Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular term. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the MyBU Student Portal for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• CAS NE 204: Introduction to Computational Models of Brain and Behavior
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASMA121 & CASMA122) or (CASMA123 & CASMA124) or (CASNE 212) and soph. standing; or consent of instructor. CASNE212 or basic programming experience strongly enco uraged. - Introduction to important concepts in cognitive neuroscience and computational modeling of biological neural systems. Combines a systems-level overview of brain function with an introduction to modeling of brain and behavior using neural networks.
• CAS NE 212: Introduction to MATLAB Programming for Research in Psychological & Brain Sciences
  Teaches computer programming concepts, core statistical concepts, and related skills via MATLAB. Programming examples that cover four steps of neuroscience research (experiment control; random samples; data analysis; brain process simulation) promote "constructive" understanding of the quantitative reasoning behind decisions based on descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., confidence intervals, linear regression models, model- specific anovas). Explains numerical integration programs in two settings: probability distributions, and simulations of neural dynamics. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking.
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Quantitative Reasoning I
• CAS NE 218: Fundamentals of Neuroscience with Integrated Science Experience 2 Lab
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NE 116 and CAS CH 116, or consent of instructor. First Year Writin g Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) ; Undergraduate Corequisites: CAS CH 218. - This project focuses on the application of modern approaches and techniques of molecular and cell biology and neuroscience to study how drugs affect molecular mechanisms of neuronal function or degeneration. Applications in the field of Alzheimer's disease, therapy and diagnosis. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS NE 230: Behavioral Endocrinology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI108 OR CASNE102) and sophomore standing. - Hormonal control of reproductive behaviors and social affiliation, aggression, fluid homeostasis and feeding, biological rhythms including seasonal reproduction, stress, learning and memory, psychiatric illness, and steroid abuse. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Also offered as CAS BI 230. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Scientific Inquiry I
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
• CAS NE 234: Psychology of Learning
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS 101) - How do we learn to associate stimuli together? How do we learn to associate behaviors with their consequences? How is memory applicable to learning? What are the different memory processes and systems responsible for learning? The aim of this course is to review the major traditional and current theories of learning and memory. Students will begin with an understanding of simple learning, including theories and basic principles of classical and operant conditioning. Students will then be introduced to the memory system, the three stages of memory, implicit and explicit memory processes. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking.
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Inquiry I
  • Social Inquiry I
• CAS NE 291: Sophomore Research in Neuroscience 1
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor. - Research in neuroscience for students at the sophomore level. Students design and implement a research project with a faculty member. Research topic must be defined at the time of registration. Course grade is determined by laboratory performance and written report.
• CAS NE 292: Sophomore Research in Neuroscience 2
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor. - Research in neuroscience for students at the sophomore level. Students design and implement a research project with a faculty member. Research topic must be defined at the time of registration. Course grade is determined by laboratory performance and written report.
• CAS NE 323: Experimental Psychology: Learning
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120, and CAS PS101 or CASNE 101, and CASPS 211 or CASMA 115 & MA 116 or CASPS/NE 212, and CASPS/NE 234. - Instruction in methodology, results, and interpretation of selected topics in classical and operant conditioning within the context of learning theory. Required written reports and poster presentation of instructor-planned and student-planned experiments using a virtual rat and laboratory mouse video recordings. Effective Spring 206, this course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU HUB areas: Research and Information Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration, Writing Intensive.
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  • Research and Information Literacy
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS NE 327: Experimental Psychology: Perception
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS PS101; PS222; either PS 211, PS/NE 212, or CAS MA 115 and MA 116. - Introduces psychophysical methods and their use in the study of perceptual processes: Students learn to think critically about the relation between theory and experiment, conduct perception experiments, and write experimental reports. Also offered as CAS PS 327.
• CAS NE 328: Experimental Psychology: Memory & Cognition
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS PS336 or PS339/NE202 or instructor consent; either PS 211, PS/NE 2 12, or CAS MA 115 and MA 116. - An overview of standard experimental paradigms and computational modeling approaches used in the study of memory and cognition. Methods are illustrated in the laboratory where students perform experiments using themselves as subjects and analyze and model their data using computers. Also offered as CAS PS 328.
