2024-2025 Course Catalog

Please note: The information displayed here is current as of Saturday, December 21, 2024, but the official Course Catalog should be used for all official planning.

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Neuroscience

ProfessorJ. Humphries (Biology) (on leave term(s) I)
Associate professorsE. Becker, B. Piasecki (Biology, chair), N. Wall (Biology)
Assistant professorC. Teng (Dennis and Charlot Singleton Assistant Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience)

Neuroscience

The field of neuroscience uses an interdisciplinary approach to study the brain and nervous system. Humans and other animals rely on the nervous system in order to process environmental stimuli, integrate this information听and produce an adaptive response (motor, hormonal, behavioral). A response may be as straightforward as a knee reflex or as complicated as understanding Plato.

The fields of biology, chemistry, and psychology provide much of the core knowledge needed to pursue study in neuroscience, and the major will prepare students for graduate study in neuroscience or allied health areas. However, knowledge from neuroscience may inform creative and scholarly endeavors in many areas including literature, music, and art. Therefore, it is an advantage for a neuroscience major to be in a liberal arts setting that can provide exposure to a wide spectrum of interests.


Required for the major in neuroscience

Students who complete the major in neuroscience will be able to explain the connection between nervous system structure/organization and sensory and motor pathway functions. They will relate molecular/cellular processes to electrophysiological activity and describe how behavior is a result of combined activity of neural networks. By the culmination of the major, they will integrate research literature on a specific topic into a meaningful analysis.

The major in neuroscience requires the following:

  1. The following foundation courses: (5 courses)
    1. BIOL 130: Cellular Form and Function a听
    2. BIOL 150: Organismal Form and Function a听
    3. CHEM 115: Principles in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity b听
    4. CHEM 116: Principles of Chemistry: Energetics and Dynamics听
    5. STAT 107: Principles of Statistics or STAT 255: Statistics for Data Science c
  2. The following core courses: (3 courses)听
    1. NESC 200: Foundations of Neuroscience d
    2. NESC 284: Research Methods in Neuroscience e听
    3. NESC 580: Topics in Neuroscience f
  3. One course from the cellular/molecular lab course group: (1 course)
    1. BIOL 325: Cell Biology听
    2. BIOL 354: Molecular Biology听
    3. BIOL 444 or CHEM 340: Biochemistry I听
    4. BIOL 453: Developmental Biology听
  4. One course from the systems lab course group: (1 course)
    1. BIOL 242: Comparative Physiology g听
    2. PSYC 343: Cognitive Neuroscience听
    3. PSYC 365: Brain and Behavior 听
  5. One course from the neuroscience elective group: (1 course)
    1. PSYC 347: Hormones, Brain and Behavior听
    2. PSYC 420: Clinical and Affective Neuroscience听
  6. Completion of NESC 600: Neuroscience Senior Capstone h

Senior Experience in neuroscience

In the Neuroscience Program senior capstone (NESC600), students meet collectively in one or more small seminar sections supervised by a faculty mentor. Sessions are dedicated to collaborative engagement, where students convene to delve into shared readings, offer valuable feedback on each other's projects, and showcase ongoing works. Through vibrant discussions, written assignments, and oral presentations, students will sharpen their capacity to conceptualize significant inquiries within the field, devise effective approaches to address them, and articulate their thoughts coherently both verbally and in writing.

Throughout the term, students immerse themselves in their projects, ultimately leading to the completion of a comprehensive senior thesis. Section meetings include interactive workshops, discussions, and presentations, all geared towards aiding students in developing an original empirical research proposal after first establishing a critical review of existing research and theory. Students will publicly present their work in classroom presentations and receive regular feedback from their faculty mentor throughout the term.


Required for the minor in neuroscience

  1. The following core courses: (6 courses)
    1. BIOL 130: Cellular Form and Function a听
    2. BIOL 150: Organismal Form and Function a听
    3. CHEM 115: Principles in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity b听
    4. CHEM 116: Principles of Chemistry: Energetics and Dynamics听
    5. NESC 200: Foundations of Neuroscience d听
    6. NESC 580: Topics in Neuroscience f听
  2. One of the following neuroscience courses:听(1 course)
    1. PSYC 343: Cognitive Neuroscience听
    2. PSYC 347: Hormones, Brain and Behavior听
    3. PSYC 365: Brain and Behavior (with lab)听
    4. PSYC 420: Clinical and Affective Neuroscience听

a Students who have earned AP or IB credit in biology are exempt from BIOL 130, but not the other introductory courses. Students also can take a departmental exemption exam for either BIOL 130 and/or BIOL 150 if they feel well qualified based on previous coursework.听

