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Neuroscience Course Descriptions
NSC 3344 Anatomy and Physiology of Speech
and Hearing (3 semester hours) Study of anatomic and physiologic
mechanisms underlying speech respiration; phonation; articulation. Overview
of the peripheral auditory system. (Same as SPAU 3344) (3-0) Y
NSC 3345 Neural Basis of Communication
(3 semester hours) Cortical and subcortical mechanisms underlying sensory,
motor, and cognitive aspects of communication. (Same as SPAU 3345) (3-0)
Y
NSC 3361 Behavioral Neuroscience (3
semester hours) Introductory course that explores
the nature of the brain processes underlying behavior, including consideration
of basic neurophysiology and the physiology of sensation, learning,
and emotion. (3-0) S
NSC 4166 Neuroanatomy Workshop (1
semester hour) Problem solving and discussion related to the subject
matter in NSC 4366. Corequisite: concurrent enrollment in NSC 4366.
(1-0) Y
NSC 4352 Cellular Neuroscience (3
semester hours) The cell biology and cellular physiology of the neuron.
Growth and maintenance of dendrites, axons and synapses, and the underlying
processes of macromolecule synthesis, packaging, and transport are
the central biological issues. Electrical signaling, ion channel functions,
and synaptic transmission are covered. Prerequisite: NSC 3361. (3-0)
Y
NSC 4353 Neuroscience Laboratory Methods (3
semester hours) This laboratory course provides hands-on experience
with the use of electrophysiological techniques for the analysis of
living neural preparations. (This course
fulfills the advanced writing requirement for Neuroscience majors and
3 hours of the Communication component of the Core Curriculum). Prerequisite:
NSC 3361 and either NSC 4352 or NSC 4354. (0-3) S
NSC 4354 Integrative Neuroscience (3
semester hours) Examines the collective behavior of neuronal systems
with respect to sensory processing, motor control, and the plasticity
regulating more advanced behavioral, motivational, and cognitive functions.
Pre- or corequisite: NSC 3361. (3-0) Y
NSC 4355 Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory (3
semester hours) This laboratory course exposes students to a structured
research project, with topics selected
NSC 4356 Neurophysiology (3 semester
hours) This course focuses on the elements of neural functions ranging
from the kinetics of channels in excitable membranes to the collective
behavior of real neural networks. Prerequisite: NSC 4352.
(3-0) Y
NSC 4357 Brain and Memory (3 semester
hours) Current research and theory on modifications in the central
nervous system that may underlie memory. Includes an overview of synaptic
physiology and pharmacology, and development of the concept of neural
plasticity from foundations in anatomy and physiology on the basis
of electrical stimulation and pharmacological evidence. Includes discussion
of applications such as amnesia. Prerequisite:
NSC 4354. (3-0) T
NSC 4358 Neuroscience of Sensation and Perception
(3 semester hours) Explores how our experience of the world around us
is shaped by the neurobiology of our sensory systems, with particular
emphasis on vision and hearing. Our sensory systems play a critical
role in the execution of coordinated movement, navigation, and interaction
with the environment. Prerequisite: NSC 3361. (3-0) Y
NSC 4360 Learning (3 semester hours)
The theoretical basis of learning is presented with emphasis on results
from animal research. Introduces the student to the scientific analysis
of behavior and the application of experiments in the development of
a psychology of learning. Includes classical and instrumental conditioning,
non-associative learning, and behavior modification. Prerequisite: PSY
2301. (Same as PSY 4360) (3-0) T
NSC 4363 Neuropharmacology (3 semester
hours) A survey of neurotransmitter functions with special emphasis
on effects in the central nervous system. Emphasis is on receptor theory
and neurochemistry, but neurotransmitter metabolism and release are
also considered. Correlations between neurotransmitter activity and
behavior and pathological states are discussed where appropriate. Prerequisite:
NSC 4352 or NSC 4354. (3-0) Y
NSC 4366 Neuroanatomy (3 semester
hours) Introduction to the anatomical organization and basic functional
principles of the major sensory, motor, associational, and modulatory
systems of the human brain. Students learn to identify visually specific
structures on slides, magnetic resonance images (MRI), and dissected
brain specimens in relation to neural pathways and system interconnections.
This course provides a basis for a general understanding of the human
brain and its functions in relation to disease and behavior. Prerequisite:
NSC 3361 or BIO 2311. Corequisite NSC 4166. (3-0) Y
NSC 4367 Developmental Neurobiology
(3 semester hours) Examines the processes guiding the proliferation,
differentiation and migration of neurons as they form transient or long-lasting
connections and circuits. Prerequisite: NSC 4352 or NSC 4354. (3-0)
Y
NSC 4368 Computational Neuroscience
(3 semester hours) Students learn to make and run simulations of neurons
and small networks of neurons. Exploration and testing of different
network topologies encouraged. Prerequisite: NSC 4356. (Same as CGS
4368) (3-0) T
NSC 4370 Neuroendocrinology (3 semester
hours) A detailed examination of central nervous system regulation of
the endocrine system, primarily via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
axis. Examines feedback effects of hormonal actions on neuronal function.
