Neuroscience

Courses

Psychology (PY)

PY100 Introduction to Psychology: Bases of Behavior: Examination of psychological phenomena from biobehavioral and sociobehavioral perspectives. Contemporary issues in psychology such as intelligence, development, perception, learning, abnormal behavior, language, and social behavior are explored. Scientific methodology and its application to psychological phenomena are stressed. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) (No credit if taken after 101.) Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: No credit if taken PY105.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab

1 unit — Horner, Kneuer, Peters, Roberts, Waters, Weaver

PY205 Introduction to Methods and Statistics (Methods I): This course introduces students to the common methods used in psychological science, as well as the statistical, written, and graphical tools for appropriately conveying research in psychological science. Topics covered include critical thinking in evaluating quality of information, the process of scientific inquiry in psychology, ethics of research with both human and non-human animals, basic issues in measurement, reliability and validity, inferential statistical thinking, and the American Psychological Association’s stylistic conventions for writing about and presenting empirical research.

Prerequisite: PY100 or PY105.

1 unit — Fernandez-Peters, Horner, Peters

PY299 Neuroscience: An in-depth exploration of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology. The neural substrates and functional underpinnings of processes such as sensation, movement, emotion, memory, and (sub)cortical processing are examined. Learn more about the neuroscience course here.

Prerequisite: PY100 or PY101 or PY111, or MB131, or Consent of Instructor.

2 units — Driscoll

PY305 - Topics in Advanced Methods and Statistics (Methods II): Building on the statistical skills developed in PY205, students will explore more advanced statistical techniques. Each section of PY305 will emphasize different areas of statistics and may use different software, so check the department website for more details on each section. Example topics include: Statistical Analyses with R, Experimental Designs using ANOVA, and Mechanisms and Interactions. In all sections, students will design, conduct, and write up their own study.

Prerequisite: PY205.

1 unit — Horner, Weaver

PY300 Hormones and Behavior: This course explores the current understanding on hormonal and endocrine processes that influence human behavior and health. We will cover underlying hormonal mechanisms of a diverse range of topics in human and non-human animals such as reproduction, sexual differentiation, parental behavior, social affiliation, aggression, stress, biological rhythms, and energy balance. Understanding how hormonal processes are linked to behavior and well-being can help us to better understand, manage, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.

Prerequisite: PY205.

1 unit — Fernandez-Peters

PY408 Neurophysiology: This course will delve into electrical properties of neurons and principals of synaptic transmission, integration, and information processing. We will analyze the foundation of modern neurophysiology by revisiting the work done by Hodgkin and Huxley. We will study the development of research methods and experimental design measuring electrical activity and signal processing at the level of synapse, single neurons, circuits, and systems. Special emphasis will be placed on central auditory neurophysiology, electrophysiology, and perception of vocal communication signals in human and non-human animals.

Prerequisite: PY202 or PY205.

1 unit — Fernandez-Peters

PY408 The Prefrontal Cortex and Human Cognition: This course provides an in depth examination of the structure and function of the prefrontal cortex, with a focus on human evolution and the role of this brain region in human cognitive achievement. A variety of topics will be discussed, including neurodevelopment, structure, comparisons with other species, and the various functions attributed to the prefrontal cortex (planning, strategizing, memory organization, etc.) that are typically thought of as defining strengths of human cognition.

Prerequisite: PY202 or PY205.

1 unit — Peters

PY412 Human Neuropsychology: An in-depth consideration of the functional organization of the human central nervous system. General topics explored include neurology (e. g., language, spatial memory, sensorimotor, and emotional disorders), brain imaging techniques, and neuropsychological assessment. Field experience with brain-damaged/impaired individuals. (Not offered 2023-24).

Prerequisite: PY202 or PY205 and PY296 or PY297 and PY298 or PY299.

1 unit — Erdal

PY433 Neuropharmacology: Neuroscience is based on the premise that thoughts, sensations and actions are, at some level, encoded in chemical and electrical signals. This course explores central nervous system pharmacology at multiple levels, including the cellular and molecular bases of neurochemical signaling and its modulation, mechanisms of action of pharmacological agents on neurotransmitter system dynamics, and foundations of behavioral pharmacology. Having covered these fundamentals, the course explores current topics, including cellular models of learning and memory, pharmacology of neurological diseases and their treatment, and drug abuse and dependence.

Prerequisite: PY202, or PY205 and PY299.

1 unit — Driscoll

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molecular biology (MB)

MB131 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology: Structures and functions of biomacromolecules, organelles, and cells and the flow of energy and information within and among them. Provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with emphasis on how to address questions experimentally. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 107, or AP/IB equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Degree requirement — Critical Perspectives: I, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Course, Gang, Hanson, Musick

MB201 Laboratory in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics: Laboratory techniques common in contemporary research in genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. Introduction to research ethics. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: MB131 or MB111; or consent of instructor.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: SA

1 unit — Dave, Gang, Hatton

MB231 Genetics: Nature, transmission and expression of hereditary information; lecture and discussion will include principles of molecular and transmission genetics with an emphasis on contemporary molecular genetic research.

