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Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology


The Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology (NBB) major is an interdisciplinary program that provides a unique science background and an excellent foundation for advanced studies in biological and behavioral research as well as medicine. NBB has become one of the "signature" programs of Emory College and has over 500 majors and approximately 140 students each year graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. The program draws upon the resources, expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment of a diverse faculty, including representatives from biology, psychology, anthropology, chemistry, philosophy, and the School of Medicine. The NBB faculty includes 25 members who have been designated Emory Distinguished Professors by the Office of the Provost and 14 winners of the Emory Williams Teaching Award, Emory University's highest award for excellence in teaching.

In the NBB program, students can undertake independent laboratory research with Emory faculty, engage in challenging faculty-student interactions, and participate in seminars and special events that often present distinguished guest speakers. Qualified senior NBB majors can participate in the NBB Honors Program and become members of Nu Rho Psi, Emory's neuroscience honor society. NBB majors also have the unique opportunity to study with researchers affiliated with the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society, and the Neuroscience Initiative. NBB majors also have the opportunity to be involved in study abroad programs with St Andrews in Scotland, Melbourne University in Australia, and summer study in Paris, France where students are able to complete an NBB core class and an elective.

Visit the Program Website

Concentrations

Faculty

Director
Robert Wyttenbach
Director of Undergraduate Studies
J Alex Grizzell
Core
Associated

Courses

NBB 100-Level Courses

Using active-learning methods and real-world examples, this course is designed to provide a fuller understanding of how the brain works and how neuronal activity underlies complex human behaviors. We will explore topics like: drug overdoses, Botox injections, sensory systems, emotions and memories.


Credit Hours
4
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Variable topics of special interest in the field of Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Any of these NBB 190 courses will satisfy the new General Education freshman seminar requirement but will not count as an NBB elective.


Credit Hours
3
GER
FS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

NBB 200-Level Courses

This course presents an introduction to evolutionary processes and biological bases of behavior. Lectures and readings will be organized around a developmental and life history perspective and will emphasize the importance of context in biological mechanisms and the interaction of social life, behavior, and cognition. Examples drawn especially from humans and nonhuman primates will be used to place human behavior in the Context of other species and to illustrate the dual inheritance of biology and culture in our species. Topics covered will include evolutionary mechanisms, adaptation, phylogenetic constraints, neural and neuroendocrine mechanisms of behavior, life history theory, developmental programs, principles of allometry, sexual selection and alternative reproductive strategies, social bonds and socialization, and the cognitive bases of social interaction in humans and nonhumans.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ANT 200

This course examines the subjective experience and neural substrates of music perception and performance.Each week the class participates in a dialog between musicians and neuroscientists that examines both the experiential and mechanistic approach to music by asking questions such as "What makes something musical" and "how are the complex sounds of music processed by the brain?". The relationships of music to language, emotion and memory will be examined in detail. Theories of motor learning will be discussed and applied to musical performance. The course explores the development of the musical mind from infancy to adulthood and asks the question, "How are the brains of composers, conductors, and performers different?" Evidence of the efficacy of music therapy and the impact of music on mental health are evaluated. Finally, the evolution of musicality in animals and humans explained.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • MUS 220

The focus will be to educate students in the scientific method: generating testable hypotheses, sampling randomization and control techniques. Students will learn the basic statistical vocabulary and tests necessary to read and interpret scientific articles in the field.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

The focus will be to extend basic understandings of the scientific method as a process that actually produces a product. The elements of scientific writing, publication, and presentation are introduced in the classroom.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

The focus will be to extend basic understandings of the scientific method as a process that actually produces a product. The elements of scientific writing, publication, and presentation are introduced in the classroom.


