(Offered as NEUR 226 and PSYC 226.) An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system, this course will explore the neural bases of behavior at the cellular and systems levels. Basic topics in neurobiology, neuroanatomy and physiological psychology will be covered with an emphasis on understanding how neuroscientists approach the study of the nervous system. Three class hours and four hours of laboratory per week.
Requisite: PSYC 212 or BIOL 181 or 191. Limited to 36 students. Spring semester. Professors Turgeon and Graf.
2023-24: Not offeredResearch in an area relevant to neuroscience, under the direction of a faculty member, and preparation of a thesis based upon the research. Full course.
Fall and spring semesters. The Committee.
Other years: Offered in Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Fall 2024The general topic for this proseminar may change from year to year. In 2011-12 the course emphasized research and writing skills on topics related to behavioral neurobiological systems. Students explored recent research findings in areas pertaining to the role of hormones and/or neural circuits in several behavioral processes including but not limited to echolocation, mating, prey location, flight control, spatial navigation, song development in birds, mineral appetites, social functions, aggression, and learning in memory mechanisms in several species. Through instructor supervision, discussion, group presentations, and peer review, each student developed a specific research project that resulted in a 20-30 page review paper and a subsequent research proposal. Key goals of the course are to prepare juniors for a thesis research project and to provide a research-intensive experience for seniors who do not elect to conduct an honors thesis. This course will count as a Group A/List A elective course for the neuroscience major.
Limited to junior and senior Neuroscience majors or by permission of the instructor. Limited to 15 students. Omitted 2012-13. Professor Baird.
2023-24: Not offeredResearch in an area relevant to neuroscience, under the direction of a faculty member, and preparation of a thesis based upon the research. Full course fall semester. Double course spring semester.
Spring semester. The Committee.
Other years: Offered in Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2025