Neuroscience

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  • CAS NE 535: Translational Research in Alzheimer?s Disease
    An introduction to translational research focused on the search for new therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease. Emphasis on the development of cellular and animal models for preclinical research, and on past and current clinical trials in Alzheimer's patients. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Ethical Reasoning, Research and Information Literacy.
    • Ethical Reasoning
    • Oral and/or Signed Communication
    • Research and Information Literacy
  • CAS NE 542: Neuroethology
    An in-depth study of the neural mechanisms underlying natural behaviors in animals, integrating perspectives from behavioral ecology and neurobiology. Behaviors that are central to fitness will be studied in detail, including the sensory and motor bases of prey detection, predator avoidance, communication, courtship, navigation, and migration. A wide variety of non- model organisms such as honey bees, owls, bats, and crickets will be discussed. Lectures are integrated with student-led discussions of relevant research papers. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Scientific Inquiry II, Research and Information Literacy.
  • CAS NE 544: Developmental Neuropsychology
    Study of the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral development. Topics include the plasticity of the developing brain in response to deprivation or damage and mechanisms underlying specific syndromes (e.g., aphasia, dyslexia, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, autism, and Tourette's syndrome). Also offered as CAS PS 544.
  • CAS NE 545: Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior
    Neural circuits and neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproductive, parental, and affiliative behaviors, decision making, ingestive behaviors and metabolism, circadian rhythms, pain perception, and reward in animals, with an emphasis on vertebrates. Lectures are integrated with student-led discussions of relevant research papers. Also offered as CAS BI 545.
  • CAS NE 594: Topics in Neurobiology
    Examines contemporary topics in neurobiological research, drawing from recent literature. Students critically evaluate papers, assess the soundness of methods, distinguish correct from incorrect interpretations of data, and discuss the soundness of conclusions. Pre-reqs may vary with topic. Topic for Spring 2021, Section B1: Drug Discovery in the Neurosciences. (Pre-reqs: CAS NE 102 or BI 108 & CH102. Strongly recommended: CAS NE/PS 333 or consent of instructor.) Drug discovery is complex and expensive. This is compounded when a drug is intended to treat a neurological disease. This discussion-heavy course examines the neuroscience specific challenges of modern drug discovery, including: Target selection, Pharmacodynamics, Animal Models, Clinical Trials.
  • CAS NE 598: Neural Circuits
    Reviews modern techniques and toolsets that are capable of dissecting neural circuits, which are critical for understanding how coordinated patterns of neural activity lead to complex behavior. Recent literature on information processing, guided behavior and cognition is discussed. Also offered as CAS BI 598.

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