Neuroscience
NEUR 197/297/397/497. Directed Research in Neuroscience (1-4E)
A laboratory or field research experience under the direct supervision of an affiliated neuroscience faculty member. A learning contract that specifies the research goals and methodology must be filed with the credits earned from 397/497 are not eligible to fulfill upper-level credits in the neuroscience major. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
NEUR 199/299/399/499. Independent Study in Neuroscience (1-4E)
This course consists of an independent research project supervised by an affiliated neuroscience faculty member. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration. Credits earned from 399/499 are not eligible to fulfill upper-level credits in the neuroscience major; students desiring a 4-credit, graded research experience should register for NEUR 302. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
NEUR 201. Introduction to Neuroscience (4S)
This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to the study of neuroscience. Students will learn how the anatomy and function of the brain and nervous system underlie thought and behavior. Students will also be exposed to the methods used to study the brain and will gain proficiency in analyzing scientific literature and communicating scientific ideas. Prerequisite or co-requisite(s): CHEM 106 and PSYC 101 with a grade of C or better.
NEUR 201L. Introduction to Neuroscience Laboratory (4S)
A laboratory course designed to complement the Introduction to Neuroscience course for Neuroscience Majors. Topics include a hands-on exploration of neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, neurochemistry, and behavior. Students will design and execute their own studies and present their results orally and in writing. Co-requisite or Prerequisite: NEUR 201
NEUR 301/303. Seminar in the Neurosciences/Advanced Seminar in the Neurosciences (1E)
This seminar, for participants in the neurosciences minor, examines current topics in the neurosciences. Seminars include paper critiques, research proposals, outside speakers, and visits to neuroscience laboratories. Some out-of-class activities required. NEUR 303 is for participants in the neurosciences minor who have already earned credit for NEUR 301. NEUR 303 may be repeated for credit. Credit/no credit grading. Prerequisite or co-requisite: NEUR 201.
NEUR 302. Neuroscience Research and Seminar. (4F)
Students will gain hands-on laboratory experience by working in small groups to conduct research. All students will write a formal research report of their work, including a literature review, methods, results, and discussion. Students will also learn how to create an effective oral research presentation. Prerequisite: NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
NEUR 310. Special Topics in Neuroscience (4S)
Students will focus on an issue of importance to neuroscience. Students will read primary literature and lead discussions related to the primary topic. Topics will reflect the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience and demonstrate multiple levels of analysis (physiological, pharmacological, and behavioral). Potential topics may include Neuroanatomy, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Developmental Neurobiology, Neurobiology of Brain Disorders, Neurotoxicology, Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Neurobiology of Drug Abuse, and Neuroethology. The specific topic will vary by semester. This course may be repeated for credit where the topic is not repetitive. Prerequisite: NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better, or permission of the instructor.
NEUR 493/494. St. Mary’s Project (1-8E)
The capstone project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, skills of analysis, and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. In consultation with faculty, the student identifies an area to be explored and proposes a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. The project should include a reflection on the body of literature or the conceptual framework to which it is a contribution. Some component of the project must be shared with the College community through posters, presentations, or other means. This requirement may be satisfied by completing eight credit hours of the St. Mary’s Project in any discipline or cross-disciplinary study area. The project is supervised by a faculty mentor, appointed by the program chair. This course is repeatable for up to a total of 4 credit hours for NEUR 493 and 4 credit hours for NEUR 494. Prerequisite: NEUR 201 with a grade of C or better; PSYC 206 or BIOL 311 with a grade of C or better; Approval of faculty mentor and program chair of the student’s major(s). Consult faculty mentor for project guidelines.