DEPARTMENT OF NEUROBIOLOGY

Course Catalog

NEUROSCI 398-0 – Senior Thesis Seminar

Instruction in writing a scientific thesis, discussion of student projects, instruction and peer feedback of thesis drafts, and continued independent research. Open to seniors pursuing departmental honors. Requires permission from the Director fo Undergraduate Studies. Please follow this link for more information on Honors in Neuroscience.

NEUROSCI 399-0 – Independent Study

Supervised laboratory hands on methods research with a faculty member. Requires permission of the Neuroscience Director of Undergraduate Studies.  Please follow this link for expectations of registering for this course NEUROSCI 399-0 requirements.

NUIN 486-0 – The Biology of Sleep

The Biology of Sleep will be taught by Dr. Ravi Allada. This course is complementary to NEUROSCI 324-0. This course is a literature-based seminar course that deals with genetic, physiological, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches to sleep, with particular emphasis on the role that genes play in regulating sleep. Registration for this course requires permission of the Neuroscience Director of Undergraduate Studies. May be used as a Group B elective. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 324-0

Courses Primarily for First-Year and Sophomore Students

NEUROSCI 101-6-0 – First Year Seminar

Open to first-year students in Weinberg College. This course does not satisfy major requirements in Neuroscience but does serve as a Weinberg first-year seminar.  There will be several writing assignments on a science-related topic.

NEUROSCI 101-6-20 – First Year Seminar - This is Your Brain on College

In this WCAS first-year seminar, we will examine recent research on learning and memory through the unique lens of college life. What do we know (or think we know) about how memories are encoded in the brain? How is college a different learning environment than high school? Together, we will review scientific studies on the impact of college life on student academic performance, and correlate those findings with studies of human and animal learning in the laboratory. After taking this course, you will have a foundational understanding of the neurobiological basis of memory, learn how to read scientific literature critically, and develop strategies to improve your study habits and performance here at Northwestern University. Open to first-year students in Weinberg College. This course does not satisfy major requirements in Neuroscience but does serve as a Weinberg first-year seminar.  There will be several writing assignments on a science-related topic.

Courses Primarily for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Students

NEUROSCI 202-0 – Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Introduction to principles governing nervous system function at the cellular and molecular level. This course explores current understanding of the organization and function of the mammalian nervous system. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, sensation, and sensory perception, motor control, and higher cognitive functions including decision-making.  May not receive credit for both NEUROSCI 202-0 and BIOL_SCI 302-0. Prerequisites: Must be a neuroscience major, and either BIOL_SCI 217-0 or BIOL_SCI 201-0 and either; CHEM 151-0 or CHEM 171-0 with a B- or above; or CHEM 132-0 or CHEM 152-0 or CHEM 172-0.

Natural Sciences Distro Area

NEUROSCI 206-0 – Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience

This course explores current understanding of the organization and function of neural systems (visual, auditory, motor, etc.) within the mammalian nervous system. Topics will include basic neuroanatomy, sensory processing, motor control, and higher cognitive functions including memory and language. Time will be devoted to presentation of essential knowledge from each area as well as to a discussion of key experiments that have contributed to our understanding. May not receive credit for both this course and the former NEUROSCI 306-0/BIOL_SCI 306-0. Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

Natural Sciences Distro Area

NEUROSCI 303-0 – Molecular Mechanisms of Neuropsychopharmacology

Advanced seminar focusing on molecular mechanisms and aberrations of synaptic signal transduction and drugs that target them. Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

NEUROSCI 304-0 – Developmental Neurobiology

Embryology and cellular/molecular mechanisms of nervous system development. Topics include patterning of the early nervous system, neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, writing of neural circuits, activity and experience-dependent development and sex differences in early and late development. May not receive credit for both this course and the former BIOL_SCI 304-0. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 215-0 and or BIOL_SCI 201-0; and NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0. May not receive credit for both BIOL_SCI 215-0 and BIOL_SCI 201-0.

NEUROSCI 311-0 – Biophysical Analysis of Neurons for ISP

Neuronal ion channels, membrane properties, synaptic transmission, and transduction. This course will  be offered during Winter 2020 and next in Winter 2022. Prerequisites: ISP Majors and Neuroscience Majors with permission of Director of Undergraduate Studies.

NEUROSCI 320-0 – Animal Behavior

Animal behavior from the neuroscience perspective. Neurobiological bases of foraging, communication, migration, predator-prey interactions, mating, and parental care. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

Natural Sciences Distro Area

NEUROSCI 324-0 – Neurobiology of Biological Clocks and Sleep

General properties of sleep and circadian rhythms; how sleep and the circadian clock regulate a number of diverse activities at the cell, organ, and organism levels. May not receive credit for both this course and the former BIOL_SCI 324-0. Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

NEUROSCI 326-0 – Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Molecular and neural bases of memory. Taught with BIOL_SCI 326-0: may not receive credit for both courses. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

NEUROSCI 350-0 – Advanced Neurophysiology Laboratory

In this laboratory course you will perform electrophysiological experiments in which signals from living neurons (action potentials, local field potentials, post synaptic potentials) are recorded using amplifiers and data logging equipment commonly found in advanced research labs around the world. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; BIOL_SCI 302-0; and consent of instructor.

