University of Southern California

Mar 24, 2025

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Coordinator: Jason Zevin, PhD

The computational neuroscience major is designed for those students with an interest in applying mathematical and computational methodologies toward understanding the structure and functioning of the nervous system. The major will provide progressive training in interdisciplinary and inter-faculty aspects of neuroscience, and serve as a foundation for students interested in pursuing post-graduate education in graduate or professional schools or career opportunities in technically advanced occupations. Research is integral to this major and students are encouraged to engage in research with neuroscience faculty as early as possible in their undergraduate years.

Grade Requirements:

A grade of C- or higher is required to count toward major requirements.

Program Requirements:

The major requires twelve core courses (45 units) and six or seven electives (minimum 22 units) for a minimum total of 67 units.

The degree requires a minimum of 128 units.

Core Requirements

Computational Area

Students are to take a total of three courses. The courses are listed in the table according to the programming language of the courses. It is not obligatory that all courses be from the same programming language, but the student should be aware that knowledge of a different language will likely be assumed in the advanced courses. Only one introductory programming course will be counted toward the major.

Computational Courses

Choose two courses (8 units).

BME 210 Biomedical Computer Simulation Methods Units: 4
BME 402 Control and Communication in the Nervous System Units: 4
BME 425 Basics of Biomedical Imaging Units: 3
BISC 461 Seminar in Molecular and Computational Biology Units: 2
*BISC 461 must be taken with BISC 444
CSCI 360 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Units: 4
CSCI 445L Introduction to Robotics Units: 4
CSCI 467 Introduction to Machine Learning Units: 4
PSYC 450 Neural Network Models of Social and Cognitive Processes Units: 4
MATH 308 Statistical Inference and Data Analysis II Units: 4
QBIO 478 Computational Genome Analysis Units: 4
QBIO 481 Structural Bioinformatics: From Atoms to Cells Units: 4

Behavioral Area

Choose one (4 units).

Other Electives

Take one additional course from the Computational, Biological, or Behavioral area, or complete four units of Neuroscience research (NEUR 490).

NEUR 490x Directed Research Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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