Credit Hours
4
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Study of variable topics of special interest in neuroscience and behavioral biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course provides historical context and examines the competing identities of neuroethics; the ethics of neuroscience and the neuroscience of ethics. Students will explore ethical, legal & social implications and identify promise or limitations of neuroscientific advancements.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

NBB encompassess a large and diverse range of research questions, approaches and methods, and so we will explore cutting-edge research at Emory ranging from intracellular molecular studies, to animal behavior manipulations, to clinical studies, to medical humanities and neuroethics.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

NBB 300-Level Courses

Includes electrochemical and biophysical mechanisms for neuronal signaling, synaptic transmission, and neural bases of behavior and perception. GER Note: This course and BIOL360L satisfies half of SNTL requirement. This course w/o BIOL360L will award half of SNT only.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142] and (CHEM 142 or CHEM_OX 142 or CHEM 202 or CHEM_OX 202 or CHEM 202Z) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite..
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 360

This course will explore topics in cellular and small network neuroscience by performing virtual electrophysiology experiments on the computer. The content matches the material covered in Biology 360/NBB 301 and will help students understand neurons and neuronal networks in greater depth.


Credit Hours
2
GER
SNTL
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOl 142L) or BIOL_OX142] and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 360L

This course presents an integrated coverage of work at the intersection of animal behavior, evolution, and cellular/systems neuroscience. The course surveys the major areas of behavioral neuroscience.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 353

Neurobiological substrates supporting human social cognition and behavior. Review and synthesis of relevant research in neuropsychology, psychiatry, neuroimaging, and experimental animal research.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ANT 317

This course will describe and explain variation in male parental care across species, across cultures and across individuals within a culture. Emphasis will be placed on hormonal and neurobiological foundations of paternal care, evolutionary theory, ethnography and developmental psychology. .


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ANT 319

Explores hormonal contributions to the development and expression of gender and sexual behavior in animals and humans.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 321

Record intracellulary and extracellulary from invertebrates to examine sensory and motor circuits, synaptic plasticity, and ionic bases of potentials. Part of the semester is devoted to student-designed projects. Special attention is given to scientific writing and presentation of data.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNTL
Requisites
BIOL 360/NBB301 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Record intracellulary and extracellulary from invertebrates to examine sensory and motor circuits, synaptic plasticity, and ionic bases of potentials. Part of the semester is devoted to student-designed projects. Special attention is given to scientific writing and presentation of data.


Credit Hours
4
GER
SNLW
Requisites
BIOL 360/NBB301 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Study of variable topics of special interest in neuroscience and behavioral biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Study of variable topics of special interest in neuroscience and behavioral biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Advanced Neuroethics explores 2 special themes in Neuroethics. One from Ethics of Neuroscience and Neuroscience of Ethics. Approaching from different disciplinary perspectives, students in this discussion seminar read primary literature & popular media to produce short analysis and position papers.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
NBB 280 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Students will be introduced to the field of neuroeconomics, which uses neuroscience techniques to understand human decision-making. Students will learn about theoretical approaches to and techniques for studying individual decision-making and how to use this knowledge to make better decisions.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
(ECON 201/ECON_OX 201 and ECON 212/ECON_OX 212) or (NBB 301/BIOL360 and NBB 302/PSYC 353) or PSYC 207 or PSYC 215 or PSYC 309/LING 309 or PSYC 335 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 381

This introduction to mentored undergraduate research is designed for students just beginning their work with a faculty member.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

NBB 400-Level Courses

Prerequisites: NBB 201, 301, and 302; or permission of instructor. A senior seminar utilizing the primary literature to examine current issues, trends, and controversies in the field of neuroscience and behavioral biology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Fall. Prerequisites: NBB 201, 301, and 302; or permission of instructor. A writing intensive senior seminar utilizing the primary literature to examine current issues, trends, and controversies in the field of neuroscience and behavioral biology. (Satisfies General Education Requirements for post-freshman writing and advanced seminar.)


Credit Hours
4
GER
SNTW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

A senior seminar utilizing the primary literature to examine current issues, trends, and controversies in the field of neuroscience and behavioral biology, with a special focus on contemporary European work. This course is limited to those enrolled in Emory study abroad.


