Neuroscience
Department Overview
Neuroscience is the scientific community’s effort to understand the mechanisms that give rise to thoughts, motives, and behavior. The central mechanism of behavior is the brain, and exploring it is a fascinating odyssey in natural science. Neuroscientists investigate the connections between events that occur at the subcellular level and the behavior of the whole organism. Addressing the fundamental questions of neuroscience requires the collaboration of specialists in diverse fields. Thus, although neuroscientists specialize in one particular discipline, they need to be cognizant of many related areas. The neuroscience major is cross-disciplinary and taught primarily by professors in the biology and psychology departments; however, students desiring to do advanced work may choose to work with faculty from a wide variety of departments.
As neuroscience majors, students will engage in broadly based study of the nervous system. This study will be multidisciplinary, integrating the perspectives of biology, psychology, and related sciences. Students will develop a foundation in concepts, issues, discoveries, and methodological approaches to the interdisciplinary endeavor of neuroscience. Students will discover how approaches from various neuroscience subdisciplines complement one another and how the findings can be integrated to provide a more global understanding of the functioning of the nervous system. Students will gather, analyze, and interpret scientific data and summarize and communicate empirical results; this process will enhance their familiarity and facility with scientific methodology. Students will develop their verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. Students may focus in a subfield of neuroscience and may conduct research with faculty members. Students will gain experience in integrating and synthesizing data, develop a broad background in the sciences and humanities, and acquire skills adaptable to a wide variety of areas and interests. The major will prepare students for career paths that include graduate school, the health professions, research, and clinical work.
Nu Rho Psi
Nu Rho Psi is the national honor society in neuroscience, founded in 2006 for the purpose of encouraging professional interest and excellence in scholarship in neuroscience. Eligibility requirements include declaration of a major in neuroscience, completion of at least three semesters of courses towards the neuroscience major, a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher in courses required for the neuroscience major, and a grade-point average of 3.4 in all college courses.
Director of the Neuroscience Program: Christopher Vecsey
Associate Director of the Neuroscience Program: Hassan Lopez
Associate Professor: Sarita Lagalwar, Christopher Vecsey
Visiting Assistant Professor: Tatiana Schnieder
Administrative Assistant: Carolyn Lundy
Affiliated Faculty
Biology: Jennifer Bonner, Jason Breves, David Domozych, Corey Freeman-Gallant, Bernard Possidente, Monica Raveret-Richter
Computer Science: Tom O’Connell
Mathematics: Lucy Oremland
Psychology: Denise Evert; Susan Kettering Williamson ’59 Chair in Neuroscience, Rebecca Johnson, Hassan Lopez, Dominique Vuvan
Neuroscience B.A.
To fulfill the major, students must complete the following:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| NS 101 | Introduction to Neuroscience | 4 |
| NS 201 | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | 4 |
| or NS 202 | Neurophysiology | |
| BI 107 | Molecular and Cellular Foundations of Life | 4 |
| BI 108 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| CH 125 | Principles of Chemistry | 4 |
| PS 202 | Statistics and Research Methods I | 4 |
| Advanced Research Methods Requirement | ||
| Select one class of the following: 1 | 4-5 | |
| Cannabis sativa | ||
| Research Methods 2: Intermediate Statistics | ||
| Research Methods 2: Physiological Psychology | ||
| Adv Sem Major Issues (when topic is appropriate for NS majors) | ||
| Research Methods 2: Psychology of Reading | ||
| Research Methods 2: Perception | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | ||
| Neurophysiology (when not taken as a core course) | ||
| Mapping the Cerebellum: Structure, Connectivity & Bioinformatics | ||
| Molecular Cell Biology | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Biological Electron Microscopy | ||
| Neurodevelopment | ||
| Biological Clocks | ||
| Topics in Biology with Lab (when topic is appropriate for NS majors) | ||
| Advanced Light Microscopy | ||
| Biochemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function with Lab | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| 100 and 200-Level Electives | ||
| Select any three courses of the following: | 9-13 | |
| Introduction to Computer Science I | ||
or CS 107 | An Introduction to Computer Science with Animations and 2D Games | |
or CS 209 | Data Structures and Mathematical Foundations | |
or CS 226 | Software Design | |
| Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (if either is not taken as Advanced Research Methods or as a core course) | ||
or NS 202 | Neurophysiology | |
| Topics in Neuroscience | ||
| Molecular Cell Biology | ||
| Comparative Vertebrate Physiology | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Hormones and Behavior | ||
| Clinical Psychopharmacology | ||
| Perception | ||
| Neuropsychology | ||
| Introduction to Cognitive Science | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Introductory Physics I with Laboratory: Forces and Energy | ||
| 300-Level Electives | ||
| Select any four courses of the following: | 12-17 | |
| From Molecules to Memory | ||
| Sleep: A Neurobiological Perspective | ||
| Advanced Topics in Neuroscience | ||
| Mapping the Cerebellum: Structure, Connectivity & Bioinformatics | ||
| Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease | ||
| Neurobiology of Disease | ||
| Biological Electron Microscopy | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Neurodevelopment | ||
| Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Biological Clocks | ||
| Human Genetics | ||
| Cannabis sativa | ||
| Topics in Biology with Lab (when topic is appropriate for NS majors) | ||
| Advanced Light Microscopy | ||
| Research Methods 2: Physiological Psychology | ||
| Research Methods 2: Psychology of Reading | ||
| Psycholinguistics | ||
| Research Methods 2: Perception | ||
| Music Cognition | ||
| Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience: Left Brain/Right Brain | ||
| Biochemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function with Lab | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Optional Independent Research Courses 2 | ||
| 200-Level Research | ||
| NS 275 | Introduction to Neuroscience Research | 1 |
| 300-Level Research | ||
| NS 371 | Research Experience in Neuroscience | 1-3 |
| NS 375H | Senior Research Project I (fall semester only) | 4 |
| NS 376 | Senior Research Project II | 4 |
| Total Hours | 59-71 | |
- 1
If a course is taken to satisfy the Advanced Research Methods requirement, it cannot also be used to fulfill one of the elective requirements listed below, or as a core course.
