Neuroscience (NSC) Courses

NSC-204 Principles of Neuroscience

An introduction to the study of the nervous system, with a focus on basic anatomy and physiology. Students will learn about the basic organization of the nervous system, neurophysiology, sensory processing, movement, development, and neuroplasticity through a systems approach to brain function. Several laboratory experiences will be built into the course to reinforce the principles discussed in class. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Equated Courses: PSY-204

NSC-210 Intermediate Special Topics

Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's section information for descriptions of individual offerings, and applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

NSC-232 Sensation and Perception

This course explores our sensory systems: vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and perhaps other systems such as balance. We will study both the anatomy underlying these systems as well as perceptual phenomena. Mini-labs are interspersed throughout the course to experience these phenomena. We will also read and discuss primary research articles related to the topics covered in class. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: NSC-204, PSY-204, BIO-101 or BIO-111
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science, Global Citizenship, Justice, and Diversity
Equated Courses: PSY-232

NSC-233 Behavioral Neuroscience

An introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Examination of nervous system structure and function is followed by an examination of the neurophysiological foundations of motor ability, sexual behavior, ingestive behavior, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, reinforcement, and language. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-204, NSC-204, BIO-101, or BIO-111
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
Equated Courses: PSY-233

NSC-235 Cognitive Neuropsychology

This course examines deficits in human cognitive function resulting from brain damage. It draws on principles of neuroscience, psychology, and neurology for insights into how the brain mediates the ability to use and integrate capacities such as perception, language, actions, memory, and thought.
Prerequisites: PSY-101
Credit: 1
Distribution: Behavioral Science
Equated Courses: PSY-235

NSC-269 Topics in Metaphys and Epistemology

Seminar discussion of a topic or area in metaphysics or the theory of knowledge. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

NSC-287 Special Problems

Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's section information for descriptions of individual offerings, and applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

NSC-310 Special Topics

Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's section information for descriptions of individual offerings, and applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

NSC-332 Research in Sensation and Perception

In this course, students will conduct experiments involving at least two sensory systems, obtaining experience with psychophysical experimental methods. Students will write complete APA-style scientific papers for each experiment, including a clearly stated hypothesis, a brief literature review, a clear explanation of the methodology, application of the proper statistical techniques, an analysis of how the results supported or failed to support the hypothesis, and an abstract summarizing the experimental findings. This course is offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-232
Credits: 0.5
Distribution: Behavioral Science
Equated Courses: PSY-332

NSC-333 Research in Behavioral Neuroscience

Students in this course will become involved with research in an area of behavioral neuroscience. The topic covered will reflect contemporary research issues in the field and may differ in different years. Major course components will be discussion of primary literature in neuroscience and collaboration with the professor in conducting and writing up an experiment that is directed toward possible publication. Recent topics have focused on memory and drug addiction, and how neural recordings are used to understand how information is encoded by the brain. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: PSY-233 or BIO-112
Credits: 0.5

NSC-400 Senior Capstone

Students will enroll in the fall semester of the senior year and meet with the instructors approximately once every two weeks for journal article discussions focused on seminal publications in neuroscience.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0