Neuroscience (NS)

An interdisciplinary examination of the neurobiological bases of behavior and mental processing. Topics include the structure and functioning of the nervous system, brain-behavior relationships, and hormonal and genetic effects on behavior and mental processing. Laboratories develop students' understanding of functional neuroanatomy, neural transmission, and human psychophysiology.

An examination of complex cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying all neural processes. Students will learn the fundamentals of neuronal cell and molecular signaling, and apply that knowledge to expand their understanding of higher order processes including plasticity, neuroregeneration, and neural development. In the laboratory students will learn to culture cells, detect cellular proteins through western blotting and immunocytochemistry, and design and implement an independent research plan.

An intermediate-level examination of  the nervous system from a biological perspective. "Neurophysiology" simply means the study of the function of neurons. Lectures will focus on the specialized electrical and chemical signaling that occurs within and between cells in the brain and explore the ways that those signals allow animals to perform behaviors ranging from the most simple (reflexes and rhythmic movements) to the most complex (learning to recognize an environment). Material will span the physics of electricity, genetics, biochemistry, animal and human behavior, and diseases of the nervous system. The lab focuses on neurophysiological approaches to studying the nervous system in invertebrate organisms such as fruit flies and crayfish.

An opportunity to study topics in neuroscience that are not offered on a regular basis. The specific topics will vary each time the course is taught.

An introductory exploration of conducting research in neuroscience. The purpose of this learning experience is to provide students with an interactive research experience in the laboratory or field, in coordination with a faculty member. Students may be exposed to, and participate in, several aspects of the research process, including planning, designing, and implementing the research, as well as in data analysis and interpretation of the results. This experience will allow students at various stages of their careers to sample research questions/methodologies in particular subdisciplines of neuroscience, and will enhance the student's ability for more independent work.

A study of selected areas of neuroscience research and techniques. Both primary source articles and first-person accounts by faculty in the biology and psychology departments are used to introduce the theoretical and practical aspects of neuroscience research. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the multiple levels (e.g., molecular to behavioral) at which research topics in neuroscience can be addressed and also the ways in which research techniques define the types of questions that can be asked at a given level of analysis.

An exploration of the current state of knowledge about the neurobiological basis of learning and memory.  Through a combination of lectures and discussions of primary literature, students will explore the molecular and cellular basis of learning in invertebrates and vertebrates from a neural perspective. 

An examination of the neurobiology of sleep, an evolutionarily conserved behavioral state in which we spend almost a third of our lives and yet about which we know sparingly little. Specifically, students will study the characteristics of sleep, mechanisms of sleep regulation, disorders that influence sleep, and the many possible functions of sleep. Subject matter will span molecular biology, genetics, animal and human behavior, and medicine.

Stockholm is the home to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded nearly annually since 1901 by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institutet. Nobel Prize-winning scientific discoveries include the Neuron Doctrine (1906), the discovery of insulin (1923), the molecular structure of DNA (1962), the discovery of nerve growth factor (1986), and most recently, the discovery of mRNA as an effective tool to create vaccines (2023). Without a doubt, the discoveries have revolutionized the field of medicine. Stockholm was also the childhood home to Alfred Nobel. Nobel’s early years were difficult, having grown up in poverty and losing several siblings to illness. How did he overcome an adverse childhood to become a very successful engineer and scientist? More prominently, what provoked Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, to create a new legacy for himself? In the on-campus component of the course, through books and peer-reviewed literature, discussions and talks, we will examine the history of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, the personal history of Alfred Nobel, and their home in Stockholm, Sweden. Additionally, students will read original papers on Nobel Prize winning science and present further on their favorite prize-winning scientific research. Moreover, we will learn about several controversies surrounding the Nobel Prize, including the gross lack of diversity and representation among awardees. To further inform this discussion, the class will examine the systemic issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM as a discipline. The travel component of the course, in Stockholm, will illuminate the material covered in the on-campus course. We will engage in the city of Stockholm by visiting historically and scientifically-significant sights around the city. We will visit the Nobel Prize museum for a private tour and talks by the curators. And we will visit Karolinska to hear about the life, careers and research of a diverse array of scientists in the fields of endocrinology, metabolism, neuroscience, mental health, immunology, inflammation, microbiology, developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Lastly, we will tour their research labs and meet with current graduate students. Assignments in the travel component include written and oral reflections on the history of the prize, inequities in prize winners, and the Karolinska talks.

A critical examination of fundamental areas of controversy in current theories, research findings, and applications of neuroscience with a psychological focus.  Topics might include sensory processing, neurodegeneration, neuropharmacology, brain imaging, and brain plasticity. 

Advanced study of the cerebellum at the behavioral, cellular, molecular and genetic levels. Students will map the cerebellum through anatomy and histology, investigate cerebellar behavior in humans and mice, analyze the cellular and molecular pathways that underlie cerebellar learning, examine the effects of cerebellar disease and examine the genetic networks of cerebellar neurons via bioinformatics.

In this course, through readings, discussions, and experimental proposal work, we will discuss the past, present and future of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. Over half of the American population has been touched by AD either through a friend/family member/coworker, or due to having the disease themselves. The prevalence of AD has increased rapidly in all parts of the world, due to increased diagnoses and longer lifespans. The last four decades of cell and molecular research in the AD field have yielded a wealth of information on disease pathology and progression, genetic involvement, environmental contributors, and biochemical changes. However, safe yet potent therapies remain elusive.

Exploration of multiple brain diseases and common modes of pathogenesis. Classes will include instructor-driven lecture, class discussions and student-led discussion and presentations. Students will help select the diseases and underlying mechanisms studied in the course. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore research on a disease of their choice in detail through the eyes of a renowned scientist in the field.

Directed study providing students with the opportunity for an intensive research experience in a particular laboratory or field setting. The emphasis is on the further development of students' research skills within a particular area of neuroscience inquiry. Each student will work with an individual faculty member on various aspects of the research process, including the design and implementation of a research project, data analyses and interpretation, and scientific writing.

The first semester of a yearlong research project or thesis to be followed by NS 376 in the following semester. Students will work with an individual faculty member to develop a major research project, including conceptualization of a topic, review of the scientific literature, learning of any necessary research techniques, execution of any preliminary research, and submission of a research proposal to the faculty supervisor. 

The second semester of a yearlong research project (thesis). The student will work with an individual faculty member to complete a major research project, and be required to submit a final project. 

Provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their liberal arts education and to prepare them for their future careers. The seminar will meet weekly and will consist of networking with alumni, professional development, post-graduation planning and a reflection of their college experience. The course will also allow neuroscience students to engage with and learn from each other. Must be taken in the senior year.