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. Only first-year students are eligible to enroll in this class.

1.00 units, Lecture

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.

1.25 units, Laboratory

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 152L and Biology 153L, or Biology 203L or Permission of Instructor.

1.00 units, Lecture

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.

0.50 units, Laboratory

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.

1.00 units, Lecture

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.

1.00 units, Lecture

NESC 302

Neurosci: Adv Psychobiol

A selective exploration of dynamic biological and psychological interactive mechanisms of various behaviors. Specifically, the course will focus on the functional outcome of the asymmetrical brain; a multilevel analysis, from molecules to minds, of learning and memory; the study of emotions and the interaction between stress and health as studied in psychoneuroimmunology. Prerequisite: Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201. Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201.

1.00 units, Lecture

PSYC 302

Neurosci: Adv Psychobiol

A selective exploration of dynamic biological and psychological interactive mechanisms of various behaviors. Specifically, the course will focus on the functional outcome of the asymmetrical brain; a multilevel analysis, from molecules to minds, of learning and memory; the study of emotions and the interaction between stress and health as studied in psychoneuroimmunology. Prerequisite: Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201. Prerequisite: C- or better in Psychology 261 or Neuroscience 201.

1.00 units, Lecture

NESC 311

Fundamental Neuroanatomy

The brain is the one organ in our body that controls nearly everything we do - how we think, feel, learn, perceive the world around us, form beliefs, prejudices, fall in love, form noble ideas, etc. To know how the brain participates in these various functions it is necessary to know how the brain is constructed. This course will examine the basic organization of the human brain as a model of the structure of a vertebrate brain. It will provide a good foundation for functional and comparative studies of the brain offered in other courses in biology, neuroscience and psychology. The principal mode of instruction will be through lectures supplemented with computer-based materials, videotapes and models of the brain. The associated laboratory will offer the opportunity of examining whole and dissected human brains, along with histological preparations of important brain regions. Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology 152 or 153.

1.00 units min / 1.25 units max, Lecture

NESC 330

Advanced Neurophysiology

This course introduces neural systems, from simple pathways to more complex, three dimensional mammalian neuronal networks. Much of the course builds upon the basic principles of neurophysiology, and incorporates concepts such as synaptic organization, chemical coding of neurons, neuronal development and migration, as well as neuronal disorders. Select regions of both the central nervous aystem and the autonomic nervous system will be covered in detail. The goal is to review some basic principles in neurobiology and from there, advance to higher and higher levels of neuronal organization, within both invertebrate and vertebrate animal models. Finally, current understanding of human neuropathology will be introduced, in through various examples, among them depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, the current treatment options available, and how they work. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in either Neuroscience 201 or Biology 182

1.00 units, Lecture

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: Neuroscience major or Permission of Instructor.

0.50 units, Lecture

NESC 399

Independent Study

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 2.00 units max, Independent Study

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

1.00 units, Lecture

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: Open only Juniors and Seniors who have earned a C- or better Biology 153L or Biology 203L.

1.00 units min / 1.25 units max, Lecture

NESC 404

Chemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Seminar

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 and director are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

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 and director are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

NESC 466

Teaching Assistantship

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

NESC 490

Research Assistantship

Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment.

0.50 units min / 1.00 units max, Independent Study

NESC 497

Senior Thesis

No Course Description Available.

1.00 units, Independent Study

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 and director 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)

2.00 units, Independent Study

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 and director 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)

2.00 units, Independent Study