Biology and Psychology Departments join forces to offer a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience
In fall 2005, the Biology Department in the College of Sciences and Technology and the Psychology Department in the College of Humanities and Social Science joined forces to introduce a BA degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. In keeping with Western’s commitment to provide a strong interdisciplinary undergraduate education, behavioral neuroscience students receive the specialized training in biology and psychology required to compete for nationally recognized postgraduate training programs and entry level biomedical research positions in academia and industry. With the addition of a few chemistry and physics courses, this has also proven to be a popular degree program for students interested in healthcare professions. The early success of the program has already prompted an interest in adding an interdisciplinary BS in Behavioral Neuroscience – stay posted as those discussions evolve over the coming year!
In 2007-08, the Washington State Legislature endorsed the Behavioral Neuroscience Program by funding the Biomedical Research Advances in Neuroscience (BRAIN) Proposal. The BRAIN proposal commits $1.4 M per biennium to enhance and grow the neurosciences at Western. The impact of this funding has been immediately apparent to students. Last year alone, students saw 1) a dramatic increase in library holdings in the neurosciences, 2) enhancement of laboratory classes through the acquisition of materials and the addition of dedicated instructional classroom support technicians in biology and psychology, Kendra Bradford and Gabe Puttrese, 3) enhancement of advising through the addition of program coordinators in biology and psychology, Mary Haycox and Coco Besson, and a program director, Dr. Janet Finlay, and 4) greater access to one-on-one student-faculty research experience in the neurosciences.
One-on-one research experience is considered to be one of the greatest strengths of our undergraduate neuroscience program; distinguishing this program from similar programs offered at top-tier academic research institutions. Last year alone, 20-25 students engaged in research with neuroscience faculty in biology, Drs. Roger Anderson and Jose Serrano-Moreno, and psychology, Drs. Janet Finlay, Jeffrey Grimm, Kelly Jantzen, and Mike Mana. Student research projects focused on a variety of topics including the neurobiology of stroke, concussion, food and drug craving, and mental illness. Many of these student-authored research projects were presented at local and national scientific meetings. Even with the demands of course-work and research, the enthusiasm of Western students for the neurosciences energized the founding of the WWU Neuroscience Club (NeRDS) with NeRDS membership swelling virtually overnight to ~150. To stay in touch with the various academic, outreach, and social activities of this enthusiastic group of students see the club website at http://wwuneuroscience.com/.
The upcoming academic year will be an exciting one for the program. We will welcome new faculty – Drs. Heather Van Epps in Biology and Jacqueline Rose in Psychology – whose recruitment was made possible through BRAIN funding. Heather and Jackie will join us in our search for a much-needed faculty member specializing in brain anatomy – the successful candidate for this position will begin in Fall 2009. For additional information and regular updates on the continued success of this program in 2008-09, please see the program website at http://www.wwu.edu/neuroscience/.
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College of Sciences and Technology
Designer: Jennifer Mott
Editor: Susan Hoidal
Contributors: CST staff
