Please note: Syllabi change from semester to semester and therefore, please only use them as a guide and not a definitive list of topics covered by a course in future semesters.
NEU C61: Brain, Mind, and Behavior (3 units; Syllabus; Cross-listed with PSYCH C61)
The human brain is the most complex structure in the known universe. The study of its structure and function and how it figures into our actions and mental experience is among the most exciting projects of modern science. This class begins with molecules and cells, builds up to brains and nervous systems, encompasses neural signaling, sensory perception, memory, language, and emotion, and culminates with the great mystery of how brain processes relate to consciousness and mental experience — that is, how mind may be related to brain. This is a comprehensive introduction to the exciting subject of contemporary neuroscience, open to all interested students. (Sp)
NEU C62: Drugs and the Brain (3 units; Syllabus; Cross-listed with L & S C30T)
The history, chemical nature, botanical origins, and effects on the human brain and behavior of drugs such as stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, analgesics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, steroids, and other psychoactive substances of both natural and synthetic origin. The necessary biological, chemical, and psychological background material for understanding the content of this course will be contained within the course itself. (F)
NEU 63: Introduction to Functional Neuroanatomy (3 units; Syllabus)
This course aims to introduce students to concepts that are central to the field of Neuroanatomy. The main emphasis of the course will be on the human central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Importantly, anatomy will be discussed in relation to the functions of the nervous system. Students will learn topics such as Cell Biology and Physiology, Neurodevelopment, sensory-motor systems, autonomic divisions, and the anatomy responsible for generating some of our higher cognitive functions. There are no prerequisites for this course, but a basic understanding of high school chemistry and biology is recommended. (Su)
NEU C64: Exploring the Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience (3 units; Syllabus; Cross-listed with PSYCH C64)
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or Chemistry 1A; high school biology or Biology 1A. Biology 1AL is not required.
This course will introduce lower division undergraduates to the fundamentals of neuroscience. The first part of the course covers basic membrane properties, synapses, action potentials, chemical and electrical synaptic interactions, receptor potentials, and receptor proteins. The second part of the course covers networks in invertebrates, memory and learning behavior, modulation, vertebrate brain and spinal cord, retina, visual cortex architecture, hierarchy, development, and higher cortical centers. (Su)
NEU 65: Neuroscience, Film, and Philosophy (3 units; Syllabus)
Advances in neuroscience are forcing us to confront anew questions concerning the nature of identity, reality, morality, and free will. Scientists can now implant artificial memories, augment natural brain capabilities, and read out intentions from the brain before they are acted upon. This class intends to shine a light on the brave new world enabled by modern neuroscience through three lenses: science, film, and philosophy. Topics to be covered include: the architecture of the brain, AI & the mind body problem, the neural construction of reality, action and free will, memory, the neural basis of morality, mechanisms for brain wiring, mental illness, and brain machine interfaces. (Sp, odd years)
NEU 77: Survey of Neuroscience Research (1 unit; Syllabus)
This course provides a survey of neuroscience research areas represented by faculty members in the Department of Neuroscience. Each week a different faculty member will give a one hour lecture on how their research field contributes to our understanding of the brain and behavior. The course will span molecular, cellular, circuits, systems, behavioral, cognitive, and computational neuroscience, to illustrate how different approaches fit into the overall field of neuroscience. Faculty will also inform students about courses that they teach in neuroscience and related areas. This course gives undergraduates an opportunity to learn about the spectrum of research within the field of neuroscience. (F)