BSCI 254: Neurobiology of Behavior (3 credits)
Instructor: Dr. Ken Catania
Nerve cell interactions in neuronal networks of the central nervous system of animals and their impact for regulating behavior. Sensory systems, sensory-motor integration, central processing of information, neuronal-hormonal interactions; and brain anatomy and organization in invertebrates and vertebrates. Prerequisite: 110a-110b.
BSCI 275: Undergraduate Seminar- Neuroethology (2credits)
Instructor: Dr. Ken Catania
Discussions and papers based on readings in research journals. Topics vary. Prerequisite: fulfillment of the intermediate course requirements for the major. May be repeated for credit more than once if there is no duplication in topic, but only two hours may count toward the major. Students may enroll in more than one section of this course each semester.
NSC 269: Developmental Neuroscience (3 credits)
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Catania
The objective of this course is to introduce fundamental neurodevelopmental processes at the molecular and cellular level and relate them to both normal and abnormal brain development and function throughout an organism’s lifespan. We cover topics such as cell division, migration, and death; synapse formation and plasticity; early behavior and clinical syndromes. Prerequisite: 201.
NSC299: Senior Seminar in Neuroscience- Topics in Neuroendocrinology (3 credits)
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Catania
Interactions between hormones and the brain are critical in directing diverse physiological processes and behaviors such as stress, sleep, fear, learning, memory, sex, aggression and parenting. The neuroendocrine system plays an important role in normal development and is disrupted in many neuropsychological disorders.
This seminar will take an integrative approach to learning about a selection of topics from the field of neuroendocrinology through readings, discussions and presentations. We will attempt to understand function from genes to molecules to behavior for each topic and to understand how the development of the systems we study leads to adult function (or dysfunction!). Readings will include selections from primary and review articles from scientific literature, book chapters, lay press articles, blogs and other media in order to foster understanding of the many ways in which neuroendocrinology is important to our lives.
Restricted to Neuroscience majors with senior standing.