Neuroscience Minor

NEUR 2500 - Introduction to Neuroscience (4 credits)

This course highlights the biological structures and functions of the brain and nervous system and introduces the fundamental concepts in neuroscience and research methods used by behavioral neuroscientists. Concepts range from cellular to behavioral aspects of neuroscience. 

NEUR 2600 - Introduction to Neuroanatomy (3 credits)

This course will introduce students to structural, functional, and developmental features of the human nervous system. After each major structure, system, or anatomical pathway is presented, a clinical component will emphasize normal function and dysfunction resulting from injury or disease. Clinical cases will be presented to reinforce the relationship between structure and function. Prerequisite: NEUR 2500. 

NEUR 3000 - Behavioral Genetics (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of the role of genes in animal (primarily human) behavior. Topics covered include population genetics and quantitative genetics of behavior, the molecular biology of gene discovery, and the evolution of behavioral traits. Methods and research techniques in behavioral genetics will also be covered ranging from twin and adoption studies to molecular techniques. Prerequisite: NEUR 2500. 

Select 2 credits from the following courses:

NEUR 1020 - Nutritional Neuroscience 

Nutritional neuroscience explores the relationship of nutrition to behavior and neuroscience. This class covers the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on brain function and behavior. It specifically explores the role of foods, specific nutrients, food constituents, and food additives on cognitive behavior, mood, and overall brain function. Frequency: Every Fall and Winter. 

NEUR 2090 - Sports Neuroscience

This course integrates the fields of neuroscience with exercise and sports science. The course will explore the neuroscience of exercise and performance, including measures of motor and sensory systems (e.g., afferent and efferent motor pathways) and brain function (e.g., motivation, behavior, and arousal) as it applies to exercise. This course includes an analysis of the neurobiology underlying exercise and sports performance. Equivalent Course: EXSC-2090. Crosslisted with EXSC-2090. Frequency: Every Fall and Winter.

NEUR 2700 - Research Methods and Data Analysis in Behavioral Neuroscience/Lab (4 credits)

This course will introduce students to a wide range of research strategies and methods being used by behavioral neuroscientists. The course will focus on modern, common techniques used in hypothesis-driven research to collect scientifically relevant and publishable data. Examples from various areas of inquiry (e.g., learning and memory, sleep, etc.) will be used to illustrate both applications and limitations of these techniques. Prerequisite: NEUR 2500 Experiential Education and Learning (ExEL): Successful completion of this course satisfies 1 ExEL unit. Frequency: Every Winter and Fall. Prerequisite: NEUR 2500. 

NEUR 3010 - Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience

This course will develop theoretical and computational approaches to structural and functional organization in the brain. The course will cover the introduction and motivation of simplified models of neurons that are suitable for exploring information processing in large brain-like networks. Additionally, it introduces several fundamental network architectures and discusses their relevance for information processing in the brain, giving some examples of models of higher-order cognitive functions to demonstrate the advanced insight that can be gained with such studies. The course will be appropriate for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. Prerequisites: MATH2100 or MATH2100H. Frequency: Infrequent.

NEUR 3100 - Developmental Neuroscience 

This course provides an overview of the progressive stages of neural development. The course will focus on molecular aspects of developmental neuroscience, with an emphasis on known signaling pathways involved in neural growth and specification. Current research in several fields such as growth cone guidance and collapse, activity dependent development, and applications of these to injury and disease will be discussed. Prerequisite: NEUR 2500 Frequency: Every Fall and Winter.

NEUR 3200 - Drugs and the Brain

This course provides a foundation in neuropharmacology. Topics covered include the impact of psychotropic drugs on the nervous system, basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, synaptic transmission, and an overview of brain structure and function. Prerequisite: NEUR 2500 Frequency: Odd Year Winter.

NEUR 4100 - Neurobiology of Disease

This course is based on the National Institutes of Health Blueprint for Course Development in the Neurobiology of Disease. This course provides a lecture and literature based overview of neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. The course will focus on basic genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. The course is designed to foster an understanding of the links between basic science, disease-oriented research, and translational research. The course offers a foundation of knowledge in critical areas of basic and clinical neuroscience. Prerequisites: NEUR 2500. Frequency: Every Winter.