b Students who test into CHEM116: Principles of Chemistry: Energetics and Dynamics are exempt from CHEM115: Principles in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity听

c Students with a double major or minor requiring a statistics requirement can petition to have one or more of their quantitative requirements substitute for STAT 107: Principles of Statistics or STAT 255: Statistics for Data Science.听

d Students who have already taken PSYC 348: Biological Psychology should not take NESC 200: Foundations of Neuroscience but will be required to take PSYC 365: Brain and Behavior as their Lab Systems course elective.听

e Students with a Psychology major or minor requiring PSYC 284: Research Methods in Psychology (with laboratory) can use this course as a substitute for NESC 284: Research Methods in Neuroscience听

f Prerequisite for NESC 580: Topics in Neuroscience is CHEM 116: Principles of Chemistry: Energetics and Dynamics, BIOL 150: Organismal Form and Function, and either NESC 200: Foundations of Neuroscience, PSYC 348: Biological Psychology, or consent of instructor.听

g Students taking BIOL 370: Human Physiology as a prerequisite for an allied health program e.g., nursing, can replace BIOL 242: Comparative Physiology with BIOL 370: Human Physiology.

h Students double majoring may count a senior experience in Biology, Psychology, or another similar discipline upon petition as their Neuroscience senior experience, provided there is a substantive Neuroscience component to their thesis. Students wishing to apply a neuroscience senior experience towards the senior experience requirements of another major are encouraged to look at the degree requirements or consult with the department chair or program director of the respective other major.听


Courses - Neuroscience

CHEM 115: Principles of Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity

Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry, emphasizing structures of chemical species (atoms, ions, and molecules), stoichiometry, the relationships between structure and reactivity, basic chemical models (gas laws, e. g.) and laboratory skills. This course will serve primarily to prepare students who have not had any previous (high school) coursework in chemistry for CHEM 116. Three lectures and one laboratory session each week. Students with high school chemistry should normally take 116 instead of this course. See the chemistry department's web page for placement examination information. PREREQUISITES: Placement examination
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Placement examination

CHEM 116: Principles of Chemistry: Energetics and Dynamics

Introduction to the study of chemistry, for students who have taken high school chemistry or CHEM 115, emphasizing structural and quantitative models of chemical behavior. Topics include bonding, thermochemistry, equilibrium, kinetics, and related applications. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Enrollment is determined by placement examination for students who have not completed CHEM 115. See the chemistry department's web page for placement examination information. PREREQUISITES: CHEM 115 or placement examination
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHEM 115 or placement examination

BIOL 130: Cellular Form and Function

An exploration of fundamental cellular processes in an evolutionary context including homeostasis, cell cycle, gene expression, energy transformation, inheritance, and multi-cellular development. Experimental approaches will be emphasized. Lecture and laboratory. BIOL 130 is primarily offered to serve students exploring majors in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Environmental Science. A student looking for a laboratory course in the natural sciences in order to fulfil a general education requirement, might be better served taking courses such as BIOL 103 or BIOL 100. PREREQUISITES: First-year or second-year standing: consent of instructor required for juniors and seniors. Simultaneous enrollment in BIOL 130 and BIOL 131 required for first- and second-year students.
Units: 6
Prerequisite: First-year or second-year standing: consent of instructor required for juniors and seniors. Simultaneous enrollment in BIOL 130 and BIOL 131 required for first- and second-year students.

BIOL 150: Organismal Form and Function

Development, morphology, physiology, and ecology of plants, animals, fungi and unicellular organisms will be compared in evolutionary context. Phylogenic relationships, ecological interactions, and ecosystem processes will be explored. Lecture and laboratory. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 130 or departmental examination
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 130 or departmental examination

PSYC 170: Statistics in Psychology

This course introduces statistical methods applied in psychological research. It will cover topics such as hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and sampling distributions, and provide basic training in the computer package SPSS. The course aims to enable students to design and test research questions in psychology and to improve students' understanding of published research. Quizzes, exams, and a group report. Intended for psychology majors. PREREQUISITES: PSYC 100 or equivalent
Units: 6
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or equivalent

NESC 191: Directed Study in Neuroscience

Directed Study in Neuroscience
Units: 1 TO 98

BIOL 200: Animal Behavior

A lecture and field-study course examining the principles and problems of animal behavior. Subjects include orientation, feeding, locomotion, communication, escape in time and space, biological rhythms, mate choice, and aspects of social behavior, examined from evolutionary, ontogenetic, physiological, ecological, and ethological perspectives. Lecture and laboratory. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 150
Units: 6
Also listed as Environmental Studies 210
Prerequisite: BIOL 150

