Behavioural Neuroscience (BSc)

Hormones, steroids and neurotransmitters start pumping through our brains the minute we’re born. Chemicals like adrenalin, cortisol, serotonin and dopamine play key roles in our emotions. When you study behavioural neuroscience, you’ll investigate the links between the chemical changes in the brain, emotions and behaviour.

The Behavioural Neuroscience option is designed for psychology students who want to research the neurobiology of behaviour. As a student, you’ll follow a core psychology curriculum. You’ll also:

• Receive fundamental training in statistics and research methods
• Study the history of psychology
• Take courses in chemistry, biochemistry and biology

After graduation, you’ll have the skill and knowledge to pursue research, medicine or graduate studies in psychology.

A Bachelor of Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

• Honours in Psychology/Behavioural Neuroscience (66 credits)
• Specialization in Psychology/Behavioural Neuroscience (60 credits)

Students applying directly to the honours program should list this as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program, i.e. specialization.

Course requirements

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec Cegep: 28 (Honours: 31)
  • Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 – Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics – General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions – General Biology OR Natural Science DEC OR DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts.
  • Additional information for Cegep applicants
• High School: B overall, B in math / sciences
  (Honours: A- overall, A- in math / sciences)
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
    • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
    • Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• University Transfers (internal/external): B overall, B in math / sciences
  (Honours: B+ overall, B+ in math / sciences)
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Baccalauréat français: 13 overall, 13 in math / science
  (Honours: 15 overall, 15 in math / science)
  • Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
    Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques  (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 29 overall, 4 math, 5 science
  (Honours: 33 overall, 5 math, 6 science)
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the science or math courses must be competed at the HL level

Honours programs: Students applying directly to an honours program should list it as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program (i.e. specialization or major).

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Behavioural science alumni often pursue graduate studies. Others have established careers as psychologists, researchers or medical professionals.