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The neuroscience minor at UVM is interdisciplinary — that is, it draws on perspectives and experiences from researchers in many different fields, giving you a rich blend of skills and perspectives that augments most major programs. 

 

 

Requirements:

NSCI 111. Exploring Neuroscience. 3 Credits.

In-depth survey of neuroscience topics, including neuron function, the anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system, and diseases of the nervous system. Prerequisites: PSYS 001; CHEM 023 or CHEM 031; and one of the following pairs of courses: BIOL 001 and BIOL 002, BCOR 011and BCOR 012, or ANPS 019 and ANPS 020.

PSYS 053. Research Methods. 0 or 3 Credits.

Basic course in principles of research methodology, including design and reporting. Prepares students to understand and evaluate psychological research in a variety of areas of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYS 001.

 

Category A (Cognitive behavior)

PSYS 111. Learning, Cognition & Behavior. 3 Credits.

Behavioral and cognitive principles underlying learning, memory, and action inside and outside the laboratory. Includes conditioning, motivation, biological constraints, and mechanism of remembering and forgetting. Prerequisite: PSYS 001.

CSD 281. Intro Cognitive Neuroscience. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the organization, structures and functions of the human central nervous system. Higher cognitive and linguistic behaviors are emphasized. Prerequisite: Human Biology course such as BIOL 004 or ANPS 019.

PSYS 214. Adv Cognitive Neuroscience. 3 Credits.

Cognitive Neuroscience studies thinking processes (e.g., attention, memory, problem solving) by investigating brain function. Focuses on dominant theories and relevant empirical data including a focus on non-invasive brain imaging of humans. Prerequisites: PSYS 053; PSYS 111 or PSYS 115 or NSCI 111.

PSYS 215. Physiological Psychology. 0 or 4 Credits.

Structure and function of mammalian nervous system, emphasizing neurological correlates of sensory experience and perception. Individual laboratory experience. Prerequisites: PSYS 053; PSYS 115 or NSCI 111.
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PSYS 218. Hormones and Behavior. 3 Credits.

A study of the involvement of hormones in cognition, emotion, the stress response, circadian and homeostatic mechanisms that affect mental state, psychopathology, and reproductive behavior. Prerequisites: PSYS 053 and PSYS 115.
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PSYS 219. Sel Topics Behavioral Neurosci. 3 Credits.

Selected topics examining the role of the central nervous system in determining behavior, including innate behaviors, arousal, motivation, learning, and memory. Prerequisites: PSYS 053; PSYS 115 or NSCI 111.
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Category B (Cell/Molecular)

BCOR 101. Genetics. 0 or 3 Credits.

The basis of inheritance, covering topics from classical genetics to modern molecular studies. Analysis of genetic data emphasized, from prokaryotic, animal, and plant systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BCOR 011, and BIOL 002 or BCOR 012; or BCOR 021; and also CHEM 031, CHEM 035, or CHEM 051, and CHEM 032, CHEM 036, or CHEM 052.

BCOR 103. Molecular and Cell Biology. 0 or 4 Credits.

Explores the fundamental processes of life. Topics include cellular metabolism; structure and function of organelles; cell cycle; signal transduction; biology of cancer. Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BCOR 011, and BIOL 002 or BCOR 012; or BCOR 021; and also CHEM 031, CHEM 035, or CHEM 051, and CHEM 032, CHEM 036, CHEM 052. CHEM 141, BCOR 101 recommended.

BIOL 261. Neurobiology. 3 Credits.

Focus on molecular and cellular aspects of the nervous system. Electrical signaling, synaptic transmission, signal transduction, neural development, plasticity, and disease. Prerequisite: BCOR 103or NSCI 110. Cross-listed with: ANNB 261.

BIOL 266. Neurodevelopment. 3 Credits.

Current topics in developmental neurobiology through lectures and discussions of primary literature. The course is designed for advanced undergraduate life science majors and graduate students in the biological sciences. Pre/co-requisites: BCOR 101 and BCOR 103.

NSCI 225. Human Neuroanatomy. 0-3 Credits.

Functional anatomy of the human nervous system and its cells. Focus on both peripheral and central nervous system. Lectures and laboratory (gross and microscopic anatomy). Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

NSCI 255. Neuroregeneration. 3 Credits.

An analysis of the cellular and molecular processes involved in injury, responses to damage, and differences in the capacity of specific neural tissues to regenerate. Prerequisite: NSCI 111.

PSYS 216. Psychopharmacology. 3 Credits.

Effects of drugs (both medical and recreational) on behavior. Topics such as drug effects on learning, memory, motivation, perception, emotions, and aggression. Prerequisites: PSYS 053; PSYS 115 or NSCI 111.

PHRM 201. Introduction to Pharmacology. 3 Credits.

This course will focus on biochemical and physiological actions of prototype drugs used in the treatment and prevention of human diseases. Prerequisite: Introductory courses in Biology and Organic Chemistry.

PHRM 290. Topics Molecular&Cell Pharm. 3 Credits.

Focuses on basic principles, drug interactions with receptors, membranes, synapses, neurotransmitters, macromoles, cytoskeleton, ion channels and pumps, and mechanisms of drug resistance. Prerequisite: Introductory course in organic chemistry, background in physiology or health sciences.