Registration Guide: Philosophy & Neuroscience

Your first course should be CAS NE 101 Introduction to Neuroscience (offered either semester). The course is an introduction to the biological basis of behavior and cognition. It includes theoretical and practical foundations rooted in psychology, biology, neuropharmacology, and clinical sciences (e.g., neurology and neuropsychiatry). Neuroethical dilemmas are highlighted and integrated when relevant to discussion topics. 

• If taken at BU, CAS NE 101 fulfills a single requirement in the following BU Hub area(s): Scientific Inquiry I.

NOTE: Some NE 101 seats may be reserved for declared majors/minors or incoming transfer students.

Your second course should be CAS CH 101 General Chemistry 1 (offered either semester): This is the first of a two-sequence chemistry requirement.  You should take CH 101 in your first semester and CH102 in the following semester. CH 101/102 is the course sequence that most students who are not chemistry or biochemistry majors will take. Students in CH 101 are expected to have a firm grasp of algebra and general physical science concepts from high school.

• If taken at BU, CH 101 fulfills a single requirement in the following Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I.

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If you are not considering the pre-health track, you can instead take CAS CH 171 Principles of General Chemistry (offered fall only). CAS CH 171 is a one-semester survey course of the principles of general chemistry, primarily for students in Sargent College (and select majors such as Neuroscience). There is no expectation of prior high school chemistry knowledge in CH 171. Note: CH 171 does not satisfy the requirements for students considering careers in medicine or dentistry (pre-med).

• If taken at BU, CH 171 fulfills a single requirement in the following Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I.

You may view the Chemistry Department’s General Chemistry Advising page for more information about chemistry levels and recommendations.

CAS Language Course: CAS students must exhibit proficiency through the fourth-semester level of a language other than English. If you have not already done so, please review the full language policy here.

If you will fulfill this requirement through coursework at BU, then your next course should be a language. If you’re new to the language, you’ll start with the first-semester level (usually coded as 111 – for example, Spanish 1 is LS 111, Arabic 1 is LY 111, etc.). If you have previously studied the language, you will need to take a placement test to determine what level to start with (for instance, LS 112 Spanish 2, LY 211 Arabic 3, LK 212 Korean 4, etc.). Please review the CAS Language Requirement page for detailed information about placement tests and appropriate levels.

If you will fulfill your language requirement through advanced credit (such as AP/IB scores) or through native proficiency of another language, you have fulfilled your language requirement and can instead take a Philosophy course (as seen below).

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CAS PH 160 Reasoning and Argumentation (offered either semester): This course is a systematic study of the principles of both deductive and informal reasoning, calculated to enhance students’ actual reasoning skills, with an emphasis on reasoning and argumentation in ordinary discourse. 

• If taken at BU, CAS PH 160 fulfills a single requirement in the following BU Hub area(s): Philosophical Inquiry and Life’s Meanings, Critical Thinking.

Your fourth course should be a writing course:

• If you did not apply to BU with a TOEFL/IELTS score, you can take either:
  • CAS WR 120 First-Year Writing Seminar. Each section of WR 120 focuses on a specific topic/theme, so you should register for a section that pairs with your interests.
  • CAS CC 101 Core Humanities 1: Ancient Worlds: (offered fall only): An interdisciplinary study of the origins of civilization, from Mesopotamia and the Hebrew Bible to the development of Greek civilization through Homer, Greek tragedy, and the philosophy of Plato. You should enroll in CAS CC 101 if you are considering the Core Curriculum. This course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, First-Year Writing Seminar, Creativity/Innovation.

• If you applied to BU with a TOEFL/IELTS score, you should take the Multilingual Writer Placement (instructions will be sent via email) before you register for a writing course. The writing placement is a suggestion, but it will help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate level for you. Depending on what level WR course you register for, you will fulfill the following Hub requirements:
  • CAS WR 111 Academic Writing for ESL Students 1 – fulfills The Individual in Community Hub
  • CAS WR 112 Academic Writing for ESL Students 2 – fulfills Global Citizenship & Intercultural Literacy Hub
  • CAS WR 120 First-Year Writing Seminar – fulfills First-Year Writing Seminar Hub (If you place into WR 120, you are welcome to take CC 101 Core Humanities 1 instead to fulfill your FYW Hub.)

First-Year Seminar: FY 101 (offered fall only, 1 unit) – Optional

FY101 is a one-unit course that serves as a semester-long introduction to BU and college life. Each section is co-taught by a BU staff member alongside a BU student.  You will meet with a small community of other incoming students who will serve as conversation partners as together you learn how to leverage BU’s resources to create a more successful and meaningful college experience. Through discussions, activities, class field trips and program-wide events, you will make immediate connections with the BU community. Specialty sections are available for natural science majors, social science majors, computer science and math majors, undeclared students, and first-generation college students. Check out the natural science sections below! Is your preferred specialty section full or unavailable? Register for a general CAS section (CAS FY101 AB-IE) where you will get to meet students from across CAS!

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First-Year Career Development Seminar: FY 102 (offered spring only, 1 unit) – Optional

FY102 will help first-year students get started on utilizing the Career Development Cycle to maximize their time at BU. During this course students will create a plan of action towards choosing a major, creating a resume, finding an internship, and preparing for a career that they will love. Seminars are offered in various fields of interest and include guest speakers from different industries.