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Behavioral Neuroscience Honours

Bachelor of Science

The Department of Psychology and the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology co-operate to offer this program leading to a bachelor of science (honours) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science. The program is administered by a co-ordinating committee of two members from each department. The committee chair, who serves as program director, is appointed from either of the two departments, alternating every two years.

The program consists of the major program requirements and additional requirement as specified below to total 132 units.

Admission Requirements

Before applying for admission, students must have completed a minimum of 60 units in the behavioral neuroscience major program with a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Students desiring to complete an honours program in biomedical physiology and kinesiology will find the admission requirements listed at http://students.sfu.ca/calendar/programs/kinesiology/honours/bachelor-of-science.html. Students desiring to complete an honours program in psychology will find the admission requirements listed at http://students.sfu.ca/calendar/programs/psychology/honours/bachelor-of-arts.html.

Program Requirements

Students complete 132 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete all of the following 58 units.

Biology

BISC 101 - General Biology (4)

An introduction to the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of living organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, DNA replication and the flow of genetic information, enzyme function, metabolism and physiology of microorganisms, plants, and animals. Prerequisite: High school biology 12 (or equivalent) with a C grade or better, or BISC 100 with C- or better, or HSCI 100 with C+ or better. Breadth-Science.

MBB 201 - Biochemistry of the Cell (3)

An introduction to cellular processes with an emphasis on protein structure and function. Topics that will be explored include transcription, translation and protein synthesis, basic metabolic pathways, biomembranes, organelles, vesicle transport, the cytoskeleton and cell signaling. Prerequisite: BISC 101; CHEM 281 as prerequisite or corequisite.

Chemistry

CHEM 121 - General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II (2)

Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.

CHEM 281 - Organic Chemistry I (4)

Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.

Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology

BPK 142 - Introduction to Kinesiology (3)

Basic procedures for the assessment of the status and performance of the individual according to the principles of anthropometry, functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor learning. Recommended: grade 11 biology, chemistry and physics. Students with credit for KIN 142 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

BPK 205 - Introduction to Human Physiology (3)

An introductory survey of human physiology with an emphasis on mechanisms of regulation and integration. Anatomy of structures will be detailed only when it is critical to a functional understanding. Although this is intended as a survey course, some topics will be covered in reasonable detail in order to give insight into mechanisms of function. BPK (or KIN) 208 may not be used as a substitute for BPK (or KIN) 205 by students in the Kinesiology Major and Honors programs. Kinesiology majors and honors students who have taken BPK (or KIN) 105 must also take BPK (or KIN) 205. For students taking both of these courses, credit will only be given for BPK (or KIN) 205. Prerequisite: REQ-BISC 101, CHEM 281, PHYS 101 and 102. Students with credit for KIN 205 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 207 - Human Motor Systems (3)

Students are introduced to basic concepts in human motor systems underlying goal-direction movement. Topics including the problems of planning/control of movements, the role of the nervous system in integrating sensory and motor systems to produce movement, and motor learning are discussed. Taught from a behavioral and neurophysiological perspective and explores psychological influences on motor control. Research from a variety of distinct areas is integrated to provide a coherent picture of our understanding of human motor systems. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 142 or permission of instructor. Students with credit for KIN 207 may not take this course for further credit.

Mathematics

MATH 154 - Calculus I for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; elementary functions, optimization and approximation methods, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 157 may not take MATH 154 for further credit. Quantitative.

MATH 155 - Calculus II for the Biological Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in the biological and medical sciences. Topics include: the integral, partial derivatives, differential equations, linear systems, and their applications; mathematical models of biological processes. Prerequisite: MATH 150, 151 or 154; or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 152 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Physics

PHYS 101 - Physics for the Life Sciences I (3)

Force and motion, conservation of energy and momentum, fluids, properties of soft matter and thermal physics with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157; BISC 100 or 101 or 102. Students with credit for PHYS 120, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

PHYS 102 - Physics for the Life Sciences II (3)

Waves and optics; electricity and magnetism; modern physics emphasizing radioactivity, with applications taken from the life sciences. Prerequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125 or 140. Recommended corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students are encouraged to take PHYS 130 at the same time as PHYS 102. Students with credit for PHYS 121, 126, or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

Psychology

PSYC 100 - Introduction to Psychology I (3)

Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Students with credit for PSYC 101 may not take PSYC 100 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences. Breadth-Social Sciences.

PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II (3)

Acquaints the student with major issues in contemporary psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics in learning, cognition, social psychology and abnormal psychology are considered. Recommended: PSYC 100 is recommended but not required. Students with credit for PSYC 101 may not take PSYC 102 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences. Breadth-Social Sciences.

PSYC 201W - Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (4)

An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102 (or PSYC 101). See the Letters of Permission section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

PSYC 210 - Introduction to Data Analysis in Psychology (4)

Covers basic descriptive and inferential techniques most appropriately applied to the various forms of data from psychological research. Should be completed by majors and honors before the end of term 4. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and BC high school Math 11 with a minimum grade of B-. See the Letters of Permission section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology. Quantitative.

PSYC 221 - Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (3)

Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 (or PSYC 101). Students with credit for PSYC 320 may not take PSYC 221 for further credit.

PSYC 280 - Introduction to Biological Psychology (3)

Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioral and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behavior, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 (or 101). Recommended: BISC 101. Breadth-Science.

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a total of 45 units, including 42 required units as shown below.

Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology

Students complete 21 units, including all of

BPK 305 - Human Physiology I (3)

Deals with the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems in detail. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 205, MBB 231 (or 201), MATH 155 (or 152). Non-majors require BPK (or KIN) 205 (or BISC 305), MBB 231 (or 201) plus permission of the instructor. Students with credit for KIN 305 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 306 - Human Physiology II (Principles of Physiological Regulation) (3)

Examines the regulation of body functions with an emphasis on the endocrine, gastrointestinal and neuronal systems. The course focuses on integration of physiological mechanisms at the cellular and organ levels. Examples of abnormal human physiology are used to illustrate important principles. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 201, 205, MBB 231 (or 201), MATH 155 (or 152). Non-majors require BPK (or KIN) 205 (or BISC 305), MBB 231 (or 201) plus permission of the instructor. Students with credit for KIN 306 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 426 - Neuromuscular Anatomy (3)

This course explores human neuromuscular anatomy using a lecture format supplemented by course readings, an anatomy atlas and tutorials which are presented in an interactive fashion via the Macintosh Computer Laboratory on campus. A strong grounding will be given in neuroanatomy with additional emphasis on the limb musculature and its innervation. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 324 or BPK (or KIN) 325 or BPK (or KIN) 326. Students with credit for KIN 426 or BPK (or KIN) 422 may not complete this course for further credit.

and nine additional units selected from the following

BPK 324 - Principles of Human Anatomy (3)

Pursues a systematic study of human anatomy with emphasis on functional applications. A study of organs and body systems using computer software supported tutorials to provide an understanding of the three dimensional organization of the human body. Participation in all tutorials is required. This course may not be taken for credit by kinesiology majors. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 142, 205 and at least 60 units of undergraduate credit. Students with credit for BPK (or KIN) 325 or KIN 324 or BPK (or KIN) 326 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 336 - Histology (3)

Light and electron microscopic study of mammalian tissues and organs with emphasis on human systems. Prerequisite: REQ-one of BPK (or KIN) 325, 326, BISC 305, 316. Students with credit for KIN 336 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 407 - Human Physiology Laboratory (3)

Experiments dealing with the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems are covered. Prerequisite: KIN 305 and 306, one of which must already have been completed and the other can be taken concurrently. Students with credit for KIN 407 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

BPK 415 - Neural Control of Movement (3)

An in depth study of the neurophysiology of movement. Illustrates general principles of neural control by exploring specific movement tasks including standing, walking, reaching/grasping, and eye movements. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 306 or BISC 305. Students with credit for KIN 415 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 446 - Neurological Disorders (3)

Examines neural and neuromuscular diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and myasthenia gravis. Emphasizes currently favoured hypotheses, underlying evidence and pathogenic mechanisms. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 306. Recommended: BPK (or KIN) 336 and/or BPK (or KIN) 415. Student with credit for BPK (or KIN) 421 or KIN 426 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 448 - Rehabilitation of Movement Control (3)

