Neuroscience and Behavior (NSB)
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Read more about the courses within this subject prefix in the descriptions provided below.
NSB 810 - Brain & Behavior: A Systems Approach
Credits: 3
The goal of this course is to explore foundational concepts in neuroscience with an emphasis on a systems-based perspective. Topics will span molecules to behavior including the cellular basis on neural communication, sensory processing, motor control, homeostasis, emotion, cognitive behavior, and disease of the nervous system. Over the course of the semester, students will read primary literature in the field of neuroscience and develop skills to understand and apply a systems neuroscience perspective.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Explain and critique critical concepts in systems neuroscience including sensory experience, motor planning, and cognitive ability.
- Understand and evaluate methods and techniques essential to conducting research in systems neuroscience.
- Apply critical thinking skills to interpret and communicate major findings within the field of systems neuroscience with an emphasis on what happens when these processes go awry.
- Communicate major concepts and research methods in systems neuroscience through oral presentations.
- Develop and refine individual presentation skills.
NSB 877 - Neuroethology
Credits: 3
Students taking this course will discover how some of the most remarkable behavioral adaptations in animals can be understood by examining specialized sensory systems and neural circuits. By exploring the complex interactions between animal behavior, neural systems, evolutionary relationships, anatomy, physiology and ecology, students will be better equipped to understand the neural basis of behavior. A culminating writing project will help sharpen students' scientific writing skills, and the ability to understand the primary neuroethology literature.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of specialization in anatomy and neurophysiology, and how this leads to differential behavior across species.
- Discern patterns, gaps, and emerging themes across primary literature to construct coherent, field-informed perspectives.
- Synthesize, integrate and interpret findings and data across sources.
- Communicate clearly about science, in both oral and written formats.
- Integrate neuroethological findings into a broader theoretical framework relevant to their field, demonstrating how comparative evidence can reshape or deepen domain-specific knowledge.
- Design a unique study and construct an appropriate, field-specific grant proposal.
NSB 899 - Neuroscience and Behavior Master's Thesis
Credits: 1-10
Master's thesis research.
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
NSB 997 - Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Seminar
Credits: 1
Advanced seminar, supervised by a faculty member. Graduate student and faculty presentations or current topics in the field of neuroscience and behavior. Graduate students are expected to present one seminar per year and attend all seminars each semester.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. May be repeated up to 24 times.
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
NSB 999 - Neuroscience and Behavior Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits: 0
Doctoral dissertation research.
Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Conceptualize, design, and execute original research, correctly analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings in written and oral formats.