Prerequisite: NSC 4366. (3-0) T
NSC 4372 Neuroimmunology (3 semester
hours) Studies of the effects of the brain and the mind on the immune
system, and subsequent effects on health and disease. Immune effects
on neural and endocrine actions are also considered. Prerequisites:
BIO 2312 and NSC 3361. (3-0) T
NSC 4373 Sensory Neurophysiology
(3 semester hours) An emphasis on similarities and differences between
the physiology of our five “classical” senses, non-classical
(non-lemniscal) ascending pathways, the role of descending pathways,
and the anatomical and physiological basis for pain. Prerequisite: NSC
4354. (3-0) T
NSC 4374 Neural Plasticity in Neuropathologies
(3 semester hours) The symptoms and signs of multiple disorders are
caused by reorganization or plasticity of the central nervous system.
This course examines the neural plasticity underlying the pathophysiology
of disorders such as chronic pain, tinnitus, balance disorders, spasticity,
etc., a “dark side” of plasticity not widely recognized.
Prerequisite: NSC 4352. (3-0) T
NSC 4375 Honors Seminar (3 semester
hours) A course for students who conduct undergraduate thesis research
in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. The seminar explores
the different types of thesis research, current research opportunities
in the school, and appropriate techniques for writing the thesis proposal
and final thesis report. Broader issues of professional development
are also explored. Permission of Associate Dean required. This course
is required for all students seeking School Honors (minimum GPA of
3.4
& 30 hours at UTD). Recommended, but not required, for students
seeking University magna or summa cum laude honors. (Same as CGS 4375,
CLDP 4375, PSY 4375, and SPAU 4375) (3-0) R
NSC 4376 Stress and the Nervous System
(3 semester hours) Studies of the basic effects of stressors (specific
and nonspecific) on bodily systems, with respect to health and disease
and maintenance of homeostatic equilibria. Neural, endocrine, and immune
interactions will be assessed. Prerequisite: NSC 4370. (3-0) T
Special Topics
Topics under the following course number vary from semester to semester.
The class schedule for the current semester will list the special topic
that will be offered.
NSC 4V90 Special Topics in Neuroscience (1-6 semester
hours) May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 hours maximum).
(Same as CGS 4V90, CLDP 4V90, PSY 4V90, and SPAU 4V90) ([1-6]-0) R
Independent Study
The following independent study courses are advanced individualized
projects to be arranged with a supervising professor. Open only to qualified
students by consent of instructor. Students must contact professor and
design a contract for study prior to enrollment. Permission forms are
available in the Office of the Associate Dean. Students may enroll in
no more than a total of 6 semester credit hours of the independent study
courses during one semester, and may take a maximum of 20 percent of
the total hours of course work undertaken at U.T. Dallas or 12 semester
hours, whichever is smaller.
NSC 4394 Internship in Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Students earn course credit for field experience in an applied setting.
Requires working at least 8 hours per week at an approved community
agency or business of the student's choice. Students keep daily job
diaries, attend one class meeting per month, and write brief papers
relevant to their experiences. Open to all students who have reached
junior or senior standing (more than 53 hours). Apply for placements
in the Dean’s office. Must be taken on Credit/No Credit basis.
(Same as CGS 4394, CLDP 4394, PSY 4394
and SPAU 4396) (3-0) S
NSC 4397 Honors Thesis (3 semester hours) An independent
study in which the student writes an honors thesis under faculty supervision.
Permission of instructor and Associate Dean required. (3-0) S
NSC 4V96 Teaching Internship (1-3 semester hours) Students
work individually with faculty member in preparing and presenting course
materials and tutoring students. Must have completed the relevant course
with a grade of at least B. Permission of the instructor and Associate
Dean required. Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. Can be repeated for
a total of 6 semester hours. ([1-3]-0) S
NSC 4V98 Directed Research (1-6 semester hours) Student
assists faculty with research projects or conducts a research project
under weekly faculty supervision. Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis.
May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). ([1-6]-0) S
NSC 4V99 Individual Study (1-6 semester hours) Student
studies advanced topics under weekly faculty direction and writes a
paper. Taken on Credit/No Credit basis unless the Associate Dean approves
for a letter grade. May be repeated for credit, up to 6 hours total.
([1-6]-0) S
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