BIOLOGY

 

3352. Systems Neuroscience (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: BIOLOGY 0352.)

Prerequisite: Biology 3096 (W204).

Study of the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS) with a focus on the functional brain at a systems level. Systems level questions include how circuits are formed and used anatomically and physiologically to produce physiological functions, such as reflexes, sensory integration, motor coordination, emotional responses, learning and memory.

 

3354. Neural Basis of Animal Behavior (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: BIOLOGY 0354.)

Prerequisite: Biology 3352 (0352).

An exploration of the relationship of neural activity and connectivity to behavior. Topics include motor control, object recognition, and feedback. Examples from both vertebrate and invertebrate species. Analytic and synthetic approaches.

 

3356. Organization and Development of the Nervous System (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: BIOLOGY 0356.)

Prerequisite: Biology 3096 (W204).

This course covers developmental and anatomical aspects of the nervous system. The relationship of form to function will be studied in a variety of both invertebrate and vertebrate systems. The course is intended to complement Neurobiology 3352 (0352)/5452 (0452) so that students will have a perspective on neuroscience ranging from the molecular to the systems level.

 

3358. Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Biology 3096 (W204).

The course will focus on the molecular and cellular basis of neurological processing. The fundamentals of action potential generation, synaptic and receptor potentials generation and neuron-neuron communication will be discussed. The contemporary understanding of sensory processing will be covered in great detail with a particular focus on molecular sensors of light, sound, odorants, taste and touch and the signal transduction pathways that underlie the five senses.

 

CHEMISTRY

 

4107. Drug Analysis (4 s.h.) S. $.

(Formerly: CHEM 0317.)

Prerequisite: Chemistry 3103 (0215), 3105 (0217), 3301 (0231), and 4196 (W314).

Analytical techniques with specific applications to drug substances.

Mode: Lecture and laboratory.

 

COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS

 

2049. Language and the Brain (3 s.h.)

This course introduces students to the major issues and results in neurolinguistics, the study of the representation of language in the brain. Major topics include localization of language function in the brain, the use of linguistic knowledge in producing and comprehending words and sentences, and the effects of brain damage on language behavior.

 

3235. Human Neuroscience (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: CSC+DIS 0235.)

Introduction to the anatomy, organization, and function of the human nervous system, with an emphasis on the disorders that result from damage to the brain.

 

ENGINEERING: BIOENGINEERING

 

3719. Introduction to Bioengineering (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: ENGRG 0320.)

Prerequisite: Senior standing/permission of instructor.

Cross Listed with ENGRG 5719 (0520).

Course topics include biomaterials and implant materials, research proposal preparation, tyrosine-derived synthetic polymer devices for tissue engineering spine biomechanics, cellular material biomechanics, orthopedic biomechanics, hydroxyapatite/polymer composites, applications of injury biomechanics, biomechanics of the lower extremities, principles of polymers used in dental and biomaterials, interfaces in biomaterials. Students will be required to prepare a proposal for a design-oriented term project (i.e. rationale, concept and design, but no actual construction).

 

3725. Cell Biology for Engineers (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: ENGRG 0325.)

Prerequisite: For undergraduate students, senior standing or permission of instructor is required.

Cross Listed with ENGRG 5721 (0525).

Cell Biology for Engineers is a basic course that introduces biological concepts in modern cellular and molecular biology to engineering students. Topics will include the chemical composition of cells, bioenergetics and metabolism, structure and function of the plasma membrane, transport across membranes, the cytoplasmic membrane system, the extracellular matrix, interactions between cells and their environment, the cytoskeleton and cell motility, sensory systems, and cell signaling. In addition, an introduction to basic anatomy and physiology of vertebrates will include the skeletal system, muscle system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system.

 

ENGINEERING: MECHANICAL

 

0844. The Bionic Human (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

Can we replace our “worn-out” body parts with space-age materials? Will the day come when an injured athlete buys a tendon for the next big game? Why are your parents spending so much time at the doctor? We are on the verge of building “the bionic human” by repairing many of our body parts indefinitely. Become familiar with bio-engineered technologies for age-, disease-, sports-, and accident-related injuries. Learn why weight bearing exercise strengthens bones, the difference between MRI, CAT scan, and X-Ray, and what the folks at the Food and Drug Administration do. By the time you finish this course, you’ll know how a pig heart could save your life, how stem cell research could affect your future, the purpose of animal testing, and why walking through airport security could be a problem if you have had your hip replaced.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under Gen Ed and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core.

 

4731. Cardiovascular Fluid Dynamics (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: ME 0354.)

Prerequisite: MATH 3041 (0251), ENGRG 3553 (0253).

Mechanics of blood circulation, fluid mechanics of the heart, blood flow in arteries, unsteady flow in veins, current concepts in circulatory assist devices, biofluidics, and other selected topics.

 

NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM

 

1051. Fundamentals of Neuroscience (3 s.h.)

(Offered Spring '09)

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 '09)

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 '09)

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 '09)

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 Fall '09)

In this team-taught course, students will rotate through five or more neuroscience labs, spending 2-3 weeks in each lab learning about techniques such as PCR, confocal microscopy, histology, electrophysiology, animal surgery and behavioral assessment, human neuropsychology, MRI and fMRI.  Students will complete a small assigned project in each lab, using the techniques they have learned.

