This course will build on the foundations in neuroscience. Topics such as sensory and motor systems, learning, memory, cognition and neurological disorders will be covered. The accompanying laboratory is designed to expose students to basic methods and experimental approaches in neuroscience including dissection of sheep brains, recording the activity of nerve cells, engaging in computer simulation as well as basic histological techniques commonly useed in neuroscience.

This course will cover the basics associated with designing and implementing research experiments in neuroscience. Additionally, the course will introduce students to a variety of current techniques that neuroscientists use to study the nervous system. Topics include histology and microscopy, behavioral analysis, brain imaging and the use of transgenic organisms.

This course will cover the major concepts of developmental neurobiology. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular and cellular events underlying neural induction, neural tube formation, cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, axon guidance, synapse formation, neurotrophic factors, and neural death will be discussed. The course will also focus on activity-dependent plasticity and its role in generating and maintaining synaptic input within the nervous system. Pathologies arising from failures of these processes will also be examined.

This course will introduce students to the basic principles derived from evolution, ecology, ethology and development and use these principles to explain how and why animals behave as they do in particular situations. The course will also focus on many important survival activities such as foraging, communication, migration, predator-prey interactions, mating, and paternal care.

This course will cover the basic principles underlying neurochemistry. Topics will include neurotransmitter function, synthesis and and metabolism as well as signalling. In addition to normal neurochemistry, the course will introduce students to the chemical disturbances that underlie some mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and addiction. Prerequisities: A grade of C or better in NEU 100 and NEU 200.

This course will cover the basic principles of neuroendocrinology with a focus on how hormones influence behavioral outcome. Animal models will be examined to explore how the endocrine and nervous systems interact to control functions such as reproductive behaviors, aggression, stress, biological rhythms, metabolism and fluid intake. Human neuroendocrine research will be included if available and appropriate.

This course will introduce students to basic concepts in the history, neuroanatomy and methods of cognitive neuroscience. In addition topics related to sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion, language, attention and impulivity will be covered.

With the dramatic advances in neuroscience and psychiatry, we are able to identify the anatomical, chemical and psychological anomalies underlying many mental and nervous system disorders. These advances may help us find better treatment options as well as potential preventative measures. Using several different reading sources, the present course will cover epidemiology, symptoms, known causes, neurobiology and treatment of nervous system disorders such as autism, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders as well as age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Critical overview of major fields of specialization in neuroscience, with focus on conducting research. This course will emphasize developing a viable research proposal grounded in historical, philosophical, and empirical foundations related to a student conceived research question. Students will be expected to conduct literature searches, develop a rationale for their research question and write a proposal which should include an introduction, a hypothesis, methods and expected results.

As part of this course, students will complete a research internship that consists of either an 8-week full-time summer research experience or 300 hours of research over an entire academic year (at least two semesters). The research experience will involve an independent hypothesis-drive study/implemented and completed by the student at her chosen research mentor's laboratory. Students may register for this course either during the research internship (if being conducted during the semester) or after the internship has been completed (if the research was conducted in the prior summer). A student cannot register for this course prior to the completion of the internship. (This course is graded Pass/Fail).

The course is designed to provide the senior student with instruction and practice in the oral, poster, and written presentation of research data. Topics will include preparation of figures, slides, posters, and organization of the presentation. Students are required to provide their own data from independently conducted research. Students must have completed an internship prior to registering for this course.