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Neuroscience Courses

Upper Division Courses

BIO 367C: CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BASIS OF NEURAL DEVELOPMENT

An introduction to the principles by which the neural tube (brain and spinal cord) forms during embryonic development. Subjects include the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of a three-dimensional neural tube and its division into forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. 

BIO 371L: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY

Experimental approach to physiological mechanisms by which animals adapt to their environment. One lecture hour, four laboratory hours, and two hours of computer work a week for one semester.

NEU 330: NEURAL SYSTEMS I 

Introduction to the nervous system with an emphasis on brain organization, neuron physiology, perceptual systems, and motor systems. Intended for neuroscience majors and those considering neuroscience as a major. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

NEU 335: NEURAL SYSTEMS II

Introduction to the nervous system with an emphasis on neural development and on the neural mechanisms of memory, emotions, and other higher cognitive functions. Intended for neuroscience majors and those considering neuroscience as a major. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

NEU 365D: PRINCIPLES OF DRUG ACTION

Introduction to the basic principles of pharmacology; including how drugs get into the body, exert their actions, and are metabolized and excreted. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. 

NEU 365L: NEUROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

An introduction to physiological, morphological, and molecular techniques used for analysis of the nervous system. Experiments and computer simulations illustrate basics of information processing by the nervous system. Four laboratory hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. 

NEU 365T: NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE

The neurobiological basis of disorders of the brain, with the main focus on mental illness. Emphasizes the neural circuitries and neurochemical events that underlie specific mental processes and behaviors. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. 

NEU 365W: NEUROBIOLOGY OF ADDICTION

Study of the neurobiology of neurotransmitters, and the influence of alcohol and drugs of abuse on neurotransmitters. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. 

NEU 366C: ION CHANNELS & THE MOLECULAR PHYSICS OF NEURONAL SIGNALING

Explores the role of molecular conformational changes in higher-level neuronal function and sensory transduction, including the generation and regulation of diverse types of neuronal signaling characteristics. Emphasizes a quantitative approach and the use of models to study function. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

NEU 366D: SYNAPTIC PHYSIOLOGY & PLASTICITY

Detailed study of the physiology of synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Covers dendritic integration and various forms and mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

NEU 366E: VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE

Physiology of the visual pathway and its relationship to visual perception; prospects for prevention of blinding eye diseases; functional and ecological adaptations of primate vision. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations illustrate and extend lecture topics and include measurement of several aspects of students' own visual and sensorimotor function. One and one-half lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester.

NEU 366L: NEUROIMAGING LABORATORY

Basic principles of image formation and techniques of fluorescent imaging and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Includes image processing and analysis to extract quantitative information from digital images. Survey of imaging techniques, including electron microscopy and functional MRI. One lecture hour and four laboratory hours a week for one semester.

NEU 466M: QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN NEUROSCIENCE I

Overview of the basic mathematical and computational tools central to the analysis of neural systems in a laboratory setting. Subjects include linear algebra, differential equations, filtering, correlation, probability, and inference, with an emphasis on quantitative methodology and applications to neuroscience. Three lecture hours and one and one-half laboratory hours a week for one semester.

NEU 366N: QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN NEUROSCIENCE II

Continuation of Neuroscience 466M. Introduction to basic mathematical and computational tools for the analysis of neural systems. Subjects include computational and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on their applications to neuroscience. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour a week for one semester. 

NEU 366P: LABORATORY IN PSYCHOPHYSICS

Studies the principles of experimental design, execution, and interpretation by having students measure their own perceptual and behavioral responses to visual and auditory tests. Includes data analysis, statistical significance, and interpretation. Five laboratory hours a week for one semester.

NEU 366S: NEOROMOLECULAR GENETICS & DISEASE LAB

Explores techniques used to study the molecular genetic basis for nervous system function and disease with a powerful invertebrate model system. Subjects will range from studying the conserved molecular basis for our senses and male/female-specific behaviors, to exploring how mutations of conserved neural genes cause neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester. 

NEU 367F: FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN NEUROIMAGING

Survey of methods for neuroimaging research. Describes the physics of MRI image acquisition, the physiology of neural responses, and the design and analysis of MRI studies. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

NEU 367V: EVOLUTIONARY NEUROBIOLOGY

Examination of the nervous system in an evolutionary context. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.

NEU 379H: HONORS TUTORIAL COURSE

Restricted to students in the honors program in neuroscience. Original laboratory research project under the direction of a faculty mentor leading to a thesis or research presentation. The equivalent of one, two, or three lecture hours a week for one semester.

  • May be repeated for credit, but no more than six hours may be counted toward a degree in neuroscience.
  • Prerequisite: Consent of student's research supervisor and the departmental honors adviser.

NEU 466G: FUNCTIONAL & SYNAPTIC NEUROANATOMY

Neuroanatomy and functional connectivity as a basis for brain function and behavior examined from gross structure, cytology, and nanoscale synaptic connectivity in the somatosensory, motor, visual, auditory, olfactory, taste, limbic, vestibular, hypothalamus, and other symptoms. Examination of the synaptic basis of learning and memory, fear, sleep, stress, and synaptic changes during development, aging, mental retardation, and neurological diseases. Laboratory projects involve three-dimensional reconstructions from serial section electron microscopy. Three lecture hours and one and one half laboratory hours a week for one semester.