The Minor in Computational Neuroscience (CPNS) is intended for both Neuroscience Majors and Non-Majors.
It provides students with a strong foundation in the mathematical and computational approaches used to study the brain. Computational neuroscience integrates methods from mathematics, statistics, computer science, and physics to model neural systems, analyze complex datasets, and uncover the principles underlying brain function.
Pursuing this minor equips students with quantitative skills essential for modern neuroscience, including computational modeling, neural data analysis, and theoretical frameworks. For neuroscience majors, it provides the analytical tools needed to interpret data, test hypotheses, and bridge the gap between theory and experiment. For non-neuroscience majors, the minor offers an opportunity to apply quantitative training to one of the most compelling problems in science—understanding how the brain works. These tools prepare students for careers in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and other quantitative fields.
Students pursuing the CPNS Minor must take:
- NSCI 20101: Foundations of Neuroscience
And choose 3-4 courses from the following list:
- NSIC 21820: Introduction to Python for Biologists & Neuroscientists
- NSCI 22950: Computational Modeling of Biological Brain Circuits
- NSCI 23700: Methods in Computational Neuroscience
- NSCI 24000: Modeling & Signal Analysis for Neuroscientists
- BIOS 26210: Mathematical Methods for Biological Sciences I
- BIOS 26211: Mathematical Methods for Biological Sciences II
Or choose 1 course from the following list:
- CMSC 25025: Machine Learning and Large-Scale Data Analysis
- CMSC 25400: Machine Learning
- DATA 21300: Models in Data Science
Students must meet the general education requirements in the Biological OR Physical Sciences, plus MATH 13100-13200 Elementary Functions and Calculus I-II (or higher), prior to declaring the minor.
In order to declare a minor in Computational Neuroscience, students must request a Consent to Complete a Minor Program form from their College adviser and submit the completed form to neuromajor@uchicago.edu for review and approval.