NES 297. Directed Research. 0-3 credits.

An introduction to laboratory methods intended to prepare students for independent research. this course is only an addition to and not a substitution for any portion of the major requirement. This course may not be repeated; research students should enroll in NES 397 or 497 in subsequent semesters. No more than 12 semester hours of credit may be accrued in any combination of NES 297, NES 397 and NES 497. P: IC.

NES 304. Ultimate Questions: Where Theology Meets Neuroscience. 3 credits. (Same as THL 304)

This course explores the relationship between systematic theology and neuroscience. A necessary tension exists between theology and science which reveals the miraculous complexity of human nature and how persons flourish. Students will learn neuroscience concepts and apply them to systematic theology by asking ultimate questions and critically engaging interdisciplinary concepts. Satisfies Magis Core: Ultimate Questions. P: Philosophical Ideas, The Christian Tradition, The Biblical Tradition.

NES 397. Directed Independent Research (Extramural). 0-3 credits.

A program of independent study emphasizing laboratory or field research, intended for students working with mentors outside of the Biology department housing the Neuroscience major or the College of Arts and Sciences. The director of the Neuroscience serves as the instructor of record and oversees completion of course requirements by the student under the research supervision of the outside mentor. No more than 12 semester hours of credit may be accrued in any combination of NES 297, 397, 495, and 497. P. Instructor consent.

NES 464. Neurobiology of Disease. 3 credits. SP (Same as BIO 464)

To understand neurological disease, its profession, and discover novel therapeutics requires in-depth knowledge of the cellular and molecular underpinnings of the disorders. Students will revisit concepts from pre-requisite courses but apply them to the function and activity of the brain and to circumstances where normal biology breaks down. P: Ethics; Contemporary Composition; BIO 202 and BIO 362.

NES 466. Pharmacology of Drugs and Abuse. 3 credits.

The 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, barbituatese), 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.

NES 497. Directed Independent Research (Intramural). 0-3 credits.

A program of independent study emphasizing laboratory or field research, intended for students working with mentors within the Biology department housing the Neuroscience Program. The mentor acts as the instructor of record. No more than 12 semester hours of credit may be accrued in any combination of NES 297, NES 397 and NES 497. P: IC.

NES 498. Neuroscience in the Community. 0-3 credits.

This course will apply and expand student's knowledge of the central nervous system and its diseases through active engagement with the community to share knowledge. Students will develop a body of written and verbal neuroscience themed presentations for use by our partner organizations and greater community. P: BIO 462 or BIO 464 or NES 464 or IC.

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 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.