Course Catalog 2009-2010

Eric C. Liebl (Biology), Neuroscience Coordinator

Faculty: Frank Hassebrock (Psychology), Barbara Fultner (Philosophy), Susan Kennedy (Psychology), Nestor Matthews (Psychology), Kristina Mead (Biology), Heather Rhodes (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.

Denison's Neuroscience Concentration is designed to offer students an interdisciplinary perspective on the nervous system and behavior, and to provide students with the opportunity to obtain a diverse focus that both complements and broadens the major.

Students wishing to pursue the Neuroscience Concentration are strongly encouraged to meet with a Neuroscience faculty member very early in their Denison careers to carefully plan their course of study.

Beginning with the Class of 2012, all students wishing to pursue the Neuroscience Concentration must take two foundational courses, four courses providing breadth in the concentration, and six advanced courses, providing depth in the concentration.

Foundational Courses. May be taken in any order; both of these courses are required for NEUR 200 (Introduction to Neuroscience), and serve as prerequisites for the 200-and 300- level Psychology and Biology courses required of Neuroscience concentrators.

Four Courses for Breadth in the Concentration. May be taken in any sequence, except the CHEM 121 must be taken concurrently with or prior to BIOL 201.

Six Courses for Depth in the Concentration. These six courses may be taken in any order, except that PSYC 350 and 351 must be taken concurrently. Additionally, NEUR 400 is a capstone course that can be taken only in the second semester of the student's 3rd or 4th year.

Neuroscience Assessment. Satisfactory completion of NEUR 401 is required of all senior Neuroscience concentrators. NEUR 401 ia a zero credit course.

In addition to the three required courses, 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 student's major.

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 and historical contributions to modern Neuroscience, the course examines the evolution of Neuroscience as a discipline and the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives in Neuroscience. Cellular function (neurophysiology) is then examined, including the characteristics of the neuron "at rest" and when active, ionic movements into and out of the neuron, refractory periods and ion transport mechanisms. The course then presents neuropharmacology, including receptor subtypes, neurotransmitters, post-synaptic potentials and drugs that act to alter/modify neural function. The general structure of the nervous system is covered, including an in-depth examination of the major nuclei, fiber tracts and "connections" in the brain. Spinal cord and peripheral nervous system anatomy is also presented. (Offered Spring Semester 2009) 4

Introductory Topics in Neuroscience (NEUR-299).  A general category used only the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Advanced Neuroscience (NEUR-400).  A continuation of NEUR 200. Designed for juniors and seniors. Course focuses on the more "molar" aspects of Neuroscience, with participation by several Neuroscience faculty and discussions of primary literature. Includes discussions of sensory and motor systems, hormonal control of behavior, memory and learning, neurodevelopment, neuropathology and neuroimmunology. Students will engage in discussions of primary literature. (Offered Spring Semester 2010) 4

Special Advanced Topics in Neuroscience (NEUR-450).  This course provides a venue in which to explore chosen topics in neuroscience at the advanced level. Topics vary according to the interests of students and faculty. 1-4

Advanced Topics in Neuroscience (NEUR-499).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4