Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Neuroscience > Course Offerings

Foundational Courses l Courses Providing Depth l Capstone Experiences

Foundational Courses: 

NSCI 109—Introduction to Neuroscience (4 CH)* A lecture/laboratory course that will introduce students to the field of neuroscience and provide prospective majors with the knowledge needed for further study of the neurosciences. An examination of the biological basis of neural and sensory function, motor and sensory systems and their integration as learning and memory, cognition, behavior and illness. The laboratory component provides an understanding of neuroscience through hands-on experimental procedures using state of the art equipment and field trips to an affiliated research laboratory. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered every fall. (Can be used to satisfy IR “Citizenship in a Scientific Age”; laboratory science course.) (P: HS/College GPA 3.0 or better, 1130 SAT/21 ACT, MATH 107/211 placement level)

NSCI 209—Neuropsychopharmacology (4 CH)* Students will be able to understand and explain administration, pharmacokinetics, behavioral effects and drug interactions of psychoactive substances. Students will be able to identify major classes of psychoactive substances. Students will also be able to explain how psychoactive substances may be used to treat psychopathologies and disorders of the nervous system. The laboratory will study the modes of drug action using a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate model systems. Offered every spring.

PHYS 243—Digital Electronics (3 CH)* Digital electronics is laboratory based. It begins at a level suitable for those with no previous exposure to electronics or the theory of electricity. The course is largely non-mathematical with an emphasis on hands-on experience. Basic elements of the course are digital logic, Boolean algebra, logic gates and networks, logic families, flip-flops, clocks, registers, counters and memories. The course can be taken independently of PHYS 213 (Analog Electronics), and is suitable for
physics, binary engineering and computer science students. Two three-hour laboratory afternoons per week. Offered every fall.

PSY 270—Neuropsychology (3 CH) Students will be introduced to the biological basis of behavior and cognition. They will learn about the neuron, neuronal communication, and the functions of various brain areas. Particular attention will be paid to the topics of psychopharmacology, human learning, human communication, and various psychopathologies. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150 or PSY 109)

BIO 294—Human Physiology (4 CH)* A study of the activity of the organ systems of the human. Function will be examined at the molecular as well as at the integrated systems level. The relationship of structure to function will be emphasized. The laboratory consists of experiments designed to demonstrate and/or to amplify principles presented in lecture. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Offered spring of even-numbered years. (P: BIO 145 or permission of the instructor) (WIC)

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Courses Providing Depth:

PSY 222—Research Methods (4 CH) A survey of research methods used to describe, predict and explain behavioral and thought processes. The methods of observation, correlation, and experimentation will be emphasized. Students will conduct a number of computer-based experiments and learn how to write experimental reports using the accepted format of the American Psychological Association. Offered fall 2009. (P: PSY 150 and MATH 211) (WIC)

PSY 342—Cognitive Psychology (4 CH) The theory and data of cognition, information systems and memory from the viewpoint of modern cognitive psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the methods of determining and measuring cognitive processes and on the data relating to these processes. Laboratory experiments in sensation, perception, and memory will investigate selected phenomenon from these areas. (P: PSY 150 or PSY 109) (WIC)

PSY 343—Sensation and Perception (4 CH) An introduction to the sensory systems of the human body, with an emphasis on vision and hearing. Students will also be introduced to the methods of measuring and researching sensation and perceptual processing. This is a lecture course with a complementary lab. Offered every spring. (P: PSY 150 or PSY 109 and sophomore status or permission of the instructor.) (WIC)

BIO 343—Developmental Biology (4 CH)* A study of the development of biological organisms. Topics to be considered are gametogenesis, fertilization, cell division, morphogenetic movements, differentiation and organogenesis. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the underlying mechanisms of the developmental processes common to microorganisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. Related phenomena such as metamorphosis, regeneration and aging will also be considered. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Offered spring term of odd-numbered years. (P: BIO 145) (WIC)

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Capstone Experiences:

NSCI 409—Internship in Neuroscience (3 CH) An opportunity for junior or senior students to gain practical experience in a field related to their major. A log book will be required as well as a final paper in which the student will react to the internship both objectively and subjectively, correlating his or her academic knowledge with practical 133 experience. A minimum of 40 hours of supervised experience per credit hour is generally required.

NSCI 499—Independent Research (3 CH)* Students design and conduct a research project in an area of neuroscience. The research project must include library, laboratory, and/or field research and a written report in the format of a scientific publication. The project is done under the guidance of one faculty member and may be conducted for more than one term.

INDS 444—James S. Kemper Senior Seminar - The Practical Value of a Liberal Arts Education
(3 CH) This capstone seminar is designed to assist seniors in evaluating their professions and the role that their liberal arts education will play therein. Discussions facilitated by faculty members from different disciplines of the college prepare students for bi-weekly dinners and presentations. These dinners will feature successful Thiel alumni who will discuss the role of their liberal arts education in their professional lives as well as the ethical and motivational factors that affect their careers. Offered every spring.

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