Neurosciences Courses

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  • NEURO 2 / Great Challenges in Neuroscience (4) - view
    This introductory course will focus on three great challenges in neuroscience: searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease, examining the biological basis of memory, and investigating the nature of consciousness. This course will present the important details of the body of knowledge of neuroscience as well as supported theories of how things work, but it will do so in the context of these challenges. By immediately engaging students and focusing them on the mysteries and unanswered questions in the field, this course offers a vehicle not just to teach lessons in neuroscience, but to inspire students to address big questions, be creative in their pursuits, and to think critically. Fulfills: BNS BI
  • NEURO 19 / Biological Psychology (4) - view
    An examination of the biological bases of behavior. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of neuronal interactions, sensory systems, behavioral development, motivation, learning, memory, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 3 and either PSYC 4 or a BIOL laboratory course. Same as: PSYC 19.
  • NEURO 111 / Computational Modeling of Neural Systems (4) - view
    Computational neuroscience is the study of the brain as a computational and information-processing organ. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that employs various ideas and techniques from physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, psychology, and (of course) neuroscience. In this course, we cover the following topics: biophysics of a single neuron; dynamics of neural networks; models of associative memory and object recognition; and numerical methods and tools for analyzing and simulating a dynamical system. We study the fundamental biophysical properties and processes of the neurons and their networks, while also learning to use several analytical and numerical methods for studying a complex dynamical system. The goal of the course is to develop an interdisciplinary approach for analyzing a biological system. Prerequisite: PHYS 11, MATH 7. Corequisite: PHYS 12, MATH 8. Same as: PHYS 111.
  • NEURO 118 / Cognitive Neuroscience (4) - view
    This course examines the mechanisms by which the nervous system supports higher mental functions, with a focus on how neural structures represent and transform information. The course draws on a variety of disciplines including cognitive psychology, neurobiology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. Discussion topics include perception, attention, memory, language, executive function, emotion, development, social cognition, consciousness, and neuroethics. Laboratory and off-campus activities will expose students to a variety of empirical research techniques, such as functional neuroimaging, single-neuron electrophysiology, and electroencephalography, commonly employed in cognitive neuroscience research. Prerequisite: PSYC14 and PSYC19) OR BIOL120 OR BIOL121 OR permission of instructor. Same as: PSYC 118.
  • NEURO 120 / Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (4) - view
    The structure and function of neurons, the basic building blocks of the nervous system, are investigated. The course builds to an understanding of how neuronal cell function determines higher brain processes, such as sensation and memory. The laboratory employs living neurons' growth in culture to explore topics such as growth of neurites, cell signaling pathways, and neural degeneration. Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 7, 9, and 22 and CHEM 7. Corequisite: NEURO 120L. Same as: BIOL 120.
  • NEURO 120L / CELL AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY:LABORATORY () - view
    No description is available for this course. Corequisite: NEURO 120.
  • NEURO 121 / Systems Neuroscience (4) - view
    The neurons of the nervous system are organized into systems that can be defined on the basis of function, anatomy or neurochemistry. This course explores the development of these systems, coordination of the activity within each system, and clinical disorders arising from malfunctions. The laboratory uses current neuroanatomical, pharmacological and neurochemical techniques to explore structure and function. Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 9, 22, and CHEM 7. Offered Annually. Same as: BIOL 121.
  • NEURO 124 / Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (2) - view
    The study of neurobiological mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Current theories of cognition are examined from a developmental, molecular, cellular and systems approach. Specific intracellular changes observed in neurons from both invertebrate models of learning and memory are evaluated. Anatomical correlates of thought are investigated as well as neuro-pharmacological approaches to the study of learning and memory. Meets: Two hours class. Prerequisite: BIOL 2 or BIOL 22. Offered fall semester. Same as: BIOL 124.
  • NEURO 144 / Seminar in Biopsychology (2-4) - view
    A review and discussion of current problems in the biological determinants of behavior. The particular issues explored are announced prior to registration Amount of credit established at time of registration. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 19. Offered annually. Same as: PSYC 144.
  • NEURO 192 / Special Topics in Neuroscience (2-4) - view
    Topics relevant to neuroscience may be offered as opportunities arise. Amount of credit established at time of registration. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
  • NEURO 195 / Independent Study in Neuroscience: Literature Research (2) - view
    Independent investigation of a topic in neuroscience chosen in consultation with the instructor and approved by the neurosciences director. Regular meetings by arrangement with the instructor. Final literature research paper or research proposal required. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 109 and BIOL 129. Offered every semester.
  • NEURO 197 / Independent Research in Neuroscience: Laboratory Field Research (2-4) - view
    Independent laboratory or field research in neuroscience on a topic chosen in consultation with a faculty sponsor. A final research report is required. An approved research proposal is required prior to beginning the research project. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 109 and BIOL 129. Offered every semester.
  • NEURO 198 / Great Challenges in Neuroscience Research (4) - view
    This research course will focus on using the knowledge, techniques, and technology from different science disciplines to explore a specific "great challenge" research question. Students will be exposed to a variety of research techniques, learn to work collaboratively combining resources, and explore research topics that may otherwise seem daunting to a single disciplinary approach. The culmination of this team research project will be a campus-wide symposium in which the students present their research. Scientists from industry, government, and academia will also be invited to discuss their work and debate major issues in the area of research. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Any two laboratory science courses.