Assistant Professor Nichols, Coordinator
A concentration in neuroscience will offer students an opportunity to learn about theory and research on the brain and nervous system from a number of perspectives. A tremendous body of knowledge in psychology, intersecting with biology, chemistry, movement science, artificial intelligence, and medical ethics, has been growing rapidly in recent years with the advent of newer techniques in the study of neuroscience. These developments have illuminated multiple areas within the disciplines and filled in knowledge gaps in areas such as mental illness, brain damage, child development, and drug interactions. The Psychology Department houses the concentration, but it is designed to be compatible with majors in biology, chemistry, and health and human performance because neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field. Students will come to understand how developments in chemistry, biology, psychology and related fields alter knowledge and research techniques in the other fields. Students will also learn from faculty in a range of departments and be exposed to a range of research and thus a range of viewpoints. Students from any major may graduate with a concentration in Neuroscience by successfully completing at least six units and earning a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. In accordance with the general rules applicable to all concentrations, no more than three courses from a student’s major may apply to the concentration and at least three courses in the concentration must be completed at Roanoke College. The courses required for the concentration are listed below:
Required Courses (4):
NEUR 210 Principles of Neuroscience
BIOL 120 Principles of Biology OR
BIOL 105 Human Biology (HHP majors only)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I
NEUR 410 Research Seminar: Neuroscience OR
NEUR 405, 406, or 407 Independent Study in Neuroscience
Students must also take two electives from the list below:
Electives:
NEUR 340 Topics in Neuroscience
PSYC 270 Drugs and Behavior
PSYC 330 Physiological Psychology
PSYC 350 Sensation and Perception
BIOL 210 Cell Biology
BIOL 260 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 305 Principles of Physiology
BIOL 420 Developmental Biology
CHEM 341 Biochemistry I
CHEM 340 Pharmaceutical Chemistry
HHP 306 Motor Behavior
210 Principles of Neuroscience
This course will provide a detailed understanding of neurons and the functional role of different aspects of the human nervous system. A survey of topic areas relevant to psychology and neuroscience related disciplines will also be included. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.
340 Topics in Neuroscience
A thorough examination of a particular topic within the field of neuroscience that is not covered in other regularly offered courses. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: NEUR 210 or permission.
405, 406, 407 Independent Study
Empirical research project that has a focus in neuroscience, with faculty supervision. (1/2, 1, ½)
Prerequisite: Written proposal and application approved by the coordinator.
410 Research Seminar: Neuroscience
An advanced, research-oriented seminar in human neuroscience. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: NEUR 210, statistics class (e.g. PSYC 204, INQ 240), research methods class (e.g. PSYC 205, CHEM 280); or permission.