Neuroscience

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Major

Major Requirements

Behavioral Neuroscience
Biology 111, 112
Chemistry 101, 104
Psychology 200, 290, 291
Neuroscience 105, 272, 273
Three advanced cognates in Neuroscience
Neuroscience 490 - 6 credits

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Biology 111, 112
Chemistry 120, 121, 253, 254
Neuroscience 105, 272, 273, 352
Three advanced cognates in Neuroscience
Neuroscience 490 - 3 credits

Cognate courses include all upper level Neuroscience courses and approved courses from other departments that present materials relevant to Neuroscience.
Currently approved Cognates:

Biology 261, 272, 394, 461
Philosophy 242
Psychology 310, 390, 393
Theology 368

Courses

105. INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE (3)

This course provides an overview of the history, methods, and principles of neuroscience with a special emphasis on the increasing social and political impact of new neuroscience technologies. This is the initial sequence for neuroscience majors, but it is also available to non-majors.
Listed also as Psychology 105.

272. BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (4)

This course explores principles of behavioral neuroscience, including brain mechanisms of learning and memory, regulation of food intake and body weight, and mechanisms of fear and anxiety. The laboratory portion covers basic techniques in electrophysiology and behavioral analysis.
Prerequisite: Biology 111
Listed also as Psychology 272.

273. NEUROBIOLOGY (3)

This course explores the cellular and biochemical principles of neural function. Topics include the structure and function of ion channels, intracellular signaling pathways, and the genetic regulation of neural function.
Prerequisites: Biology 111, 112 and Chemistry 104 or 253 that can be taken concurrent with 273
Listed also as Biology 273.

352. CELL/MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO NEUROSCIENCE (4)

This is a hands-on intensive course in applying basic molecular biology techniques to the analysis of individual cells that make up the nervous system. Techniques include gene cloning, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA restriction analysis, DNA electrophoresis, the use of transgenic organisms, and immunohistochemistry.
Prerequisites: Neuroscience 272 and 273
Listed also as Biology 352.

422. TOPICS IN CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE (3)

Seminar focused on the recent experimental literature in topics in cellular and molecular neuroscience. Course work involves reading, presenting, and critiquing primary literature articles and provides excellent preparation for an independent research project.
Prerequisites: Neuroscience 272 and 273
Listed also as Biology 422.

460. TOPICS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (3)

Seminar focused on the recent experimental literature in a behavioral neuroscience. Course work involves reading, presenting, and critiquing primary literature articles and provides excellent preparation for an independent research project.
Prerequisites: Neuroscience 272 and 273

490. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (1-6)

Problems for original investigation are assigned under faculty supervision.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OR CREATIVE INVESTIGATION (1-3)

Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Thesis Independent Research or Creative Investigation is a course in which students collaborate with faculty
mentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. This directed undergraduate research or creative investigation culminates in a conference presentation, journal article or other creative/scholarly project.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Employment

Participate in one of the great frontiers of science: learning about the brain and how our minds work. Neuroscience combines biology, psychology, chemistry and elements of other fields to come to a more specific understanding of how brain structures influence behavior. Be part of cutting-edge research in Dominican’s state-of-the-art labs and facilities.

Employment:

Positions in medicine
Research
Teaching
Publishing
Media

Employers:

Hospitals
Research laboratories
Medical schools
Publishing companies

Two tracks are available: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, focusing on biological aspects of neural function, and Behavioral Neuroscience, focusing on the relationships between brain and behavior.