| NESC 101 |
| The Brain |
| Recent developments in neuroscience have revolutionized our views of familiar human experiences such as locomotion, substance abuse, mental illness, sleep, and memorization. Through highly enjoyable and selected readings, presentations by visiting faculty, demonstrations and other activities, we will explore the foundations of this field as well as recent discoveries. The overall objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of neuroscience, enabling them to make important decisions that may affect their lives. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 120 |
| Nervous Connections |
| Recent scientific research indicates that a worm has 302 neurons, snails have long-term memory, and elephants can hear through their feet. This course will draw on current research in neuroscience to explain why information about other animals is relevant to our lives. Selected readings, lectures and class discussions will provide a basic understanding of the human nervous system and how research on animal systems has yielded this knowledge. Laboratory exercises will introduce the students to nervous system anatomy and function through dissection and experimental techniques. A basic understanding of biology and chemistry will be helpful, but this course has no pre-requisites. The lab is mandatory. First-year students are given preference. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 201 |
| Principles of Neuroscience Laboratory |
A team-taught introductory course in neuroscience that will examine the neuron and its biological interactions in animal nervous systems. Topics will include the anatomy, development, chemistry, and physiology of nervous systems.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 183L or Permission of Instructor. |
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0.25 units, Laboratory
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| NESC 201 |
| Principles of Neuroscience |
A team-taught introductory course in neuroscience that will examine the neuron and its biological interactions in animal nervous systems. Topics will include the anatomy, development, chemistry, and physiology of nervous systems.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 183L or Permission of Instructor. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 202 |
| Clinical Neuroanatomy |
This course will cover basic clinical neuroanatomical structures. We will attend neuropathology rounds at Hartford Hospital and observe human brain dissections. We will also perform laboratory exercises such as dissecting sheep brains and performing computer neuroanatomy simulations. Structures will be discussed in terms of functions and neurological pathologies with appropriate readings. All students will create a brain atlas of their own.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 152 or 153. |
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0.50 units, Laboratory
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| NESC 262 |
| Introduction to Animal Behavior |
| This course will explore the subject of animal behavior from various perspectives: evolutionary biology, psychology and neuroscience. The ultimate and proximate mechanisms that influence animal behaviors will be demonstrated by looking at vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Particular attention will be given to the behavior of humans and other primates. Topics to be covered include learning and memory, predation and foraging behavior, mating behavior and parental care, sociality, communication, and aggression. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 301 |
| Introduction to Neuroscience Methodology |
| A laboratory course that will introduce the student to current methods and techniques used in neuroscience research. The course consists of three-week rotations in the laboratories of staff members. Among the topics to be covered will be radioligand binding assays, neurochemical assays, electrophysiology, psychobiological techniques, experiments in perception, and methods in cognitive science. This course is normally taken in the junior year. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 362 |
| Neuroethology |
This course will explore the control of animal behavior by the nervous system from an evolutionary perspective. Topics to be covered include motor control (orientation, navigation, pursuit and escape behavior), communication systems (mate searching, territoriality, and social interactions), resource location and ingestion, circadian and other rhythmic behaviors and learning and memory. Examples will be drawn from a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animals as appropriate to the topic. For select topics special attention will be paid to experimental design and data analysis. Text readings and selected primary research articles will guide discussion of each topic. In addition to exams and quizzes, students will write several short essays and one term paper during the course of the semester.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 152 or Biology 153 or Biology 182 or Biology 183 or Psychology 261. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 388 |
| Current Issues in Neuroscience |
This half-credit course considers current neuroscience research on topics ranging from clinical research to molecular biology. Students will attend presentations by neuroscience researchers and read and discuss pertinent research literature prior to each presentation. Some special scheduling arrangements will be necessary for activities outside of the regular class meeting time.
Prerequisite: Senior Neuroscience major or Permission of Instructor. |
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0.50 units, Lecture
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| NESC 399 |
| Independent Study |
| Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units min / 2.00 units max, Independent Study
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| NESC 399 |
| Open Semester |
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No Course Description Available.
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4.00 units, Independent Study
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| NESC 401 |
| Neurochemistry |
An interdisciplinary course investigating the chemical processes involved in central nervous system functioning and communication. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical aspects of synthesis, metabolism, and release of neurotransmitters. The role of neurochemistry in behavioral and neurological disease states will be evaluated. Current research topics in this area will also be presented.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Neuroscience 201, Chemistry 211, or permission of the instructor |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 402 |
| Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology |
An advanced study of individual cells and small networks of cells in the nervous system. Specific topics include the development of neurons and glia, the cellular physiology of communication in the nervous system, and characterization of molecules responsible for unique properties of neurons. These cellular and molecular processes will be examined through lectures, student-led presentations, and laboratory experiments.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in either Biology 153, Biology 183, or Biology 203. |
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1.00 units, Lecture
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| NESC 404 |
| Chemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases |
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No Course Description Available.
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1.00 units, Seminar
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| NESC 419 |
| Research in Neuroscience (Library) |
| Students will conduct library research projects under the direction of a faculty member. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study
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| NESC 425 |
| Research in Neuroscience (Laboratory) |
| Students will conduct original laboratory research projects under the direction of an individual faculty member. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study
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| NESC 466 |
| Teaching Assistantship |
| Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study
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| NESC 490 |
| Research Assistantship |
| Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for enrollment. |
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0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study
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| NESC 497 |
| Senior Thesis |
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No Course Description Available.
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1.00 units, Independent Study
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| NESC 498 |
| Senior Thesis Part 1 |
| Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for each semester of this yearlong thesis. (2 course credits are considered pending in the first semester; 2 course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester) |
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2.00 units, Independent Study
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| NESC 499 |
| Senior Thesis Part 2 |
| Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar's Office, and the approval of the instructor are required for each semester of this yearlong thesis. The research culminates in a thesis, an oral presentation, and a poster at the undergraduate Science Symposium. (2 course credits are considered pending in the first semester; 2 course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester) |
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2.00 units, Independent Study
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