Courses

A general category used only the evaluation of transfer credit.

In this seminar-style course, students will learn about and explore current areas of research in the field of neuroscience. Topical areas may vary but typically include perspectives from cellular & molecular neuroscience, neural systems & circuits, neural development / plasticity / repair, behavioral & cognitive neuroscience, and the neurobiology of disease. Students will read a variety of sources, from popular press to scientific journal articles, and develop oral and writing skills for communicating neuroscience research to different audiences.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 210, BIOL 220, PSYC 100, PSYC 200.

Satisfactory completion of NEUR 401 is required of all senior neuroscience concentrators. NEUR 401 is a zero credit course.

Research in selected topics in Neuroscience.

Research in selected topics in Neuroscience.

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

This course, the first of the three-course biology majors core sequence, is designed to introduce students to principles of molecular and cellular biology, with an examination of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic unicellular species. Major themes that will be covered include molecular origins of life, bioenergetics, the molecular basis of genetic expression, and cellular reproduction. Coursework will be designed to train students in the scientific method; finding, reading, and understanding scientific literature; analyzing data; and communicating scientific research in written and oral formats. A weekly laboratory period will allow students to learn cellular and molecular biology techniques and carry out independent group research projects. Three class periods and one lab session per week. Offered Fall and Spring semesters. This course satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning GE requirement.

Corequisite(s): CHEM 131 is recommended (but is not required).

We will use neurophysiology and neuroanatomy to understand the links between molecules, cells, systems, and ultimately behavior. The course will start with an exploration of neurons and signaling within and among cells. We will then examine some sensory and motor systems. The last portion of the course will examine the whole animal in a neurophysiological context. The classroom portion of the course consists of lectures, discussion of the text and of research articles, problem sets, analysis of case studies, and other activities. The laboratory component will involve a mixture of behavioral, anatomical, and physiological studies on vertebrate and invertebrate animals, electronic modeling of nerve circuits, and computer simulations of nerve activity. The labs are designed to introduce students to some fundamental neurophysiological techniques and to a variety of study organisms, and to strengthen experimental design and analysis skills.

Prerequisite(s): Biology Core, and CHEM 131 or consent, or CHEM majors - BIOL 210, BIOL 220, and CHEM 300 (or concurrently), or NEURO concentrators- BIOL 210, BIOL 220, and CHEM 131 and PSYC 200.

This course is an introduction to computational problem solving. Students will develop their abilities to abstract (or model) otherwise complex problems and generate elegant and efficient solutions. Students will practice these skills by developing computer programs that solve problems motivated by research in the sciences. Additional topics may include Monte Carlo methods, data analysis, population dynamics, computational biology, genetic algorithms, cellular automata, networks, data mining, and fractals. Students may earn credit for at most one of CS 109, CS 110, CS 111, and CS 112. Absolutely no prior experience is necessary.

A laboratory course that provides an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior, sensation, perception, learning, cognition, development, social processes, personality, abnormal psychology, and possibly others. The course emphasizes current knowledge and research in the field and its application. The laboratory component of this course examines the strengths and limitations of correlational, experimental, and observational research methods, and enhances understanding of course concepts and principles. Laboratory experiences include development of research questions, design of studies, data collection in classroom laboratories and field settings, data analysis and interpretation. Laboratory assignments involve written reports and demonstration of critical thinking skills about psychological concepts and scientific research. This course has a research participation (or equivalent activity) requirement. PSYC 100 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the department.

This course examines the primary research methods and data analysis procedures used by psychologists to describe, predict, interpret and/or explain psychological phenomena and behavior. Observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental methods are studied along with principles of research design, control, validity, reliability, and ethical practice. Throughout the course, methodological procedures are considered in conjunction with principles and methods of data analysis, presentation, and interpretation. The logic and procedures of descriptive and inferential statistics are emphasized. This course prepares students to design, conduct, analyze and evaluate psychological research and is a prerequisite for all psychology research courses at the 200 and 300-level. To promote research ethics, all PSYC 200 students must successfully complete the Citi Program's Research Ethics & Compliance training.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199.

An intensive survey of experimental research on fundamental emotional cognitive processes of learning and memory, with a focus on how those processes manifest themselves in, influence, and determine behavior. The learning processes of instrumental and Pavlovian conditioning, and the interactions of those learning processes, comprise the main focus of the course. Theory, research, implications and applications pertaining to the basic principles of behavior are emphasized. The course, and learning/conditioning research traditionally, is valuable because of the use of models to understand learning about biologically and emotionally significant experiences. Unconscious learning and seemingly irrational reactions are considered in depth. Much of the course content is relevant to applied topics such as behavior modification, substance abuse problems, anxiety, depression, other behavior disorders, education and parenting practices. This course does not cover techniques for improving academic learning skills for students.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199.

Offers the student experience conducting research in and/or out of the learning laboratory, using a variety of methods. Research requires time outside of class. Some work with live animals is usually involved. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.

Corequisite(s): PSYC 310.

This course examines how people acquire, remember, and use knowledge. Topics covered include memory, attention, perception, imagery, and cognitive neuroscience. Applications to contexts such as learning and teaching, social behaviors, and individual behavior and performance will be considered.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199.

Provides the student with research experience on problems of current interest in cognitive psychology. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.

Corequisite(s): PSYC 330.

This course explores sensory and perceptual systems. Discussions on these topics will reflect biological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include sensitivity to light and sound; color perception; depth and form perception; perceptual illusions; music perception, and speech perception. Power and justice issues associated with sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness and deafness) will be emphasized. This course fulfills the Power and Justice (P) GE requirement.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199.

This course offers experience in conducting research on sensory processes and perception. Students are exposed to different research techniques and investigate problems relating to the various sensory modalities. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.

Corequisite(s): PSYC 340.

This course explores the relationships between the brain and nervous system and behavior, and includes topics ranging from neuroanatomy and pharmacology of the nervous system to the biological bases of mental illness. The interactions among the nervous and endocrine systems are emphasized in an attempt to understand how basic physiological principles can serve in the understanding of complex phenomena, including emotion, learning, sleep and arousal and sexual behavior. Required for students pursuing the neuroscience concentration.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199.

This course focuses on basic research methodologies and techniques that are commonly used to examine the biological bases of behavior. Students are given "hands on" experience in the design and execution of several research projects. Effective Fall 2022 all 300-level Psychology Research courses will no longer offer a GE "W".

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or PSYC 199, PSYC 200, and one 200-level research course combination.

Corequisite(s): PSYC 350.