Neuroscience

Major

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About Neuroscience

About the Program

The Neuroscience major at Drew is an interdisciplinary program of study that allows students to explore the brain from the perspectives of many different disciplines, including biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, philosophy and psychology. The neuroscience curriculum introduces students to current theories that explain how the brain works at a variety of levels, from molecules to behavior. Intermediate and advanced coursework provide students with the opportunity to develop an increasingly more sophisticated understanding of neural and cognitive processes, while providing them with the critical thinking and technical skills necessary to actively address some the pressing questions in neuroscience today.  In addition, the wide range of electives provides students with the opportunity to think about the workings of the brain in a broader context, and to expand their study of neuroscience beyond its traditional roots in biology and psychology.

One strength of Drew’s Neuroscience program is its employment of hands-on laboratory and research experiences. Drew’s technologically sophisticated neuroscience laboratories are designed to give students broad access to applied experiences in studying the brain. All majors take laboratory courses in which they image live neurons with fluorescent microscopy, measure brain chemicals in animals, and examine behavioral responses to pharmacological or environmental challenges.  They also have the opportunity to use computers to study neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, model neural networks, and collect, analyze and graphically present data.

Requirements for the Neuroscience Major (54 credits)

I. Required introductory and intermediate level courses (28 credits):

• NEURO 1/ Introduction to Neuroscience [BI] (4)
• NEURO 10/ Neuroscience Research Methods [WM] (4)
• BIOL 9/Diversity of Life: Animals, Plants, and Microbes (4)
• CHEM 6 or 6A/Principles of Chemistry I [BNS; Q] (4)
• CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II [BNS; Q] (4)
• MATH 3/ Introductory Statistics [Q] (4)
• BIOL 22/Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)

II. Required core courses (12 credits):

• NEURO 118 /PSYC 118 Cognitive Neuroscience (4)
• NEURO 120/BIOL 120/Cell and Molecular Neurobiology (4)
• NEURO 121/BIOL 121/ Systems Neurobiology  (4)

III. Choose 12 credits from the following list; electives must include courses from at least two different departments:

• ANTH 126/Evolution and Human Behavior (4)
• BIOL 24/ Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology (4)
• BIOL 134/Endocrinology (4)
• BIOL 142/Developmental Biology (4)
• BIOL 167/Animal Behavior (4)
• BIOL 190/Seminar in Biology (when relevant) (2)
• BIOL 192/Topics in Biology (when relevant) (2-4)
• CHEM 117/Biochemistry I (4)
• CHEM 119/Biochemistry II (4) OR CHEM 121/Chemical Biology (4)
• LING 10/ Language, Communication and Culture (4)
• LING 50/ Topics in the Study of Language (2)
• NEURO 111/ PHYS 111 Computational Modeling of Neural Systems
• NEURO 127/BIOL 127 Diseases of the Brain
• NEURO 144/Seminar in Biopsychology (2-4)
• NEURO 168/Theories of Vision (4)
• NEURO 192/Special Topics in Neuroscience (2-4)
• NEURO 195/Independent Study in Neuroscience: Literature Research (2-4)
• NEURO 197/Independent Research in Neuroscience: Laboratory Research (2-4)
• PHIL 122/ Philosophy of the Mind (4)
• PHYS 129/Special Topics in Physics (when relevant) (4)
• PSYC 30/ Selected Topics in Psychology (when relevant) (2-4)
• PSYC 115/Learning and Behavior (4)
• PSYC 117/Cognition (4)
• PSYC 130/Advanced Topics in Psychology (when relevant) (2-4)
• PSYC 140/Psychology Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Psychology (when relevant) (1-4)
• PSYC 144/Seminar in Biopsychology (when relevant) (2-4)
• PSYC 146/Seminar in Learning, Memory, and Cognition (when relevant) (2-4)

IV. Capstone Seminar or Honors Research to be completed senior year (2-4)

• NEURO  194/Capstone Seminar in Neuroscience (2)  OR
• NEURO  199/Capstone in Neuroscience: Honors Thesis Research (2-4)

Faculty

Faculty

• Professors: C. Robin Timmons, Department of Psychology
• Associate Professors: Roger Knowles, Department of Biology; Christina R. McKittrick, Department of Biology (Director)
• Assistant Professors: Graham Cousens, Department of Psychology; Minjoon Kouh, Department of Physics

Courses

Courses Offered

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NEUR 101 - Formerly NEURO 1 - Introduction to Neuroscience (4)

This introductory course explores how the physical properties of the brain give rise to mental processes. Students will investigate current major challenges in neuroscience research such as searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease, examining the biological basis of memory and investigating the nature of consciousness. While focusing in these challenges, students will learn important fundamental knowledge of neuroscience in the area of genetics, neurotransmission, neural development, brain anatomy, cognition and computational neural modeling.