Prerequisite: 1) Molecular Biology 201, and 2) Chemistry 108, or consent of instructor.

1 unit — Killian

MB301 Molecular Neurobiology: Special topics not offered on a regular basis. Lecture/discussion.

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 231.

1 unit — Course

MB315 Genomics: This course provides an introduction to how genome scale data are collected, analysed, and interpreted. A variety of applications for the use of genomic data are presented, and students have the opportunity to carry out a research project using bioinformatics and genomics methods for data analysis.

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 231 or Organismal Biology and Ecology 280.

1 unit — Hanson

MB325 Molecular and Cellular Immunology: Genetic, molecular, cellular, and developmental aspects of the immune system central to generation and regulation of immune responses. Through lecture, primary literature discussion, and case studies, this course explores individual components and complex interactions governing the mammalian immune system. Course emphasizes the experimental foundations and approaches of modern immunology.

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 231.

1 unit — Hatton

MB350 Biochemical Genetics: Special topics not offered on a regular basis. Laboratory intensive

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 231.

1 unit — Course

MB365 Laboratory in Genomics: This laboratory-intensive course provides a hands-on introduction to asking biological questions at the whole-genome level. Students gain experience preparing samples for high-throughput sequencing and analyzing the data.

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 231.

1 unit — Hanson

MB375 Laboratory in Advanced Cell Biology: Laboratory-intensive, inquiry-based course that focuses on techniques in cell biology, with an emphasis on understanding the cell biology. Modern molecular biology techniques may also be employed. Course emphasizes experimental design, techniques, data gathering, data analysis, and technical science writing. Techniques may include: mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, Western blotting, quantitative PCR (qPCR), microscopy, molecular cloning, RNA interference, proliferation assays, and cell-cycle analysis. Topics may include: cellular signaling, cellular metabolism, phenotypic analysis, analysis of gene expression.

Prerequisite: Molecular Biology 231.

1 unit — Hatton

MB415 Developmental Neurobiology: Contemporary approaches to the study of nervous system development with emphasis on molecular and genetic techniques. Topics include neural induction, neural stem cells, axon guidance, synapse formation, neuronal life and death, and other topics. Readings will be primary research articles with reviews and textbook chapters as background. Lecture/Discussion. (Not offered 2023-24).

Prerequisite: Any MB course at the 300-level OR Molecular Biology 231 Genetics AND Psychology 299 Neuroscience.

1 unit - Killian

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Chemistry (CH)

CH107 General Chemistry I: 107 emphasizes the basic principles of atomic structure, periodic properties, molecular structure and bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: consent of instructor or 2yrs HS Algebra & 1yr HS Chemistry. Meets CP:L and CP:Q or CLSA Requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Brasuel, Cardiello, Daugherty, Dyer, Gorensek-Benitez, Harris, Meyer

CH108 General Chemistry II: 108 emphasizes kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and solution chemistry of acid-base and redox reactions. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: CH107.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Bowman, Cardiello, Gorensek-Benitez, Harris

CH241 Analytical/Bioanalytical Chemistry: Quantitative and qualitative techniques applied to univariate analytical, bioanalytical and/or environmental problems. Basic techniques of separation, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry are introduced through studies of chemical speciation and the activity of chemicals in aqueous solution and guided projects tailored to students’ interest areas. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 108 and a 200 level science course.

Degree requirement — Critical Perspectives: I

1 unit — Brasuel

CH250 Structures of Organic Molecules: Basic concepts necessary for understanding chemical reactions. Nomenclature, structure, physical properties and spectroscopy of simple organic molecules. Fundamentals of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: CH108.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: I

1 unit — Dounay, Dyer, Grover, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH251 Reactions of Organic Molecules: Characteristic reactions of common organic functional groups. Mechanisms, rates and equilibria. The course depends heavily on concepts developed in 250. Laboratory included. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 250.

Degree requirement — Critical Perspectives: I

1 unit — Dounay, Harris, Kisunzu, Vaghoo

CH382 Biochemistry I: An introduction to modern biochemistry using fundamental chemical principles in the study of complex natural systems. Topics covered are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, bioenergetics, enzymology, and metabolism with an emphasis on interrelationships between metabolic pathways and regulation. Laboratory included. Limited to 16 students.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 251.

1 unit — Daugherty, Gorensek-Benitez, Grover

CH383 Biochemistry II: Study of nucleic acids organization and structure, DNA replication and transcription, RNA processing and protein biosynthesis, and the regulation of gene expression. A special emphasis on the use of the original literature. Laboratory included. Limited to 16 students.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 382.

1 unit — Grover

CH410 Medicinal Chemistry: An introduction to medicinal chemistry with a focus on current approaches toward the design of new drugs and optimization of their pharmacological, metabolic, and toxicological profiles. Principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and organic chemistry will be applied to the interpretation, analysis, and critique of recent primary medicinal chemistry literature. An overview of the drug discovery, development, and approval process will include case studies of recently approved drugs. 1 unit.

