This course provides students with an opportunity to delve into specialized topics in contemporary neuroscience. Instruction will utilize a variety of techniques intended to immerse students in the field including primary literature. Topics will vary with potential topics ranging from cellular to systems level topics. Topics will be based on interest and current understanding and provided in advance of registration. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 261.
Fundamental Neuroscience explores central concepts of neural structure and function with an emphasis on how mammalian nervous systems receive, process, and output information Content coverage includes neurophysiology, synaptic communication, brain development, sensation and perception, learning and memory, and more. Concepts are related to normal and abnormal human behavior. Prerequisites: four credits of BIOL numbered 200 or higher, four credits of CHEM. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher.
Students in Behavioral Neuroscience explore a variety of advanced issues in biopsychology related to both normal and abnormal expressions of behavior through current primary scientific literature. In this seminar-style course, each student works with the instructor to select an appropriate topic of interest and leads the class discussion on this topic and corresponding journal article(s). Example general topic areas include neuroenhancement, neurotoxiclogy, and CNS disorders. Prerequisite: 261 or BIOL 353 or PSYC 261. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher.
Advanced non-classroom experiences in the field of neuroscience. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to occurance, and learning contracts must be submitted before the end of the first week of the semester. See the experiential learning: internship section of this catalog for more details. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. Graded CR/NC.
Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a biology faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.
A student-driven research experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Research contracts will be required for everyone who registers, with fewer or additional credits given depending on the approved project and time commitment. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. Prerequisite: grade of C or higher in BIOL/CHEM 397. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of six credits.
This one credit course serves as a capstone for the neuroscience major. In this course students will complete a portfolio that documents their progress, projects, and future goals relative to biopsychology. Ethical issues in the field of biopsychology will be discussed. In addition, students will also deliver a presentation to faculty and peers focusing on a specific topic that demonstrates proficiency in an area of biopsychology. Students will also discuss their future career plans and outline the steps required to achieve these goals. Prerequisite: 498 or BIOL 489 or 498.
Three hours lecture/two hours lab per week. A survey course covering the earths position in the universe, the structure of the earth, and the processes that form and shape the earths surface. Topics include solar system astronomy, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion, and the structure and circulation of the oceans and atmosphere. NS
One hour of lecture and discussion per week. This course will focus on the effective dissemination of research results including completion of a formal written research paper and oral presentation. Offered each spring. Prerequisite: 489 or 498. Restricted to students with senior standing.
Three hours lecture/two hours lab per week. Introduction to basic characteristics of ecosystems and an exploration of how they are affected by the technological and social environments inwhich humans live.