Fulfills: BNS, BI

NEUR 210 - Formerly NEURO 10 - Neuroscience Research Methods (4)

This course examines research methods commonly employed in the neurosciences, with an emphasis on experimental procedures. The course encourages development of skills in collecting and analyzing quantitative data and in scientific writing.
Prerequisite: NEUR 101 - Formerly NEURO 1 - and MATH 117 - Formerly 3 - . Offered annually.
Fulfills: WM

NEUR 366 - Formerly NEURO 111 - Computational Modeling of Neural Systems (4)

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 150 - Formerly 11 - Corequisite: PHYS 112 - Formerly 2 - or PHYS 160 - Formerly 12 - Same as: PHYS 150 - Formerly 11 - 1
Fulfills: BI

NEUR 354 - Formerly NEURO 118 - Cognitive Neuroscience (4)

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.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: NEUR 210 - Formerly NEURO 10 - or PSYC 211 - Formerly 14 - and PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - or permission of instructor Offered annually Same as: PSYC 354 - Formerly 118 -

NEUR 356 - Formerly NEURO 120 - Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (4)

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 250 - Formerly 22 - Same as: BIOL 356 - Formerly 120 -

NEUR 346 - Formerly NEURO 121 - Systems Neurobiology (4)

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 250 - Formerly 22 - and NEUR 210 - Formerly NEURO 10 - or permission of the instructor Offered Annually. Same as: BIOL 346 - Formerly 121 -

NEURO 124 - Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (2)

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: or 2 Offered fall semester. Same as:

NEUR 364 - Formerly NEURO 144 - Seminar in Biopsychology (2-4)

A review and discussion of current problems in the biological determinants of behavior. The particular issues explored are announced prior to registration
Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - Offered annually. Same as: PSYC 364 - Formerly 144 -

NEUR 368 - Formerly NEURO 168 - Theories About Vision (4)

This upper-level course introduces modern ideas about vision, based on empirical findings and guided by mathematical and computational considerations. We will consider how inherent ambiguities of the visual stimuli may be resolved through statistical inferences and estinamtions, and how such computations are impllemented by the population of neurons. We will study elementary information theory as a means of quantifying the information-processing capacity of the visual cortex. This course will emphasize theoretical approaches to neuroscience, and complement the existing neuroscience curriculum, where the existing strength includes the study of the neural systems at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels with the experimental techniques.
Enrollment priority: Priority given to juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: (NEUR 101 - Formerly NEURO 1 - or PSYC 220 - Formerly 19 - ) and MATH 117 - Formerly 3 - Offered spring semester in alternate years.
Fulfills: WI

NEUR 370 - Formerly NEURO 192 - Special Topics in Neuroscience (2-4)

Topics relevant to neuroscience may be offered as opportunities arise.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.

NEUR 400 - Formerly NEURO 194 - Capstone Seminar in Neuroscience (2)

An in-depth exploration of a specific topic in neuroscience, with an emphasis on current theories and research in the area (topic will vary with instructor). Each topic will be explored from a variety of different perspectives as students investigate the different ways of conceptualizing and approaching a common area of neuroscience research. Students will present and discuss the current literature in the field and develop their own proposals for addressing an unresolved question in this particular area of neuroscience.
[CAP] Capstone Corequisite or Prerequisite: Neuro 118, 120, and 121 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester.

NEUR 395 - Formerly NEURO 195 - Independent Study in Neuroscience: Literature Research (2)

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: Offered every semester.

NEUR 396 - Formerly NEURO 197 - Independent Research in Neuroscience: Laboratory Field Research (2-4)

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.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: and Offered every semester.

NEUR 394 - Formerly NEURO 198 - Great Challenges in Neuroscience Research (4)

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.

NEUR 411 - Formerly NEURO 199 - Honors Research in Neuroscience (4)

Faculty-mentored independent research culminating in a written thesis and an oral defense. Required to receive Specialized Honors in Neuroscience.
[CAP] Capstone Prerequisite: 2-4 credits of NEUR 396 - Formerly NEURO 197 - : Independent Research in Neurosciencnce. Offered spring semester.

AP Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

For exemption and credit considerations related to the biology, chemistry, and psychology AP examinations, please see the advice of the relevant departments: biology, chemistry, psychology.