NESC 200: Foundations of Neuroscience

This lecture- and discussion-based course provides an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Basic principles of neurobiology from the anatomical to cellular level are discussed to develop an understanding of how these biological factors are associated with human behaviors. Includes group projects and exams. Not open to students who took PSYC 360. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 130
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 130

BIOL 240: Morphogenesis of the Vertebrates

An integrated lecture and laboratory course that undertakes the study of the structure and function of vertebrate organ systems through examination of morphology. Vertebrate ontogeny, phylogeny, and anatomy are addressed. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 150
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 150

BIOL 242: Comparative Physiology

A comparative study of the variety of solutions and adaptations diverse animals can make to similar problems 鈥 obtaining and transporting oxygen, maintaining water and salt balance, utilizing food, movement, and nervous and hormonal integration. Lecture and laboratory. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 150, CHEM 116 recommended
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 150, CHEM 116 recommended

CHEM 250: Organic Chemistry I

A study of the relationship between structure and function in organic compounds. Basic topics such as molecular orbital theory, conformational equilibria, stereochemistry, and nucleophilic substitution are covered. Students also learn to use instrumental analysis (NMR, IR, GC-MS) to identify and characterize compounds. One four-hour laboratory per week. PREREQUISITES: CHEM 116 or 119 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 or consent of instructor

CHEM 252: Organic Chemistry II

A study of organic reactions and their mechanisms. The focus of the class is synthesis, both in the concrete sense of building molecules and in the abstract sense of pulling together disparate concepts to solve problems. Case studies from the polymer and pharmaceutical industries underline the relevance of the discipline to everyday life. One four-hour laboratory per week. PREREQUISITES: CHEM 250
Units: 6
Prerequisite: CHEM 250

NESC 284: Research Methods in Neuroscience

This course covers a range of methodologies used to design, implement, and write about neuroscience research. The goal is to understand how information processing in the brain and nervous system can be studied using data obtained from a variety of brain-imaging, electrophysiological, and brain-modulating techniques. Course evaluation will emphasize understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various methods, data analytics, and individual study development. PREREQUISITES: STAT 107, STAT 255, or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: STAT 107, STAT 255, or consent of instructor

PSYC 290: Developmental Psychopathology

Using developmental psychopathology theory, this course involves the examination of psychological disorders in children and adolescents. The course emphasizes the complex interplay of biological and psychological factors over the course of development that lead to different outcomes. Several topics are covered including ADHD, anxiety, autism, conduct disorder, eating disorders, depression, and self-harm. PREREQUISITES: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing

BIOL 325: Cell Biology

Survey of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, the basic functional unit of life. Correlation of cellular structures including organelles, proteins, and membranes with functions such as cellular communication, division, transport, movement, and secretory pathways will be analyzed. Lecture and laboratory. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 130 and BIOL 150, BIOL 170/BIOL 280 recommended
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 130 and BIOL 150, BIOL 170/BIOL 280 recommended

BIOL 340: Topics in Neuroscience

A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology and biology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated when topic is different.

Topic for Fall 2024: Biopsychology of Parenting
PREREQUISITES: CHEM 116, BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor This discussion-based course will explore the biological and psychological phenomena behind differences in parental practices. Particularly, we will address the physiological, hormonal, ecological and social bases of these differences. We will consider a variety of animal species, including humans.

Units: 6
Also listed as Psychology 580, Neuroscience 580
Prerequisite: CHEM 116, BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor

CHEM 340: Biochemistry I

An introduction to the study of biological processes at the molecular level with emphases on protein struction and function, enzyme mechanism and kinetics, fundamentals of physical biochemistry, and the chemistry of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. PREREQUISITES: CHEM 250 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Also listed as Biology 444
Prerequisite: CHEM 250 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor

PSYC 350: Psychopharmacology and Behavior

An interdisciplinary examination of the ways in which behaviorally active drugs exert their effects, drawing on research in pharmacology, psychology, biochemistry, anatomy, and neurophysiology. Provides an understanding and appreciation of the role of behaviorally active drugs in people鈥檚 lives, today and in the past. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing; at least one prior biology course recommended
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; at least one prior biology course recommended

BIOL 354: Molecular Biology

An interdisciplinary examination of regulatory mechanisms leading to differential gene expression. Main topics include transcription, translation, gene and protein structure, and modern genomics. The application of current molecular techniques is emphasized throughout the course. Laboratory work is experimental in approach. Lecture and laboratory. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 130 and CHEM 115
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 130 and CHEM 115

