Neuroscience

The Master of Science degree in Neuroscience is designed to provide coursework and a focused laboratory experience that deepen a student’s understanding of the nervous system in preparation for careers in research, healthcare, and education. The program includes graduate course work in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience. Graduates of this program will be qualified to work in industry and research labs, or to continue their education in a PhD program. Graduates will also be prepared to attend health professions programs including: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, nursing or occupational therapy.

M.S., Neuroscience (45 Credits)

BIO 567Current Topics in Neuroscience3
NES 500Introduction to Clinical Neuroscience4
NES 566Pharmacology of Drugs and Abuse4
NES 592Neuroscience Senior Seminar1
IDC 601Responsible Conduct of Research1
PHR 760Research Rounds In Pharmacology & Neuroscience2
PHR 790Research Laboratory Rotations2
PHR 791Pharmacology & Neuroscience Seminar1
PHR 797Master's Directed Independent Research27
Total Credits45

This program is an accelerated pathway that is an option for currently enrolled Bachelor of Science 4th-year Neuroscience majors who have consistently demonstrated superior motivation and performance in lecture and lab courses. Students will complete their BS and MS degrees in five years.

Courses

NES 500. Introduction to Clinical Neuroscience. 4 credits.

This course provides an introduction to the various diseases and injuries that affect the human nervous system, an introduction to the professions that work with neurologically impaired individuals and recent research into the treatment of these disorders. The topics covered will include the underlying pathology and mechanisms, the signs, symptoms and deficits, patient management, and the prognosis of selected diagnoses including (but not limited to) spinal cord injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder. Included will be a survey of the training and role of the various healthcare professions that address neurological impairments. Relevant research concerning the pathophysiology of nervous system disorders and the repair and regeneration of nervous system tissue will be introduced. P: BIO 462, BIO 463 or IC.

NES 510. Neurophysiology Lab. 2 credits.

This laboratory course is focused on delivering extensive instruction and exploration of neurophysiology and neural basis of behavior with emphasis on the mastering of techniques used within the field of neuroscience to evaluate electrical activity and intracellular communication within the nervous system. The course is designed to build upon and allow for mastering of neurophysiology concepts and techniques learned in BIO 463, Neurobiology Laboratory. This team-taught course draws upon diverse expertise of instructors to deliver a comprehensive course using both invertebrate and vertebrate models for the study of neurophysiology. Students will use neuronal systems network modeling during hands-on laboratory activities and will be expected to apply the scientific method during the implementation and critical analysis of experiments involving model systems. Students will meet the designated writing component of the Magis Core curriculum by writing an independent grant proposal directed at testing a novel hypothesis in the field of neurophysiology. The grant proposal will serve as a mechanism to improve students' written communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills. P: BIO 462, BIO 463, Contemporary Composition.

NES 566. Pharmacology of Drugs and Abuse. 4 credits.

This course will introduce the psychopharmacology of drug abuse and addiction, and has a strong neuroscience orientation. An introduction to pharmacologic thought and basic principles will be provided. The acute and long-term effects of selected drugs of abuse on behavior, mood, cognition and neuronal function will be discussed. Studies with humans will be integrated with basic preclinical studies on the neurobiological basis of drug action and drug abuse. There will be detailed coverage of synaptic transmission and the distribution, regulation and integration of brain neurotransmitter systems. The focus is on addictive drugs, including: opiates (heroin, morphine, opium), sedative-hypnotics (alcohol, barbiturates), anxiolytics (benzodiazepines), psychomotor stimulants (amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine), marijuana, hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline), hallucinogenic-stimulants (MDA, MDMA), and dissociative anesthetics (PCP). P: BIO 201, CHM 203, PSY 201, PSY 437, and IC.

NES 592. Neuroscience Senior Seminar. 1 credit.

This course covers in-depth reading and discussions on current neuroscience research topics. Students will learn to critically review current scientific papers. Students will be expected to select, read, present and lead discussions of scientific articles covering prevailing theories, concepts, ideas, and experimental techniques in neuroscience. This course will meet the Magis Core Designation for Oral Communication by recording and evaluating student presentations for accuracy of content, mastery of scientific discipline, effective oral delivery, and engagement of the audience. P: Oral Communication course; Senior Standing.