Cognitive Neuroscience

080.203 Cognitive Neuroscience

Co-listed as 050.203 Exploring the Living Brain

 

Core course. This course surveys theory and research concerning how mental processes are carried out by the human brain. Currently, a wide range of methods for probing the functioning brain is yielding insights into the nature of the relation between mental and neural events. Emphasis will be placed in developing an understanding of both the physiological basis of the techniques and the issues involved in relating measures of brain activity to cognitive functioning. Methods surveyed include: electrophysiological recording techniques such as EEG, VEP, ERP, single/multiple unit recording and MEG; functional imaging techniques such as PET and fMRI; methods that involve lessoning or disrupting neural activity such as WADA, cortical stimulation, animal lesion studies and the study of brain-damaged individuals. (Rapp) 3 credits

Neuroscience Lab

080.250 Neuroscience Lab: A Practical Approach

 

Core course. This course will give students the "hands-on" experience of the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience. Students will use anatomical and neurophysiological techniques to understand the basic underlying principles of neuroscience. (Gorman/Fortune) 3 credits

The Nervous System I and II

080.305 The Nervous System I (N)

080.306 The Nervous System II (N)

Co-listed with Biology

Core courses: use the functional organization of the somatosensory system as a means to examine mechanisms of neutral development. Generation and maturation of neurons, guidance of axons, formation of synapses and the regressive events that shape the adult nervous system will be examined. At the same time we will explore the structure and function of brain regions that allow us to feel pain and temperature, detect vibration, recognize shape and perceive where we are in space. Finally, the single-neuron events that lead to adaptive changes in function will be explored in the context of central nervous system control of movement and of higher order functions of speech and memory. Prerequisite: 080.305 (Hendry) 3 credits

 

Communication Between Cells: The Synapse as a Model System

080.310 Communication between Cells (CM)

Co-listed with Biology

 

An upper level course. All cells inform neighbors of their own activities. That act of communication frequently requires the formation of cell junctions across which information can pass. One of the best studied of the means of communication between cells is the synapse between neurons. This course examines the synapse in depth. both as a means to look at the nature of neuronal comunication and as a model for communication across cells of all types. Lectures on the physiology, structure, biochemistry and cell biology of synapses will be used as an introduction to the function of synapses in learning and memory and the effect on synapses of drugs and disease. Prerequisites: 020.305 & 020.306 or 080.304).

(Kirkwood) 3 credits

Brain Injury and Recovery of Function

080.330 Brain Injury and Recovery of Function (ST & SC)

 

An upper level course. This course investigates numerous types of brain injuries and explores the responses of the nervous system to these injuries. The course's primary focus is the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain injury and the recovery of function. Discussions of traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal chord injuries and tumors, using historical and recent journal articles, will facilitate students' understanding of the current state of the brain injury field. (Gorman) 3 credits

Neuroscience of Pain

080.335 Neuroscience of Pain (ST)

 

An upper level course. This course will focus on the neurobiological mechanisms and psychological aspects of pain. Experimental (animal and human) and clinical models and methods will be discussed throughout. Prerequisite: 080.205 or 200.141 (Haythornthwaite) 3 credits

Neuroplasticity

080.340 Neuroplasticity (ST & CM)

 

An upper level course. This course will investigate mechanisms associated with changes that occur within the nervous system. We will use journal articles to discuss current issues related to developmental, adaptive, and restorative neuroplasticity. Prerequisite: 080.205 or 200.141 (Gorman) 3 credits

Primate Brain Function

080.352 Primate Brain Function (ST)

Cross-listed with the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

 

An upper level course. Neuroscience is approaching the time when it can offer a compelling explanation for how the brain works. This course takes advantage of work done in humans and non-human primates to survey concepts in sensory perception, motor command, and memory mechanisms. Lectures are given by faculty whose research explores these issues. Each subject is explored as a three-lecture sequence:

  1. A background lecture that lays out the general principles and overriding questions of the field;
  2. An in-depth lecture that covers the most recent scientific literature; and
  3. A summary lecture that brings together the major questions and their resolution. Prerequisite: 080.205 or 080.305.

Limit 35 (Hendry) 3 credits

Visual System

080.355 Visual System (ST)

Cross-listed with the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Prereq: 080.305 Nervous System I or Systems NS or Cell Biology or Physiological Foundations or Intro to the Human Brain

 

From outer segments of photoreceptors to the Fusiform Face Area of the cerebral cortex we have come to understand how the visual system works at each of many fundamental levels.  This course examines the basis for perception of visible objects at each of these levels.  We will use the secondary literature (scientific reviews) to accent the hard-won truths about visual system functional organization and to highlight ongoing controversies.  Students will be lead through carefully chosen reviews in a series of lectures and written summaries prepared by faculty.  Three exams and a final exam will test students not on their memorization of minutiae but on their understanding of fundamental principles. 

 

Limit 100 (Hendry) 3 credits