This course is aimed at students interested in neuromuscular rehabilitation. Students will learn about the pathological origins of movement disorders associated with impaired function of sensory and motor systems. The course will be focused on the stages and strategies for recovery of voluntary control of essential functions. The range of rehabilitation interventions available to assist recovery and restore voluntary control will be explored, with special emphasis on advanced techniques to restore control of movement and bodily functions in paralyzed people. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 201, 207 and 306, or for biomedical engineering students, BPK (or KIN) 201, 208 and 308. Students with credit for KIN 448 may not take this course for further credit.

BPK 461 - Physiological Aspects of Aging (3)

Designed for those who require a serious but fairly broad discussion of specific physiological aspects of aging. The overall emphasis is on humans and other mammalian species and the varieties of aging changes they manifest. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 105 or 205 (formerly KIN 100), 142 and 90 units. Students with credit for BPK (or KIN) 422 or KIN 461 may not repeat this course for credit.

BPK 496 - Directed Study I (3) *

Directed reading and literature research on topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. This course may not be repeated for additional credit. A short proposal of the project, approved by the course supervisor, must be submitted for approval to the chair of the undergraduate program committee by the end of the first week of classes of the term. Prerequisite: permission from the chair of the undergraduate program committee. Usually, upper level standing with at least 75 units in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology program will be required. Students with credit for KIN 496 may not repeat this course for credit.

or BPK 498 - Directed Study II (3) *

Directed study and research selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. A short proposal of the project approved by the course supervisor, must be submitted for approval to the chair of the undergraduate program committee by the end of the first week of classes of the term. Prerequisite: STAT 201 and permission from the chair of the undergraduate program committee. Usually, upper level standing with at least 75 units in the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology program will be required. Students with credit for KIN 498 may not take this course for further credit.

Psychology

Students complete 21 units, including all of

PSYC 300W - Critical Analysis of Issues in Psychology (3)

Trains students to evaluate critically important issues from the main area of Psychology (e.g. Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Law and Psychology, Social, Theory and Methods) and to communicate their ideas clearly in written form. The content may vary in different offerings of the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 201. Students with credit for PSYC 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

PSYC 381 - Behavioral Endocrinology (3)

Examines the ways in which hormones influence the nervous system, regulating essential behaviors such as eating, drinking, sex, parenting, sleep, emotional behavior and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280.

PSYC 382 - Cognitive Neuroscience (3)

Examines the neurophysiological bases of cognitive and perceptual phenomena such as memory, attention, language, thinking, imagery, vision, audition, and sensory processes. The study of human cognitive performance with measurement techniques such as ERP, PET, and MRI is also discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 221, and 280.

PSYC 388 - Biological Rhythms and Sleep (3)

Behavior and physiology are regulated by biological clocks, which function to synchronize the organism optimally with its environment. In this course we examine the adaptive role of clocks in animal behavior, the neural and endocrine mechanisms of daily, monthly and yearly rhythms, and the relevance of clocks, rhythms and sleep to human performance and psychopathology. We will also consider the mechanisms and functions of sleep states. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280. Students with credit for PSYC 488 may not take this course for further credit.

and nine additional units selected from the following:

PSYC 303 - Perception (3)

An introduction to the study of perceptual processes with an emphasis on seeing and hearing. Topics include the perception of features, objects, motion, depth, time, visual illusions, and individual differences in perceptual ability. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and one of 221 (or 320) or 335.

PSYC 330 - Attention (3)

Survey the different aspects of paying attention. Topics include the effects of selective and divided attention on perceptual and cognitive function; the role of attention in human performance; attentional dysfunction and attention-deficit disorder; and the development of attentional capacity across the life span from newborns to the elderly. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, and 221 (or 320).

PSYC 335 - Sensation (3)

Examines the properties of the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and kinesthetic systems and receptor mechanisms with a strong emphasis on physiology. Topics include psychophysical measurement of sensations, cross-modal organization and computational modeling of sensory processes, and the interface between sensory and perceptual processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 221, and one of 280 or 303.

