NEUR 101     Introduction to Neuroscience  (4)

This course provides an introduction to the mammalian nervous system. Content focuses on the structure and function of the brain, and explores methods used by neuroscientists. Sensory systems, control of movement, learning and memory, and diseases of the brain may be discussed.

NEUR 225     Cognitive Neuroscience  (4)

An introductory course on the neural bases of higher cognitive processes including perception, action, attention, memory, language, socio-emotional functions, executive functions and consciousness. Also discussed are the mind-body problem and other current theories and conceptual approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101 or NEUR 101.

NEUR 254     Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience  (4)

An introduction to the field of behavioral neuroscience. The course begins with an overview of the basics of brain anatomy, brain organization, and neuronal signaling. The remainder of the course focuses on specific topics that are commonly studied by neuroscientists. Such topics include the brain basis of memory, emotion, aging, and sleep. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101 or NEUR 101.

NEUR 355     Affective Neuroscience (Lab)  (4)

This course covers the systems-level neural and behavioral bases of human and animal emotion. Students discuss readings paramount to understanding how we perceive motivationally significant information and stimuli and experience, express, and regulate our emotions. The course explores basic theories of emotion, automatic processes, emotion regulation, rewards, social relationships, decision-making, learning and memory, stress, and psychopathology (e.g., depression, anxiety, and personality disorders). Students design and conduct experiments using cognitive neuroscience methodology related to affective processing or emotion regulation, analyze the data, and write detailed laboratory reports. Prerequisite: PSYC 251 and (NEUR 225 or NEUR 254 or PSYC 225 or PSYC 254).

NEUR 359     Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (Lab)  (4)

An examination of how brain function affects behavior. The course is an extension of NEUR 254 and includes an advanced examination of brain organization, neuronal signaling, and specific topics that are studied by neuroscientists. Such topics include the brain bases of fear, pain, eating, sexuality, and stress. This class also examines methods used to study behavioral neuroscience in humans and animals. The course includes a laboratory with a brain dissection and focus on designing and conducting studies to answer empirical questions about behavioral neuroscience. Prerequisite: PSYC 251 and (NEUR 254 or PSYC 254).