- 2
With approval of faculty member
Recommendations and Advice
Senior Coda
Students wishing to complete the Senior Coda requirement by enrolling in a Neuroscience course should take NS 377 Senior Coda in Neuroscience during the fall semester of their senior year.
Tutorial Project
Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in Introduction to Neuroscience Research (NS 275 Introduction to Neuroscience Research) and Research Experience in Neuroscience (NS 371 Research Experience in Neuroscience) prior to completion of the neuroscience major. These courses allow students to obtain valuable research experience by working directly with neuroscience faculty. Highly motivated students may wish to pursue a senior tutorial project (NS 376 Senior Research Project II), which is a yearlong, intensive research thesis conducted in collaboration with a neuroscience faculty member. Generally speaking, majors should consider taking NS 275 Introduction to Neuroscience Research in their sophomore and/or junior year, and NS 371 Research Experience in Neuroscience in their junior year as a prelude to senior research.
Advice on Choosing Electives
Students’ choices of electives (both within and beyond the requirements specified by the neuroscience major) may be guided by interests as well as professional goals. For example, in the core course Principles of Chemistry (CH 125 Principles of Chemistry), students are introduced to fundamental concepts of chemistry that are necessary for understanding basic mechanisms in the neurosciences; students wishing to deepen this understanding are encouraged to take additional courses in chemistry, including organic chemistry and biochemistry. Examples of projected paths through the major are intended as illustrations of groupings of electives informed by different kinds of interests and goals. For each illustration, suggestions are offered for electives within and beyond the major.
Core Courses
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the six lab-based core courses by the end of their sophomore year in preparation for their upper level courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NS 101 | Introduction to Neuroscience | 4 |
| NS 201 | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | 4 |
| BI 107 | Molecular and Cellular Foundations of Life | 4 |
| BI 108 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| CH 125 | Principles of Chemistry | 4 |
| PS 202 | Statistics and Research Methods I | 4 |
Projected Paths Through the Major
Path 1: A Biobehavioral Neuroscience Focus
Within Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Consider these electives: | ||
| BI 245 | Principles of Genetics | 4 |
| BI 316 | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| BI 341 | Neurodevelopment | 4 |
| BI 344 | Biological Clocks | 4 |
| PS 213 | Hormones and Behavior | 4 |
| PS 304 | Research Methods 2: Physiological Psychology | 4 |
| NS 304 | From Molecules to Memory | 3 |
| NS 305 | Sleep: A Neurobiological Perspective | 3 |
Beyond Major
Additional electives from psychology (e.g., PS 223 Evolutionary Psychology) and biology (e.g.,BI 302 Behavioral Ecology, BI 324 Evolution, BI 370 Computer Modeling of Biological Systems).
Path 2: A Cellular/Molecular Focus
Within Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Consider these electives: | ||
| BI 242 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
| BI 245 | Principles of Genetics | 4 |
| BI 247 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BI 342 | Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience | 3 |
| CH 221 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CH 341 | Biochemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function with Lab | 5 |
| NS 201 | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | 4 |
| NS 202 | Neurophysiology (when not taken as a core course) | 4 |
| or NS 201 | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | |
| NS 304 | From Molecules to Memory | 3 |
| NS 305 | Sleep: A Neurobiological Perspective | 3 |
| NS 314 | Mapping the Cerebellum: Structure, Connectivity & Bioinformatics | 3 |
| NS 315 | Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease | 3 |
| NS 316 | Neurobiology of Disease | 3 |
Beyond Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses from Biology | ||
| BI 360 | Genome Biology: Chromatin Structure, Function and Epigenetic Regulation | 3 |
| BI 363 | RNA Metabolism | 3 |
| Additional Courses from Chemistry | ||
| CH 222 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
Path 3: A Cognitive Neuroscience Focus
Within Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Consider these electives: | ||
| PS 231 | Neuropsychology | 4 |
| PS 225 | Perception | 3 |
| PS 314 | Research Methods 2: Psychology of Reading | 4 |
| PS 323 | Psycholinguistics | 4 |
| PS 341 | Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience: Left Brain/Right Brain | 3 |
| BI 245 | Principles of Genetics | 4 |
| CS 106 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| CS 107 | An Introduction to Computer Science with Animations and 2D Games | 4 |
| CS 209 | Data Structures and Mathematical Foundations | 4 |
| CS 226 | Software Design | 4 |
Beyond Major
Additional courses from computer science (e.g., CS 206 Introduction to Computer Science II).
