Neuroscience

NRSC 2345. Introduction to Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to neuroscientific principles. Emphasis will be placed upon neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological components of the nervous system.

NRSC 3300. Neuroscience Laboratory Methods. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students will explore laboratory methods in varied approaches of neuroscience research. Students will review the principles of neuroscientific approaches and learn experimental techniques, with an emphasis on electrophysiology.

NRSC 3310. Origins of Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A survey of historical literature and major findings in the field of neuroscience from ancient times to the present. A review of the contributions of the pioneers of the nervous system.

NRSC 3320. Professional Development in Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A focus on professional development for students obtaining a degree in neuroscience. A survey of the essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful transition to a professional career including networking, career paths, job search strategies, research funding/grant writing, professionalism and ethics, and collaboration.

NRSC 3332. Neuropharmacology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the neuroscientific basis of the effect of drugs on the nervous system. Emphasis will be placed on the neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms of action, especially effects on synaptic transmission.

NRSC 3340. Statistics in Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The foundations of statistical methods as they apply to the field of neuroscience. Learners will be equipped with knowledge to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics and will be introduced to commonly used software packages. Students will be asked to critically evaluate existing neuroscience findings with an emphasis placed on techniques widely used in neuroscience. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345.

NRSC 3350. Functional Neuroanatomy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An in-depth exploration of the structure and function of the nervous system with an emphasis placed on the complex relationships between neural structures and their associated functions. Cutting-edge research in functional neuroanatomy will be explored. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345.

NRSC 3360. Neurophysiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the electrical and biochemical processes that underlie the function of the nervous system, including an in-depth understanding of the principles governing the generation and transmission of neural signals from the level of the membrane, circuit, sensory and motor systems, and macro levels of the nervous system. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345.

NRSC 4303. Neuroethology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An exploration of the intricate intersection of neuroscience and behavior, focusing on the study of animal behaviors in the context of their neural underpinnings. Includes a review of the principles and methods used in investigating the neural mechanisms that drive animal behavior in their natural and laboratory environments. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345 and Junior standing.

NRSC 4305. Neuromechanics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores the intricate interplay between the nervous system and mechanical aspects of movement, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the principles governing the integration of neural control and biomechanics. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will delve into the complex relationship between neural processes and mechanical forces that govern human and animal movement. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345 and Junior standing.

NRSC 4312. Behavioral Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the biological basis of behavior. Includes an in-depth examination of the physical structure of the human body and the role of chemical and electrical operations within it and how it influences behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the developmental, cognitive, affective and behavioral effects of such operations. Recent research will also be reviewed. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345 and Junior standing.

NRSC 4320. Neuroscience of Pain. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of dolorology and the neuroscientific basis of pain. Emphasis will be placed on pain processing in the nervous system, pain behaviors, mechanisms, and psychological implications. Historical and contemporary theories and research are investigated and examined. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

NRSC 4330. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the intricate world of cellular and molecular neuroscience, with a focus on the fundamental principles governing the structure and function of the nervous system at the cellular and molecular levels, including the anatomy and functions of neurons, synapses, and the intricate signaling pathways that underlie complex brain functions. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345 and junior standing.

NRSC 4350. Research Methods in Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A comprehensive exploration of research design principles, emphasizing the development of clear research questions and hypotheses in the field of neuroscience, including in-depth discussion of experimental methodologies, including behavioral assays, neuroimaging techniques, and molecular approaches. Prerequisite: NRSC 2345 and Junior standing.

NRSC 4380. Research Hours in Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent research study hours under the supervision of a faculty mentor in a neuroscience research laboratory.

NRSC 4390. Topics in Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides a dynamic exploration of cutting-edge research and emerging themes within the evolving field of neuroscience. Students will delve into specialized topics, deepen their understanding of current research, and foster their ability to synthesize information from diverse neuroscience subfields.

NRSC 5306. Behavioral Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the neuroscientific basis of behavior, and provides an advanced appraisal of the in-depth mechanisms of the nervous system. Students will examine the role of chemical and electrical operations within the nervous system and how it influences behavior. Topics will include the neural basis (chemical, electrical, and mechanistic) of behavior and cognition, and processes such as somatosensation, motor processing, perception, reward, nociception, learning and memory, and neurological disorders. Methods of research in behavioral neuroscience and experimental paradigms will also be explored. Course credit will not be awarded for both NRSC 5306 and NRSC 6306 Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

NRSC 5315. Physiological Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the inter-disciplinary knowledge of the advanced structure and function of physiological systems that underlie psychological processes. Includes an exploration of the physiology of psychological processes, behavior and cognition including focus on somatosensation, motor processing, perception, reward and psychopharmacology, nociception, learning and memory, and neurological disorders. Methods of research and experimental paradigms in physiological psychology will also be explored. Course credit will not be awarded for both NRSC 5315 and NRSC 6315. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

NRSC 6306. Behavioral Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the neuroscientific basis of behavior, and provides an advanced appraisal of the in-depth mechanisms of the nervous system. Students will examine the role of chemical and electrical operations within the nervous system and how it influences behavior. Topics will include the neural basis (chemical, electrical, and mechanistic) of behavior and cognition, and processes such as somatosensation, motor processing, perception, reward, nociception, learning and memory, and neurological disorders. Methods of research in behavioral neuroscience and experimental paradigms will also be explored. Course credit will not be awarded for both NRSC 5306 and NRSC 6306. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

NRSC 6312. Neuropharmacology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An advanced exploration of the neural mechanisms of the effects of drugs on the nervous system. Modules will include the neuroscientific knowledge of drug abuse, addiction, specific drugs (such as opioids, antidepressants, and cocaine), drugs for psychological disorders, and neurological disorders. Methods of research in pharmacology will also be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms of action, especially effects on synaptic transmission. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

NRSC 6313. Animal Behavior. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explores the knowledge of animal behavior from a neuroscientific perspective. Students will examine the principles of animal behavior, behavioral endocrinology, learning, cultural transmission, selection (artificial, natural, and sexual), mating, kinship, foraging, cooperation, antipredator behaviors, habitat selection, aggression, and genetics. Students will curate a curiosity of the natural world using a scientific lens. Methods of research in animal behavior will also be explored. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

NRSC 6315. Physiological Psychology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the inter-disciplinary knowledge of the advanced structure and function of physiological systems that underlie psychological processes. Includes an exploration of the physiology of psychological processes, behavior and cognition including focus on somatosensation, motor processing, perception, reward and psychopharmacology, nociception, learning and memory, and neurological disorders. Methods of research and experimental paradigms in physiological psychology will also be explored. Course credit will not be awarded for both NRSC 5315 and NRSC 6315. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

NRSC 6390. Topics in Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Surveys the inter-disciplinary knowledge of an advanced topic in neuroscience. Develops knowledge of foundational theories, issues, historical research findings, and contemporary directions in fundamental areas of neuroscience. Methods of research and experimental paradigms in neuroscience will also be explored. Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.