 

NSI 4197 Writing Intensive Capstone Practicum (Clinical/Lab) (4 credits)

(Offered Spring '10)

A structured practicum course coordinated by one faculty member who meets once a week with students will be a way to integrate clinical departments in the medical school – e.g., Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and Radiology into the neuroscience curricula. Students interested in the Clinical side of Neuroscience will shadow a clinician and write a weekly journal about the experience. Students interested in the Research side of Neuroscience will participate by observing activities in a research lab and writing a weekly journal. The Lab participation course might be carried out at the med school in the basic science departments or on the main campus in departments such as biology, chemistry, and psychology.

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

2144. Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: PHILOS 0144.)

An introductory overview of the most important issues in contemporary philosophy of mind and cognitive studies. Especially aimed at students of Psychology.

 

PHYSICS

 

3301. Electricity and Magnetism (4 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PHYSICS 0187.)

Prerequisite: Physics 1062 (C088) or 2022 (0122) and Mathematics 2043 (0127).

Electrostatics, magnetostatics, microscopic interpretation of polarization P and magnetization M, electrostatic and magnetostatic energy, Faraday`s Law, self and mutual inductance, magnetic circuits; integral and differential forms of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday laws; AC circuits; introduction to the displacement current and Maxwell`s equations. Laboratory portion of the course provides investigation on DC and AC circuits, bridge circuits, sources of emf, Hall effect, and operational amplifier circuits.

 

PSYCHOLOGY

 

1071. Psychology as a Natural Science (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: PSYCH 0070.)

This course examines human and animal behavior from a natural science perspective, providing the student with a sound basis in the biological determinants of behavior. The course begins with a foundation of neuropsychology, including brain processes, behavior genetics and evolutionary psychology. It continues with an examination of sensation and perception, the processes that provide us with information about the world and that allow us to interpret that information. The study of basic processes of learning, motivation, and emotion is followed by the study of cognitive psychology, including higher learning processes of memory, thinking, and problem solving.

Note: Credit will not be given for this course and Psychology 0051.

 

2102. Foundations of Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: PSYCH 0240.)

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071 (0070).

This course introduces the student to cognition and social behavior from an evolutionary and comparative perspective. The cognitive portion of the course presents the methods employed and results obtained during field observations and laboratory experiments on animal cognitive processes. The social behavior portion will focus on social behaviors found in wild animals with special attention to those also seen in humans. Evolutionary theory, especially as it applies to social behavior, will be presented and the course will overview the methods and findings of the field called evolutionary psychology, which presently investigates selected aspects of human cognition and social behavior.

Note: Check class schedule for semesters offered.

 

2501. Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: PSYCH 0260.)

Prerequisite: For majors, Psychology 1071 (0070) and Psychology science requirement; for non-majors, Psychology 1061 (C060) or permission of instructor.

This course examines the neurobiology of behavior from the level of neuron to complex neural system interactions. Topics range from the neurobiology of sensory perception and movement to the neurobiology of learning and mental illness.

 

2502. Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: PSYCH 0265.)

Prerequisite: First level Core Science and Technology (SA) course.

The role of the brain in cognition. Neural basis of perception, language, learning, memory, thinking, and creativity. Neural pathology and the consequences for behavior. Neuropsychological assessment techniques.

 

3100. Topics: Brain, Behavior and Cognition (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: PSYCH 0324.)

Advanced level topics course; topics vary by instructor.

 

3141. Neurobiology and Evolution of Social Behavior (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: PSYCH 0341.)

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071 (0070) and Psychology 2102 (0240), Psychology 2501 (0260) or Psychology 2502 (0265).

This course will present social behavior from an evolutionary and neurobiological perspective. We will survey the many properties of animal social behavior that are now known to be shared by humans and other primates including aggression, dominance, attachment, grief, sympathy, helpfulness, altruism, friendliness, peacemaking, maternal care. The apparent evolutionary history as well as the descriptive characteristics of each social tendency will be studied using data from both field observations and laboratory experiments as available. In those cases where data are available, the course will also present what is known about the neural mechanisms that govern the social behaviors.

Note: Check class schedule for semesters offered.

 

3306. Neuroscience of Development and Aging (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: PSYCH 0306.)

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071 (0070) and 2501 (0260) or 2502 (0265), and 2196 (W123).

This course will integrate students’ knowledge of behavioral and cognitive relationships between young adult neuroanatomy and behavior that they studied in prerequisite courses (Psychology 2501 (0260) – Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience or Psychology 2502 (0265) – Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience) with information about the development and aging of behavior, cognition and neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The initial emphasis in the course will be on embryonic and fetal development of the central nervous system and emergent behavioral plasticity. Sensory and motor development in the fetus will be examined. Postnatal development of the cerebral cortex and developmental outcomes will be explored in the context of environmental phenomena that can amplify or inhibit the organism’s adaptive capacity. Normal aging of the brain will be contrasted to neurodegenerative diseases of old age, and the cognitive and behavioral consequences of both normal and non-normal aging will be presented.

 

3561. Psychopharmacology (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: PSYCH 0361.)

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071 (0070), 2501 (0260) and 2196 (W123).

This course will focus on how the brain works on a chemical level. It examines how behavior and environment can change functions of the brain, and how medications and drugs alter brain function.

Note: Check class schedule for semesters offered.

 

3566. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: PSYCH 0366.)

Prerequisite: Psychology 1071 (0070), 2502 (0265) and 2196 (W123).

This course examines the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology underlying the many diverse forms of learning and memory. The course begins with an overview of the structure and function of neural areas responsible for learning, before progressing to an examination of the different processes involved in the acquisition, consolidation, and forgetting of habits, skills, and cognition. Additional topics may include the relation between pharmacology and learning, the impact of disease or trauma, and the neurobiology of social behavior.