PSYC 383 - Psychopharmacology (3)

A survey of how psychoactive drugs affect brain function to alter consciousness and behavior. Topics will include cellular effects of drugs that affect the central nervous system and discussions of the psychological and social effects of those drug-induced changes in the brain. Research on drug abuse and addictions and means of treating them will be covered. Historical, social and legal aspects of non-medical drug use will be discussed, as will the use of medications for the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementias and other psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280. Students with credit for PSYC 483 may not take this course for further credit.

PSYC 386 - Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience (4)

An overview of techniques used for studying the biological basis of behavior in humans and animals. Examines the logic and limitations of specific research methods. Provides an opportunity to master a set of techniques and to conduct supervised research projects in the laboratory. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280. Students with credit for PSYC 481 may not take this course for further credit.

PSYC 387 - Human Neuropsychology (3)

Examines the neural processes that underlie cognitive functioning and behavior. Topics include neuroanatomy, neuropathology, brain damage, neurological diseases (e.g., schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and problems in spatial ability, memory, language, mood and anxiety. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 221, and 280.

PSYC 480 - Selected Topics in Biological Psychology I (4)

Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 221, 280, 60 units, and and a CGPA of 3.0.

PSYC 482 - Selected Topics in Biological Psychology II (4)

Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 221, 280, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0.

PSYC 491 - Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department.

PSYC 493 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department. See the Directed Studies Courses section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology section.

PSYC 494 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department. See the Directed Studies Courses section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology section.

PSYC 495 - Directed Studies (3)

Independent reading or research in topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 210, 60 units, a CGPA of 3.0, and permission of the department. See the Directed Studies Courses section within the undergraduate Department of Psychology section.

and three upper division elective units in any subject.

* One of KIN 496 or KIN 498 may be used toward the nine units.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, students also complete one of

BPK 457 - Behavioral Neuroscience Undergraduate Honors Thesis Proposal (3)

Directed study and research leading to an Honors thesis proposal (KIN459/PSYC 459). Prerequisite: 90 units, including PSYC 301 with a minimum grade of B and permission of the Chair of the Behavioral Neuroscience Coordinating Committee. Students with credit for KIN 457 or PSYC 457 may not take this course for further credit.

PSYC 457 - Behavioral Neuroscience Undergraduate Honors Thesis Proposal (3)

Directed study and research leading to an Honors thesis proposal (PSYC 459/KIN 459). Prerequisite: 90 units, including PSYC 301 with a minimum grade of B and permission of the Chair of Behavioral Neuroscience Coordinating Committee. Students with credit for KIN 457 may not take this course for further credit.

and one of

BPK 459 - Behavioral Neuroscience Undergraduate Honors Thesis (9)

A written thesis based on research previously proposed in BPK (or KIN) 457/PSYC 457. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of B in BPK (or KIN) 457/PSYC 457. Corequisite: must be enrolled in the Honors Program of the B.Sc. in Behavioral Neuroscience. Students with credit for PSYC 459 or KIN 459 may not repeat this course for credit.

PSYC 459 - Behavioral Neuroscience Undergraduate Honors Thesis (9)

A written thesis based on research previously proposed in PSYC 457/KIN 457. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of B in PSYC 457/KIN 457. Students with credit for KIN 459 may not take this course for further credit.

At least 60 upper division units including 50 in upper division psychology and biomedical physiology and kinesiology are required with the following CGPAs: an overall University CGPA of 3.00; an overall upper division CGPA of 3.00; an overall behavioral neuroscience CGPA of 3.0 calculated on lower and upper division requirements; an upper division behavioral neuroscience CGPA of 3.00 calculated on upper division requirements.

Faculty of Science Major Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, students must also satisfy Faculty of Science major program requirements to complete a total of 120 units including

  • additional upper division units to total a minimum of 44 upper division units (excluding EDUC 401 to 406)
  • students who were enrolled at Simon Fraser University between fall 1991 and summer 2006 are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in subjects outside the Faculty of Science (excluding EDUC 401 to 406) including six units minimum to be completed in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

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