NEUROSCI 355-0 – Neurogenetics of Behavior Laboratory

Project-based laboratory investigating the genetic basis of behavior in a simple model system; molecular genetic techniques used in neurobiology. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

NEUROSCI 360-0 – Neuroscience of Brain Disorders

Survey of brain disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, developmental disorders, narcolepsy, and migraine. Trace progress from the laboratory to the clinic, evaluate the state of knowledge and understand future directions. Strongly recommend review of basic genetics and molecular biology. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

Natural Sciences Distro Area

NEUROSCI 377-0 – Neurobiology of Sensation and Perception

Analysis of the key concepts underlying the neurobiological mechanisms of vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and pain. Neural pathways leading to perception and processing of stimuli will also be discussed. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

Natural Sciences Distro Area

NEUROSCI 379-0-20 – From Perception to Action

How does sensory perception guide our behavior? NEUROSCI 379-0 will examine higher level sensory processing, attention, decision making, and motor control at the level of neural systems. In addition, students will increase their familiarity with methods used to study the nervous system, including experimental techniques relevant to systems and behavioral neuroscience, the design, analysis and interpretation of experiments using those techniques and their strengths and limitations. Finally, students will expand their appreciation and understanding of ethical issues related to the brain and neuroscience research. This course is designed to build upon the basic understanding of Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience obtained in NEUROSCI 206-0, and serves as a companion to the more in-depth knowledge of sensory and perceptual processes presented in NEUROSCI 377-0. The format will include the presentation of background material, with the majority of time devoted to the review and discussion of primary literature. This course may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or as an Allied Field in Biology. May not receive credit for both NEUROSCI 390-0-21 and NEUROSCI 379-0-20. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0.

NEUROSCI 379-0-20 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-20 – Neurobiology of Homeostatic Behavior

The nervous system monitors internal states (such as body temperature, blood pressure, and nutrient and water balance) and drives behaviors to maintain homeostasis of these states, which is essential to life. This course will investigate the structure and physiology of neural circuits that orchestrate this elaborate balance, including central nervous system pathways and peripheral autonomic pathways. Students will learn to evaluate the scientific literature and communicate key research findings both in writing and through oral presentations. See description in Caesar for more information. This course may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or as an Allied Field in Biology. Prerequisites:NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0.

NEUROSCI 390-0-20 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-22 – Neurobiology of Stress, Adversity, and Resilience

This writing-intensive and discussion-based course will draw from primary literature on the neurobiology of healthy and toxic stress, individual differences in stress susceptibility and resilience, to explore biological mechanisms by which adversity can influence health and other outcomes. Oral presentations and a final paper are required. No textbook required. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0;  or BIOL_SCI 302-0 .

NEUROSCI 390-0-22 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-23 – Genetic and Circuit Analysis of Motivated Behavior

Critical explorations of brain structures and functions (and dysfunctions) underlying motivated behaviors to maintain homeostasis. May be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0.

NEUROSCI 390-0-23 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-24 – Neurobiology of Prediction

Much interest in the neuroscience centers on memory, the brain's relationship to the past. As organisms move through their lives, however, they must navigate the present moment by anticipating the future. In other words,  they must engage in prediction. Brains have many mechanisms and strategies for formulating and acting on predictions, on time scales ranging from sub-seconds to years. Indeed, it is the brain's attempts at prediction, successful and unsuccessful, that underlie many of the complex questions of interest to neuroscience and the larger society. This course will take a cellular neurophysiological approach to examining neural mechanisms of prediction - i.e., how different brain circuits operating at different times scales contribute to attributing cause and anticipating effect. This class will discuss variable identification, statistical thinking, variance, accuracy of sensations, pattern recognition, and decision circuits, with a goal of gaining perspective on some of the "big questions," including superstition, aesthetics, and humor. May be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0.

NEUROSCI 390-0-24 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-25 – Genetics of Human Behavior

Genetics of Human Behavior will be taught by Marco Gallio, PhD. In this course we will delve into the genetic determinants of human behavior. We will discuss how “nature” (the genetic makeup) and “nurture” contribute to shape individual behavior and explore the implications of this interaction at the level of society, from philosophical and ethical aspects to medical and legal considerations. We will often follow a historical perspective to understand how our thinking on this subject has changed with the advancement of scientific knowledge and with the evolution of what we think is acceptable in society. Please go to Caesar for more details related to this course.

Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0

NEUROSCI 390-0-25 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-26 – The Biology of Sleep

The Biology of Sleep will be taught by Dr. Ravi Allada. This course will be provide an extension of what was discussed in NEUROSCI 324-0. It will be combined with NUIN 486-0. This course is a literature-based seminar course that deals with genetic, physiological, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches to sleep, with particular emphasis on the role that genes play in regulating sleep.

Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0.

Mode of Instruction: Synchronous Remote Only.

NEUROSCI 390-0-26 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

In this course we will delve into the genetic determinants of human behavior. We will discuss how “nature” (the genetic makeup) and “nurture” contribute to shape individual behavior and explore the implications of this interaction at the level of soc – Genetics of Human Behavior

Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and requires a permission number from the Neuroscience Major office.

NEUROSCI 390-0-35 may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology.

NEUROSCI 390-0-60 – Neuro-Anatomy Laboratory

This course focuses on the overall organization of the nervous system, relating structure to function with an emphasis on dissection and vertebrate anatomy. All classes will meet in the Neuroscience Teaching Laboratory. This laboratory may be used as a Neuroscience Group B elective or may be used as an Allied Field in Biology. Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0