Course Catalog 2007-2008
Associate Professor of Psychology Susan Kennedy, Neuroscience Coordinator
Participating faculty: Frank Hassebrock (Psychology), Matthew Kretchmar (Computer Science), Eric Liebl (Biology), Nestor Matthews (Psychology), Kristina Mead (Biology)
Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, unique in its quest to understand not only the biology and chemistry of the brain and nervous system, but also to understand how chemical and cellular functions relate to how organisms think and behave. Thus, neuroscience is founded on the tenet that an understanding of the brain and nervous system is only possible when approached from a perspective that integrates biological, chemical and psychological phenomena.
The Neuroscience Concentration at Denison is designed to offer students an interdisciplinary perspective on the nervous system and behavior, and to provide science students with the opportunity to obtain a diverse focus that both compliments and broadens the more narrowly-defined major.
A) Courses required of all students (12 semester hours; NEUR 200, NEUR 400, PSYC 350)
In addition to the three courses required of all students, students concentrating in Neuroscience must also complete basic science courses, as well as a number of advanced courses. Typically, the specific courses selected from the basic and advanced courses will be at least partially determined by the major toward which the student is working.
B) Basic Science Courses (8 semester hours; 2 courses must be taken from the same discipline); BIOL 150 and BIOL 201; CHEM 121 and CHEM 122
C) Advanced Courses (16 semester hours minimum; any 4 courses; providing prerequisites have been satisfied). Electives include BIOL 324, BIOL 325, BIOL 334, BIOL 340, BIOL 341, BIOL 380; CHEM 223, CHEM 224, CHEM 302, CHEM 401; PSYC 305, PSYC 310, PSYC 330, PSYC 340; PHIL 280
Introduction to Neuroscience (NEUR-200). A survey of the interdisciplinary field of Neuroscience, covering the "basics" of Neuroscience. Beginning with an overview of the philosophy of Neuroscience, the course examines the historical roots of the field, the evolution of Neuroscience as a discipline, and the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives in Neuroscience. Cellular function (neurophysiology) is then examined, including characteristics of the neuron "at rest" and when "activated". ionic movements into and out of the neuron, refractory periods and ion transport mechanisms. The course then presents neuropharmacology, including receptor subtypes, neurotransmitters (their synthesis and inactivation), post-synaptic potentials, and drugs that act as agonists or antagonists to alter/modify neuronal function. The general structure of the nervous system (neuroanatomy) is then covered, including an in-depth examination of the major nuclei, fiber tracts and "connections" in the brain. Spinal cord anatomy and peripheral nervous system anatomy is also presented. Prerequisites: for Biology majors, the Biology core is required; for Psychology majors, Psychology 100 is required and Biology 150 and 201 are recommended. (0ffered fall 2007) Kennedy. 4
Advanced Neuroscience (NEUR-400). A continuation of NEUR 200. Designed for juniors and seniors who are fulfilling the Neuroscience concentration. Course focuses on the more "molar" aspects of Neuroscience. Includes discussions of sensory and motor systems, hormonal control of behavior, neuropathology, and stress-illness relationships. Students will be expected to read and understand primary literature in areas listed above, and to present findings from literature to the class in either individual or small group oral presentations. Class also includes some guest speakers. Prerequisites: NEUR 200. (Offered spring 2008) Note: NEUR 400 does not fulfill the Psychology seminar requirement. Kennedy and participating Neuroscience faculty. 4