PSYC 365: Brain and Behavior (with laboratory)

A lecture course with a laboratory that explores the neurobiological mechanisms associated with complex behaviors. Topics range from hormonal regulation of behavior to learning and memory, motivation, and emotion, sleep, appetitive behaviors, and various psychological disorders. Assessments include exams, presentations, laboratory reports, and participation. Not open to students who took PSYC 360 or PSYC 525. PREREQUISITES: NESC 200 or PSYC 348 AND PSYC 284 OR BIOL 280 or instructor approval
Units: 6
Prerequisite: NESC 200 or PSYC 348 AND PSYC 284 OR BIOL 280 or instructor approval

PSYC 370: Perception

An introduction to the physiological and psychological processes by which we receive, transform, and use the information from the world acquired through our senses. Special emphasis on visual and auditory perception to allow a more in-depth study of two perceptual systems and to provide information useful to those interested in the visual arts and music. PREREQUISITES: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing

NESC 390: Tutorial Studies in Neuroscience

Advanced work, arranged and carried out in consultation with an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

NESC 391: Directed Study in Neuroscience

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: SIC form required
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: SIC form required

NESC 399: Independent Study in Neuroscience

Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

PSYC 420: Clinical and Affective Neuroscience

This course focuses on advanced topics in neuroscience involving emotion. We will explore emerging knowledge of the brain's involvement in emotional behaviors, including physiological and psychological states. Course topics include: neural plasticity, human neuroscience methods, emotions, and pathophysiology of affective disorders. PREREQUISITES: NESC 200, PSYC 348, or PSYC 365
Units: 6
Prerequisite: NESC 200, PSYC 348, or PSYC 365

BIOL 444: Biochemistry I

An introduction to the study of biological processes at the molecular level with emphases on protein struction and function, enzyme mechanism and kinetics, fundamentals of physical biochemistry, and the chemistry of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. PREREQUISITES: CHEM 250 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Also listed as Chemistry 340
Prerequisite: CHEM 250 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor

BIOL 453: Developmental Biology

An experimental approach to animal development with laboratory and lecture emphasis on molecular and cellular processes of embryogenesis. Includes discussions of pattern formation, differentiation, cell interactions, gametogenesis and fertilization. Lecture and laboratory. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 150; and one of the following (or concurrent enrollment): BIOL 354, BIOL 444/CHEM 340, BIOL 260, or BIOL 325
Units: 6
Prerequisite: BIOL 150; and one of the following (or concurrent enrollment): BIOL 354, BIOL 444/CHEM 340, BIOL 260, or BIOL 325

NESC 580: Topics in Neuroscience

A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology and biology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated when topic is different.

Topic for Fall 2024: Biopsychology of Parenting
PREREQUISITES: CHEM 116, BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor This discussion-based course will explore the biological and psychological phenomena behind differences in parental practices. Particularly, we will address the physiological, hormonal, ecological and social bases of these differences. We will consider a variety of animal species, including humans.

Units: 6
Also listed as Biology 340, Psychology 580
Prerequisite: CHEM 116, BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor

PSYC 580: Topics in Neuroscience

A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology and biology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated when topic is different.

Topic for Fall 2024: Biopsychology of Parenting
PREREQUISITES: CHEM 116, BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor This discussion-based course will explore the biological and psychological phenomena behind differences in parental practices. Particularly, we will address the physiological, hormonal, ecological and social bases of these differences. We will consider a variety of animal species, including humans.

Units: 6
Also listed as Biology 340, Neuroscience 580
Prerequisite: CHEM 116, BIOL 150 and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor

NESC 591: Directed Study in Neuroscience

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: SIC form required
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: SIC form required

NESC 599: Independent Study in Neuroscience

Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

NESC 600: Neuroscience Senior Capstone

Designed to satisfy the Neuroscience Senior Experience requirement. Students will complete a substantial written senior thesis through the formulation of an original empirical research proposal developed after first establishing a critical review of existing research and theory. Section meetings include interactive workshops, discussions, and presentations, all geared towards aiding students in developing their project proposals. Students will publicly present their work in senior presentations. PREREQUISITES: NESC200 Foundations of Neuroscience, NESC580 Topics in Neuroscience or equivalent, & NESC284 Research Methods in Neuroscience or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: NESC200 Foundations of Neuroscience, NESC580 Topics in Neuroscience or equivalent, & NESC284 Research Methods in Neuroscience or consent of instructor

NESC 699: Independent Study in Neuroscience

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with a faculty member in the program. Students considering an honors project should register for this course. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor