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Neurobiology

Program Overview

Program Overview

Today's medical schools are seeking students with diverse academic backgrounds, and the MCAT has added a psychology component to its entrance exam. To better prepare students for the MCAT and medical school while also preparing them for entrance into graduate programs in clinical neuropsychology and behavioral science or a career in laboratory research, Lipscomb University’s Department of Biology, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science, has created a new Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology. 

Neurobiology students will learn cellular, molecular and anatomical aspects of neurobiology while also gaining insight into the influence of this biology on behavior. By taking a more biological approach than many other programs, placing a focus on understanding the molecular basis of neurobiology, Lipscomb students will be adequately prepared for medical school and health care careers and will also be strong candidates for graduate programs in psychology, behavioral science and neuropsychology. In addition, Neurobiology majors will also earn a minor in Neuropsychology, providing students with a unique and multi-disciplinary understanding of neurobiology.

Courses

Courses

Neurobiology Core

Biology

BY 1134 - Principles of Biology: Cell and Genetics
BY 1144 - Principles of Biology: Diversity and Ecology
BY 2114 - Cell Biology
BY 3043 - Neurophysiology
BY 3053 - Neuroanatomy
BY 3114 - Genetics
BY 4213 - Developmental Genetics
BY 4802 - Capstone Course

Chemistry

CM 1113 - General Chemistry I
CM 1211 - General Chemistry Laboratory I
CM 1123 - General Chemistry II
CM 1221 - General Chemistry Laboratory II

Mathematics

MA 2183 - Elementary Statistics

Psychology

PS 1113 - Introduction to Psychology
PS 2603 - Introduction to Psychological Research
PS 4xx3 - Clinical Neuropsychology
PS 4423 - Abnormal Psychology
PS 4543 - Biological Psychology

Choose 3 Biology Electives from:

BY 3214 - Microbiology
BY 3223 - Virology
BY 3323 - Immunology
BY 3333 - Molecular Basis of Human Disease
BY 3514 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BY 3524 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BY 4014 - Molecular Biology

Choose 1 Psychology Elective from:

PS 2313 - Behavior Modification
PS 2423 - Life Span Development
PS 3513 - Drugs and Behavior
PS 4523 - Cognitive Psychology
 

#1

Biology program among Christian universities

Job placement

With a top-tier university education on your resume, you’ll be in high demand, whether you choose to launch your career or begin graduate school. Our Biology Majors have a placement rate of at least 95% within 6 months of graduation.

Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society

After the first year, students that maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher will be invited to join the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. Tri-Beta members can apply for research grants and participate in the Tri-Beta national meeting.

Expert faculty

Learn from award-winning, experienced faculty who actually care about you. Learn from award-winning faculty who actually care about you. Our faculty create an approachable community that seeks to transform our students through mentorship.

Our Faculty

  • Kyle Brawner headshot

    Kyle Brawner

    Assistant Professor

    Kyle Brawner joined the Lipscomb Biology Department in August 2020 as an assistant professor. He received his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Lipscomb in 2012 and his Ph.D....

    Meet Kyle Brawner
  • Beth Conway headshot

    Beth Conway

    Prof of Bio & Assoc Chair

    Beth Conway is associate professor of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Lipscomb University. She received her bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Biochemistry and Molecular...

    Meet Beth Conway
  • Phil Choate headshot

    Phil Choate

    Adjunct Faculty

    Meet Phil Choate
  • Brian Ellis headshot

    Brian Ellis

    Associate Professor

    After completing my Ph.D. studying viral delivery systems for carrying targeted gene therapy components in the lab of Matt Porteus (now at Stanford), I went on to do postdoctoral research...

    Meet Brian Ellis
  • AJ Heritage headshot

    A.J. Heritage

    Director of Graduate Psychology

    A.J. joined the Lipscomb faculty full time in January of 2021 after several years as an adjunct faculty member and faculty fellow with Lipscomb Online. A.J. earned his Ph.D. in...

    Meet A.J. Heritage
  • Hannah King headshot

    Hannah King

    Instructor & Research Lab Coordinator

    Meet Hannah King
  • Jill Kirby headshot

    Jill Kirby

    Associate Professor

    Jill Kirby grew up in Knoxville, TN where she developed a passion for helping others. That led her to Harding University for undergraduate work (B.S Exercise Science) and then to...

    Meet Jill Kirby
  • Tamera Klingbyll headshot

    Tamera Klingbyll

    Assistant Professor

    Tamera Klingbyll joined the Lipscomb faculty in 1990 after obtaining a Masters of Science in Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She earned her Bachelor of Science from...

    Meet Tamera Klingbyll
  • John Lewis headshot

    John Lewis

    Faith and Science Professorship

    John Lewis is associate professor of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He received his bachelor of science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Tennessee Technological...

    Meet John Lewis
  • Jon Lowrance headshot

    Jon Lowrance

    Department Chair - Biology

    Jon H. Lowrance is a professor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Lipscomb University. He received his bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Biology from...

    Meet Jon Lowrance
  • Florah Mhlanga headshot

    Florah Mhlanga

    Ass. Prov. Und. Aca. Aff

    Florah Mhlanga serves as the Associate Dean and Professor of Biology the College of Liberal Arts and Science at Lipscomb University. She also serves as the Director of the Lipscomb...

    Meet Florah Mhlanga
  • Bonny Millimaki headshot

    Bonny Millimaki

    Professor

    Bonny Millimaki is an associate professor of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University in...

    Meet Bonny Millimaki
  • Andrea Mills headshot

    Andrea Mills

    Ass Pro Clin Men Heal Cou

    Meet Andrea Mills
  • Joshua Owens headshot

    Josh Owens

    Assistant Professor

    Josh Owens was raised in Huntsville, Alabama. Following a family legacy, Josh attended Lipscomb where he majored in Molecular Biology and graduated in 2016. After Lipscomb, Josh attended Emory University...

    Meet Josh Owens
  • Shanna Ray headshot

    Shanna Ray

    Executive Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

    Shanna Ray has a B.S. in Psychology from Lipscomb University, M.A. in Experimental Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and a Ph.D./M.S. in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University. Ray joined...

    Meet Shanna Ray
  • Holly Spencer headshot

    Holly Spencer

    Instructor and Graduate Program Assistant

    Meet Holly Spencer
  • Jaclyn Spivey headshot

    Jackie Spivey

    Lead Faculty, Undergraduate Psychology

    Dr. Jaclyn Spivey is originally from Las Vegas, NV. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and a Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience) from the University...

    Meet Jackie Spivey
  • Hunter Stanfield

    Hunter Stanfield

    Assistant Professor

    Hunter was born and raised in Florence, Alabama. Before arriving at Lipscomb in August 2019, he spent formative years in Los Angeles, California; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Birmingham, Alabama; Manhattan, Kansas; and...

    Meet Hunter Stanfield
  • Jeff Todd headshot

    Jeff Todd

    Professor of Practice

    Jeff Todd is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Lipscomb University. He receives his bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in...

    Meet Jeff Todd
  • Amanda Williams headshot

    Amanda Williams

    Assistant Professor

    Amanda Williams was raised in Providence, Kentucky. She met her husband, Rick, at the Green Hills Starbucks when they were both college students at Lipscomb (B.S., Biology). Upon graduation, she...

    Meet Amanda Williams

Career Paths

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

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