Path 4: A Cognitive Science Focus
Within Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Consider these electives: | ||
| CS 106 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| PS 225 | Perception | 3 |
| PS 232 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | 3 |
Beyond Major
Additional courses from computer science (e.g., CS 206 Introduction to Computer Science II, CS 306 Computability, Complexity, and Heuristics) and philosophy (e.g., PH 241 Philosophy of Mind Mind, Thought, and Consciousness).
Path 5: A Health Professions Focus
Within Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Consider these electives: | ||
| CH 221 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CH 341 | Biochemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function with Lab | 5 |
| PS 231 | Neuropsychology | 4 |
| BI 242 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
| BI 244 | Comparative Vertebrate Physiology | 4 |
| BI 245 | Principles of Genetics | 4 |
| BI 247 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| NS 304 | From Molecules to Memory | 3 |
| NS 305 | Sleep: A Neurobiological Perspective | 3 |
| NS 315 | Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease | 3 |
| NS 316 | Neurobiology of Disease | 3 |
| PY 130 | Introductory Physics I with Laboratory: Forces and Energy | 4 |
Beyond Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses from Biology | ||
| BI 306 | Mammalian Physiology | 4 |
| Additional Courses from Chemistry | ||
| CH 222 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| Additional Courses from Physics | ||
| PY 140 | Introductory Physics II with Laboratory: Electrodynamics | 4 |
| Additional Courses from Calculus | ||
| MA 111 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MA 113 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional courses in sociology, anthropology, exercise science and English | ||
Notes:
- Those students interested in pre-med and other health professions should consult with the Health Professions Advisory Committee for guidance in selecting courses;
- None of the courses that count toward the major may be taken on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis.
Honors
To be eligible for honors in neuroscience, a student must meet the requisite grade-point average1 and complete two semesters of 300-level research related to neuroscience (summer research conducted either at Skidmore or at another institution will be considered). Students must also complete an honors application by the withdrawal deadline of the spring semester of the senior year. Within this application, students must briefly describe their research experiences and explain why these experiences should qualify them for honors in neuroscience.
- 1
Note: To be considered for honors, the College requires a GPA of 3.500 or higher for work in the major, and a GPA of 3.000 or higher based on all work taken at Skidmore.
Course Listing
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.
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| BI 107 | Mol Cell Found of Life | 4 |
| BI 108 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BI 242 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
| BI 244 | Comparative Vertebrate Physiology | 4 |
| BI 245 | Principles of Genetics | 4 |
| BI 247 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BI 251 | Topics in Biology | 3 |
| BI 252 | Topics in Biology with Lab | 4 |
| BI 311 | Biological Electron Microscopy | 4 |
| BI 316 | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| BI 341 | Neurodevelopment | 4 |
| BI 342 | Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience | 3 |
| BI 343 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BI 344 | Biological Clocks | 4 |
| BI 345 | Human Genetics | 4 |
| BI 346 | Cannabis sativa | 4 |
| BI 351 | Topics in Biology | 3 |
| BI 352 | Topics in Biology with Lab | 4 |
| BI 368 | Advanced Light Microscopy | 4 |
| Chemistry | ||
| CH 125 | Principles of Chemistry | 4 |
| CH 221 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CH 341 | Biochemistry: Macromolecular Structure and Function with Lab | 5 |
| Computer Science | ||
| CS 106 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 4 |
| CS 107 | An Introduction to Computer Science with Animations and 2D Games | 4 |
| CS 322 | Artificial Intelligence | 4 |
| Psychology | ||
| PS 202 | Statistics and Research Methods I | 4 |
| PS 218 | Cognition | 4 |
| PS 213 | Hormones and Behavior | 4 |
| PS 221 | Clinical Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PS 225 | Perception | 3 |
| PS 231 | Neuropsychology | 4 |
| PS 232 | Introduction to Cognitive Science | 3 |
| PS 233 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 4 |
| PS 303 | Research Methods 2: Intermediate Statistics | 4 |
| PS 304 | Research Methods 2: Physiological Psychology | 4 |
| PS 314 | Research Methods 2: Psychology of Reading | 4 |
| PS 323 | Psycholinguistics | 4 |
| PS 325 | Research Methods 2: Perception | 4 |
| PS 341 | Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience: Left Brain/Right Brain | 3 |
| PS 336 | Music Cognition | 4 |
| Physics | ||
| PY 130 | Introductory Physics I with Laboratory: Forces and Energy | 4 |