Prerequisite: CH382.& BioChemistry 382.

1 unit — Dounay

CH480 Protein Structure, Function and Disease: Focuses on selected metabolic diseases, and current health topics as related to protein structure and function. Special emphasis on the presentation of scientific literature related to current understanding of how protein structure impacts health. Laboratory included.

Prerequisite: Chemistry & Biochemistry 382.

1 unit — Daugherty

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Mathematics (MA)

MA125 Pre-Calculus & Calculus: Covers the same material as MA126 together with a review of selected content from algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and the study of functions. This course is recommended for students who want a more thorough review of precalculus material while studying Calculus 1. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: I, Critical Perspectives: Q

2 units — Garcia

MA126 Calculus 1: Introduction to calculus for functions of one variable. Focus is on the definition, methods, and applications of derivatives. Integrals are briefly introduced. Students normally begin the calculus sequence with this course if they have solid precalculus preparation and have not previously studied calculus. Students who need a thorough review of precalculus should take MA125 instead; students who have previously studied calculus should consider MA129 instead. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: I, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Agbanusi, Erickson, Moran, Price, Rennie

MA256 Mathematical Models in Biology: An introduction to selected quantitative models drawn from areas of biology such as ecology, genetics and physiology. For each model, the course includes an investigation of the mathematical methods, an evaluation of the model, and some elementary simulation techniques. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 126 & 1 college biology course.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: I, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Brown

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Computer science (CP)

CP115 Computational Thinking: Introduction to the encoding of information as data and the automation of quantitative reasoning with computer programs. This course covers the basics of the Python programming language with examples drawn from many fields (e.g. chemistry, biology, linguistics, art, music). This is the first course for those interested in computer science. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Ellsworth, Jackson, Koushik, Rennie

CP122 Computer Science I: Introduction to algorithms and data structures, and the design of computer programs using the programming language Java. This course requires some experience in programming. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Prerequisite: Computer Science 116 or consent of instructor.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Burge, Koushik

CP222 Computer Science II: Study of the design and implementation of computer programs in Java at the intermediate level with a focus on recursion and object-oriented programming. Exploration of the use of a variety of data structures including queues, stacks, trees, and graphs. Examination of algorithms for searching and sorting data. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement.

Prerequisite: Computer Science 122.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Ellsworth, Jackson

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Human Biology and Kinesiology (HK)

HK204 Introduction to Human Anatomy: A lecture and cadaver based laboratory course designed to help students gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of human anatomy. Include the examination of skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive structures. Does not involve dissection.

Prerequisite: 1 unit of Organismal Biology and Ecology 105, 106, or 107, or Molecular Biology 131, or Human Biology and Kinesiology 130, or Psychology 296 or 299, or consent of instructor. Sophomore Standing or higher.

1 unit — Miska

HK321 Human Physiology: Provides an integrative approach to understanding normal physiological relationships of major organ systems in the human body through lectures and laboratory experiences. Information is presented from the cellular to the organismal level. Designed to meet the needs of students interested in pre and allied health fields when taken in conjunction with HK204.

Prerequisite: Human Biology and Kinesiology 204.

1 unit — Murphy

HK354 Advanced Head and Neck Anatomy: A laboratory based human cadaver dissection course designed to help students gain an advanced understanding of the structures of the head and neck and to develop the skills of human cadaver dissection. (Not offered 2023-24).

Prerequisite: Human Biology and Kinesiology 204.

1 unit

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Physics (PH)

PC141 Physics for the Life Sciences l: This is the first block of a two-block sequence in introductory physics tailored to students majoring in one of the life sciences. This course covers mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluids. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 125 or 126.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Schumer, Witherspoon

PC142 Physics for the Life Sciences ll: This is the second block of a two-block sequence in introductory physics tailored to students majoring in one of the life sciences. This course covers electricity, magnetism, basic electrical circuits, waves, optics, and quantum physics Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 125 or Mathematics 126, and Physics 141 or Physics 241.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Cervantes, Schumer

PC241 Physics for the Physical Sciences l: Mechanics: This is the first block of a two-block sequence in introductory physics for students planning to major in the physical sciences or enter an engineering program. This course covers mechanics and thermodynamics. The course emphasizes mathematically rigorous problem solving. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 125 or 126.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Cervantes, Iuliano, Purdue, Witherspoon

PC242 Physics for the Physical Sciences ll: Electricity & Magnetism: This is the second block of a two-block sequence in introductory physics for students planning to major in the physical sciences or enter an engineering program. This course covers electricity & magnetism, waves, and optics. The course emphasizes mathematically rigorous problem solving. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: FRL requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: SA requirement.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 129 and Physics 241.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: FRL, Critical Learning: SA, Critical Perspectives: Lab, Critical Perspectives: Q

1 unit — Cervantes, Lang, Purdue

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Report an issue - Last updated: 09/08/2023