Minor in Neural Computation and Engineering

The aim of this interdisciplinary minor at the University of Washington is to provide students with a background in quantitative, mathematical, engineering and computational approaches to problems in neuroscience. The minor includes courses with a mix of computational, analytical and experimental methods that form the core of computational neuroscience and neural engineering. The courses will provide a common core of skills that will enable all students to move forward toward independent research and graduate work in these interconnected fields.  Students will be able to enroll starting Winter quarter, 2018.  Students who would like to declare the minor should consult with academic advisors in their home major departments. Enrollment in the minor is open, and can be declared at any time. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us to with any questions on the requirements. Jessica Huszar is available for advising by appointment.

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Neural Computation and Engineering Minor Requirements

An outline of the minor’s suggested prerequisites and required courses can be viewed here.

Minimum of 30 credits as follows:

  1. AMATH 342 Neural Coding and Computation (Winter quarter)
  2. BIOEN 460 Neural Engineering (Autumn quarter)
  3. BIOEN 466 Neural Computation and Engineering Lab (Winter quarter)
    • Neuroscience majors only: NEUSCI 301 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience and NEUSCI 302 Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience may be completed instead of BIOEN 466
  4. One course on neuro/medical ethics- PHIL 442 (Neuroethics), PHIL 242, 409, 460, BH 311, 420
  5. Capstone:
    BIOEN 461 Neural Engineering Tech Studio (Spring quarter)
    OR
    NEUSCI 445 Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience (Winter quarter)
  6. Electives: At least 12 additional graded credits from the approved list
  7. Minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA for courses counted toward the minor
  8. Minimum of 18 credits outside of the student’s major

Electives (need at least 12 credits graded). Note, courses cannot satisfy both required and elective options.

The electives list is updated annually; however please note some classes may not be offered on a regular basis or may be major-restricted. Please reach out to our advisor if you have questions on electives. Courses not on the list may be approved for minor credit on an individual basis. 

 Course  Title
 BIOL/PSYCH 408  Neuroethology
 BIOL 418  Biological Clocks and Rhythms
BIOL 419  Data Science for Biologists
BIOL 428 Sensory Neurophysiology and Ecology Lab
BIOL 459  Developmental Neurobiology
 BIOL 461  Neurobiology
 NEUSCI 401  Systems Neurobiology
 NEUSCI 402  Diseases of the Nervous System
 NEUSCI 403  Systems and Behavioral Neurobiology
 NEUSCI 404  Neuropharmacology
 NEUSCI 450  Topics in Current Neurobiology Research
 NEUSCI 450B  Current Research Literature in Neurobiology
 NEUSCI 490  Seminar in Computational Neuroscience
 AMATH 422  Computational Modeling of Biological Systems
 AMATH 423  Mathematical Analysis in Biology and Medicine
 AMATH 481  Scientific Computing
 AMATH 482  Computational Methods for Data Analysis
 PSYCH 420  Drugs and Behavior
 PSYCH 421  Neural Basis of Behavior
 PSYCH 423  Programming for Psychology and Neuroscience
 PSYCH 428  Human Motor Control and Learning
 PSYCH 429  Brain Anatomy for the Behavioral Scientist
 PSYCH 430  Development of Brain Connections
 PSYCH 432  Visual Neuroscience
 PSYCH 460  Cognitive Neuroscience
 SPHSC 445  Models of Speech Processing
 CSE 415  Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
 CSE 428  Computational Biology Capstone
 CSE 440  Intro to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
 CSE 446  Machine Learning
 CSE 473  Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
 CSE 484  Computer Security
 CSE 486  Introduction to Synthetic Biology
 CSE 490ab  Computers, Ethics, and Society
 STAT 416  Introduction to Machine Learning

Sample Schedule

Two examples of potential course sequences are shown below. Please note that as the minor has many different options, your individual curriculum may vary. Please make an advising appointment with us if you have any questions.

Schedule 1: Non-biology major

Autumn Winter Spring
Year 1 – 2 MATH 125 Calculus II AMATH 301 Scientific Computing
Year 3 NEUSCI 450 Neuroscience Papers AMATH 342 Neural Coding and Computation BIOL 130 Intro to Neuroscience
NEUSCI 490 Computational Neuroscience Philosophy class elective 1
Year 4 BIOEN 460 Neural Engineering BIOEN 466 Neural Engineering Lab BIOEN 461 Neural Engineering Tech Studio
Elective 2 Elective 3 (if needed)

Schedule 2: NEUSCI major

Autumn Winter Spring
Year 1 – 2 MATH 125 Calculus II AMATH 301 Scientific Computing
BIOL 180 Introductory Biology BIOL 200 Introductory Biology BIOL 220 Introductory Biology
Year 3 NEUSCI 450 Neuroscience Papers AMATH 342 Neural Coding and Computation NEUSCI 401 Systems Neuroscience
NEUSCI 490 Computational Neuroscience NBIO 301 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Philosophy Class
Year 4 BIOEN 460 Neural Engineering NEUSCI 402 Diseases of the Nervous System BIOEN 461 Neural Engineering Tech Studio
NEUSCI 302 Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience NEUSCI 403 Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience NEUSCI 404 Neuropharmacology