• CAS NE 329: Experimental Psychology: Cognitive Neuroscience
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS PS231 (or instructor consent); PS339/NE202; either PS 211, PS/NE 2 12, or CAS MA 115 and MA 116;1st Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120). - Laboratory course in human cognitive neuroscience. Emphasis on large-scale neural mechanisms of visual cognition using electrophysiological measurements of brain activity. Students critically engage with theories in psychological science, conduct cognitive neuroscience experiments, and learn to write experimental reports. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Research and Information Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Research and Information Literacy
  • Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS NE 333: Drugs and Behavior
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS PS 231 or CAS NE 101, and NE junior or senior standing; or consent of instructor. - Comprehensive survey of drug influences on behavior; introduces a neuroscience approach to behavior. Several classes of drugs are discussed, including abused and addictive substances and psychoactive and therapeutic agents. Also offered as CAS PS 333.
• CAS NE 337: Memory Systems of the Brain
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS231 OR CASNE101 OR CASBI325) or consent of instructor. - Survey of investigations into the brain systems and neurobiological mechanisms of memory. Includes experimental studies of amnesia in humans and experimental models of amnesia in animals. Focus on evidence for multiple forms of memory and distinct brain systems that mediate them. Also offered as CAS PS 337.
• CAS NE 338: Neuropsychology
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPS231 OR CASBI325 OR CASNE203) - Survey of theoretical aspects and major empirical findings in human neuropsychology, including memory, language, spatial function, attention, emotion, and abstract thought. Emphasis is on the relation between brain disorders (resulting from head injury, stroke, degenerative disease, etc.) and abnormal behavior. Also offered as CAS PS 338.
• CAS NE 349: Neurotoxins in Biology, Medicine, Agriculture and War
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI108 OR CASNE102) or equivalent. - Neurotoxins used as a lens to study the consequences of venom on mammalian physiological systems; potential clinical applications of neurotoxins; neurotoxins at cellular and molecular levels; mechanisms and possible impacts of neurotoxic pesticides; and physiological effects of neurotoxic chemical weapons. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking.
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Quantitative Reasoning I
• CAS NE 370: Neuroscience Communications
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASNE102 OR CASNE203) and First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120.). - Students explore diverse neuroscience career paths by practicing writing for different genres related to science journalism and business careers. Attention to stylistic revision and multimedia design and communication informed by the needs of the different audiences these careers reach. Effective Spring 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course.
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  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS NE 371: Junior Research in Neuroscience 1 (2 Credits)
  For students with junior standing. First semester of research in neuroscience, involving the use of research literature. Application through the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience. Students conduct research under supervision of a faculty mentor. Final report required. Two-credit research does not carry major credit in Neuroscience. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Research and Information Literacy
• CAS NE 372: Junior Research in Neuroscience 2 (2 Credits)
  For students with junior standing. Second semester of research in neuroscience, involving active participation at group meetings. Application through the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience. Students conduct research under supervision of a faculty mentor. Attendance at group meetings, presentation at one or more group meetings, and final report required. Two- credit research does not carry major credit in Neuroscience. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
• CAS NE 391: Junior Research in Neuroscience 1 (4 Credits)
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor. - For students with junior standing. First semester of research in neuroscience, involving the use of research literature and active participation at group meetings. Application through the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience. Students conduct research under supervision of a faculty mentor. Attendance at group meetings, presentation at one or more group meetings, and final report required. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Research and Information Literacy
• CAS NE 392: Junior Research in Neuroscience 2 (4 Credits)
  Undergraduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor. - For students with junior standing. Second semester of research in neuroscience, involving the use of research literature and significant creative contributions by the student. Application through the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience. Students conduct research under supervision of a faculty mentor. Attendance at group meetings and final report required. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Creativity/Innovation, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Creativity/Innovation
  • Research and Information Literacy