| Capstone Research Project in Microbiology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | ||
| Microbiology at Atomic Resolution | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Neuroscience & Public Policy Seminar | ||
| Nutrition in the Life Span | ||
| Clinical Nutrition I | ||
| Introduction to Experimental Oncology | ||
| General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | ||
| Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | ||
| Depth Topic in Biological Science (Comparative Psychology: What Animals Think) | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Introduction to Animal Development | ||
| Invertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Cell Biology |
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence3
- 15 credits in in the major, taken on the UW–Madison campus
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Neurobiology Major in consultation with their Neurobiology undergraduate advisor.
Honors in the Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major in Neurobiology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA for all major courses
- Complete 14 credits, taken for Honors, with individual grades of B or better, while in residence, to include:
- Two courses from PSYCH 454, ZOOLOGY/PSYCH 523, and ZOOLOGY 500
- One course from the Distributed Neuroscience course lists (above), taken for honors credit
- A two-semester Senior Honors Thesis, for a total of 6 credits, from:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Honors in Research and Honors in Research | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis in Human Oncology 1 and Senior Honors Thesis in Human Oncology 2 | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis |
Footnotes
- 1
Students may apply only one course toward the DNS elective requirement
- 2
Only Directed Study courses taken after—and not concurrent with—the completion of an Introductory Biology sequence are accepted in the major.
- 3
Courses accepted in the major that are Intermediate or Advanced are considered upper-level in this major.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and physics.
- Demonstrate understanding of the ionic basis for the neuronal membrane potential and action potential, and as well as the factors that determine neuronal excitability.
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic mechanisms for synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic effects, and modulation of pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms. Predict how specific physiological and pathological conditions alter neuronal function at the cellular and synaptic levels.
- Differentiate between examples of neuroplasticity at cellular, systems, and organismal levels.
- Demonstrate understanding of central and peripheral neuroanatomy, basic functions of brain regions, and well-known neural pathways. Predict how localized disruptions of neuronal function alter behavior, motor function, or perception.
- Demonstrate understanding of basic principles underlying motor function, sensory function (auditory, visual, touch, taste), emotion, autonomic regulation, and higher order cognitive functions (language, memory, attention, decision-making).
- Demonstrate how experimental tools in neuroscience are used to address experimental questions, such as intra/extracellular recording, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemical staining, fluorescent and electron microscopy, genetic manipulation, brain imaging, behavioral testing.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
The grid below is a suggested plan for finishing your Neurobiology major in 4 years. Please see an advisor for more information, as you may have completed some of the requirements listed.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | MATH 221 | 5 |
| Language (if required) | 4 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| CHEM 103 or 109 | 4 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 1511 | 5 | BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 152 | 5 |
| CHEM 343 | 3 | CHEM 345 | 3 |
| INTER-LS 210 (optional) | 1 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | PHYSICS 2072 | 5 |
| 12 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Declare the Major3 | PSYCH 454 | 3-4 | |
| ZOOLOGY/PSYCH 523 | 3 | Distributed Neuroscience Course | 2-4 |
| STAT 371 | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| L&S Breadth | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| PHYSICS 208 | 5 | Lab Research | 3 |
| Lab Research4 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Distributed Neuroscience Course | 3-4 | ZOOLOGY 500 | 1 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Distributed Neuroscience Course | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| Lab Research | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Lab Research | 3 | ||
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
There are several options for fulfilling the introductory biology requirement. See listed Requirements.
- 2
There are several options for fulfilling the Physics requirement. See listed Requirements.
- 3
Students must declare a major by the time they reach 86 credits.
- 4
It is recommended that students in the Neurobiology major participate in multiple semesters of research.
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Major
You must first make an appointment to meet with a Neurobiology advisor; use the Starfish link for the advisor based on your last name.
Students majoring in Neurobiology may not combine this major with the Biology major in either the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences or in the College of Letters and Science.
Students with last names beginning with A-Kh, see Bob Wiedenhoeft.
Students with last names beginning with Ki-N, see Catherine Auger.
Students with last names beginning with O-Z, see India Viola.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students