Neuroscience@Temple Course Descriptions
These course topics represent the major categories of Neuroscience as identified by the 38,000 member Society for Neuroscience in its annual meetings and in the Society’s journal, The Journal of Neuroscience.
For descriptions of courses other than NSI, please see the course catalog.
NSI 1051 Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3 credits)
(Offered Spring '10)
One of the last frontiers in science is the brain. Neuroscience is one of the fastest growing domains in all of science – and a good bet for a future career path. Neuroscientists investigate brain function from the level of molecular genetics, to cellular dynamics, to brain anatomy and physiology, to relations between brain, behavior, and cognition, to brain development and aging, to diseases of the brain. In this course, we will touch on knowledge about the brain at all of these levels. The major course goal is to introduce you to neuroscience and its multidisciplinary dimensions.
NSI 2121 Development/Plasticity/Repair (3 credits)
(Offered Spring '10)
The major aim of this course is to present the neurobiology of development from conception to birth and neurological and behavioral development in infancy and childhood. The initial emphasis is on embryonic and fetal development of the central nervous system and emergent behavioral plasticity. Sensory and motor development in the fetus are examined. Postnatal development of the cerebral cortex and behavioral outcomes are explored in the context of environmental effects that can amplify or inhibit adaptive capacity. Biological (e.g., genetic) and environmental (e.g., parenting) influences on brain development of emotion and cognition are addressed. The tremendous plasticity of the brain is emphasized. Plasticity is the ability of the nervous system to respond to change. Neural malleability is maximal in early development, but the capacity for change and repair in the nervous system is maintained throughout life.
NSI 2122 Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience (3 credits)
(Offered Fall '10)
An exciting scientific frontier is the molecular genetics and cellular dynamics of brain function. This course addresses phenomena at a cellular and molecular level that underlie brain plasticity and function. The cellular basis of the nervous system, some genetic factors involved in neural cell division and proliferation, proteins enabling neural receptor function, and molecules that comprise neurotransmitters will be covered. The molecular cascade initiated by learning that is initiated by glutamate release and responses of AMPA and NMDA receptors that results in genetic changes and structural formation of synapses is one example of molecular mechanisms to be addressed in this course.
NSI 2222 Neurobiology of Disease (3 credits)
(Offered Spring '10)
Advances in basic neuroscience research have the potential to lead to understanding, treatment, and even cures for major nervous system diseases. This course will provide students with state-of-the-art knowledge about applied neuroscience -- the causes and treatment of some major diseases of the central nervous system. There is an emphasis on neuropathologies at all points of the life span – from diseases in infancy such as Phenylketonuria and Tay Sachs disease to diseases in adulthood such as Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS and forms of demyelination caused by the JC virus, to neurodegenerative diseases of old age such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
NSI 3087 Techniques in Neuroscience (Lab) (3 credits)
(Offered Spring '10)
A major reason that neuroscience is such a dynamic and rapidly advancing field is that it relies on cutting edge technology. Throughout the history of neuroscience, advances have come with the development of new techniques. In this course, students will learn about a variety of traditional techniques in basic and clinical neuroscience as well as newly developed techniques driving the field to new insights. Methods to be discussed will be selected from among: genetic assays, genotyping, histology, immunohistochemistry, stereotaxic surgery, electrophysiology (patch clamping, single and multiple unit recording, EEG), behavioral assessment of animals, neuropsychological assessment in humans, human electrophysiology, transcranial magnetic stimulation, MRI and fMRI. From among identified neuroscience techniques, students will select one and prepare a demonstration or video.
NSI 4197 Writing Intensive Capstone Practicum in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience (4 credits)
(Offered Spring '10)
The focus of this capstone is a topic important to many domains in neuroscience. Different topics will be covered in different semesters. This course has two major components: (1) Instruction and practice on scientific writing of research papers and proposals and instruction and practice on oral presentations; (2) Integration of content in basic and clinical neuroscience. The course will allow students to follow issues in neuroscience from cellular and molecular levels to translation and application in human life. The emphasis is on synthesis and application of material learned in the neuroscience major.
Note: This course is limited to neuroscience majors in their senior year.
NSI 4182 and 4282 Independent Study in Neuroscience I & II (each course 1-4 credits)
(Offered Fall & Spring '10)
Neuroscience majors are encouraged to gain first-hand experience with research as provided by
Independent Study. This course is available in the laboratories of neuroscience faculty members at Temple University listed on the Neuroscience web site: www.temple.edu/cla/neuroscience. Students will carry out supervised neuroscience research by observing and participating in ongoing research in the laboratory. This course requires the student to spend 3-4 hours per credit of a 14-week semester in the lab.
Site
- Welcome
- Mission & Organization
- Faculty
- Students
- Research
- Announcements & Events
- Contact Us
- External Links
Focus
- Information for the Major in Neuroscience
- Information for the Minor in Neuroscience Research
- Information for the Graduate Specialization in Neuroscience
- Seminar Series
Journal Club