L.NEU-145: Introductory Neuroscience

This course will introduce students to the fundamental topics and concepts that are critical to understanding the biological and psychological components of neuroscience. Topics to be covered include the biochemistry of action potentials, the functioning of ion channels, a brief overview of systems neuroscience (vision, audition, etc.), neurotransmitters and peripheral endocrine systems, learning and memory, the effects of neurotransmitters on behavior, the biology underlying several psychiatric disorders, and basic neuroanatomy. Prerequisites: L.BIO-1 15 or L.PSY-101. 3 credits.

L.NEU-211: Techniques in Neuroscience

This course will introduce students to techniques relevant to the field of neuroscience, both in terms of the theory that describes the techniques and in terms of practicing the techniques with biological samples. Students will read and discuss primary literature sources from work with both human and non-human models. Extensive laboratory work will teach students laboratory techniques that may include sterile technique, radioimmunoassay, and enzyme immunoassay. Part of the term may be spent at a University. 3 credits. Prerequisite: L.NEU-145. Instructor permission required. January term.

L.NEU-281: Exploring the Brain through TBI

It is difficult to fully understand how the brain functions under completely normal working conditions. One technique used to investigate brain functioning through clinical cases where there has been trauma in a specified region of the brain. Thus, in people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) neuroscientists can locate the region of trauma and any change in functioning of the individual. This course is designed to explore the brain through various historical cases and provide a deeper understanding of neuro-functioning from resulting deficits in dissociated brain regions. Clinical cases will be provided as we travel from the frontal lobe to the temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and beyond. Prerequisite: L.NEU-145 or L.BIO-345. 3 credits.

L.NEU-291: Functional Neuroanatomy

We will study the topography, functional distribution of nerve cell bodies, and ascending and descending tracts in the spinal cord. Brainstem organization and functional components will be covered, to include cranial nerve nuclei, ascending/descending pathways, structure and information flow in the cerebellar and vestibular systems. Once we have identified all of the functional units of the nervous system, we will continue with how these various pieces and parts work together: motor and sensory systems, cortical versus cerebellar systems, and their functional integration. Prerequisites: L.NEU-145 or L.BIO-115. Restriction: Not open to first year students. 3 credits. Spring semester every two years.

L.NEU-301: Neuropsychiatric Diseases

This course will explore how translational research applies neuroscience knowledge to inform, prevent, treat, and cure brain diseases. Some topics will include the role of the blood brain barrier in preventing disease, the role of both central and peripheral cytokines in the manifestation of psychiatric disorders, how genetic and environmental factors influence susceptibility to psychiatric conditions, and several psychiatric conditions including Parkinsons, Huntingtons, and Alzheimers Diseases, anxious and depressive disorders, and multiple sclerosis. Prerequisites: L.NEU-145 and L.BIO-115. 3 credits.

L.NEU-311: Hormones and Behavior

This course will introduce students to several topics within the field of neuroendocrinology. Topics to be discussed will include the blood brain barrier, synthesis and release of neurotransmitters relevant to behavior, psychosomatic interactions, and the effects of various monoamine, peptide, and steroid hormones on sexual, reproductive, affiliative, aggressive, parental, and reward-seeking behaviors. In addition to readings from the text, students will read and discuss primary literature sources from work with both human and non-human models. Laboratory work will teach students several research skills and laboratory techniques including study design, behavioral observation and scoring, blood sampling, processing and storage, and data set management. Prerequisite: L.NEU145. 3 credits.

L.NEU-390: Research Experience

This experiential class will require students to either 1) propose a novel neuroscience research study or 2) conduct neuroscience research and write up a report of their findings. Students will meet weekly with the course instructor and students may take this course up to 3 (three) times (with 1 credit given each semester). This course will give students a clear understanding of the scientific method and skills needed to conduct research in the field of neuroscience from conception to implementation to presentation. Prerequisite: L.NEU-145. Open to declared Neuroscience majors only. Instructor permission required. 1 credit.

L.NEU-490: Junior Seminar I

This course will serve as the first semester of a capstone series for all students completing a major in Neuroscience. The course will meet once per week, and majors will enroll in the course during the fall semester of their Junior year at Loras College (exceptions (e.g. for study abroad programs, etc.) will be made at the discretion of the Neuroscience faculty). Restricted to Neuroscience majors only. Prerequisite: L.NEU-145. 1 credit.

L.NEU-491: Senior Seminar II

This course will serve as the second semester of a capstone series for all students completing a major in neuroscience. The course meetings will occur once per week, and majors will enroll in the course during the spring semester of their senior year at Loras College (exceptions (e.g. for study abroad programs, etc.) will be made at the discretion of the neuroscience faculty). Restricted to senior neuroscience majors only. Prerequisite: L.NEU-145. 1 credit.

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Neuroscience Programs: Degrees and Majors | Loras College