Credit Hours
4
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

A writing intensive senior seminar utilizing the primary literature to examine current issues, trends, and controversies in the field of neuroscience and behavioral biology, with a special focus on contemporary European work. This course is limited to those enrolled in Emory study abroad


Credit Hours
5
GER
SNTW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course will trace contemporary issues in neuroscience from their origins in classical times through the 19th century and on to new frontiers with emphasis on primary works by the creators of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course will trace contemporary issues in neuroscience from their origins in classical times through the 19th century and on to new frontiers with emphasis on primary works by the creators of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.


Credit Hours
4
GER
SNTW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course will focus on the neurobiology supporting subjective experience, but also consider concepts from cognitive science and philosophy of mind. Students will study high-density scans of the human brain to analyze the neural architecture believed to yield visual experiences.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
BIOL 250 and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 410

The course examines developmental changes in brain function and organization linked to different aspects of sensory, language, and non-language cognitive processes during the first three years of life.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 414

The primary focus of this course will be to provide an overview of the neuroanatomical foundations of selected neurological disorders. The first part of the course will be an introduction to the functional neuroanatomy of the brain, followed by clinical topics.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Application of imaging technology to the study of brain function and anatomy.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 425

Students will learn about pharmacology and the randomized clinical trials process for psychoactive drugs. The neuroscience of and impact of placebo effects on new psychotherapeutic drug approvals will be studied by reading and writing about the relevant primary literature.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
ANT/NBB 317 or BIOL 360/NBB 301 or BIOL 336 or PSYC 103 or PSYC_OX 103 or PSYC 323 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 426

Explores our current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate development of the nervous system. Topics covered include neurogenesis, axon guidance, programmed cell death, and synapse formation.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 460

Variable topics of special interest in the field of Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Variable topics of special interest in the field of Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Study of variable topics in neuroscience and behavioral biology in a context outside the US. May be repeated when topics vary.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Study of variable topics in neuroscience and behavioral biology in a context outside the US. May be repeated when topics vary.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
SNTW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Students will gain currency and relevance in the field of applied neuroethics. Class discussions will supplement assignments which will include a peer commentary of a target article in AJOB Neuroscience and a statement paper that addresses content from an upper level neuroethics elective.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of neuroeconomics. Upon completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the tools used to study the neurobiology of decision making.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • ECON 481

These lectures expose neuroscience students to recent and cutting-edge topics and methods in neuroscience. Students interact with graduate students and speakers and engage in question and answer sessions. This course will not fulfill an NBB elective requirement.


Credit Hours
1
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Much more than a shadowing program, NBB 490 offers a genuine clinical neurology experience, classroom guidance and a look at current practices in medicine. Each student will be assigned a Clinical Neurology faculty mentor and will be required to attend a minimum of one half-day clinic per week.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

For senior NBB majors eligible for the College Honors Program. Must have permission of NBB honors coordinator and faculty research mentor. Cannot be taken concurrently with NBB 497WR, 498R, or 499R. Students attend regular meetings to integrate the project into their major.


Credit Hours
4
GER
XA
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Must have completed NBB495A, permission of NBB honors coordinator and faculty research mentor. Cannot be taken concurrently with NBB 497WR, 498R, or 499R. Students attend regular meetings. WR is satisfied by written thesis on the honors research project.


Credit Hours
1 - 8
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Independent, faculty-mentored research and writing, with major writing assignment(s) accounting for at least 60% of the grade. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; may not receive credit for NBB 497WR and 495BW under the direction of the same faculty mentor.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Independent, faculty-mentored research and writing, with major writing assignment(s) accounting for at least 60% of the grade. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; may not receive credit for NBB 497WR and 495BW under the direction of the same faculty mentor.


Credit Hours
4
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Independent, faculty-mentored research; designed as a prelude to conducting laboratory research under the same mentor. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; cannot be taken concurrently with NBB 497WR.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Mentored research. Must have permission of instructor and faculty research mentor. Cannot be taken concurrently with NBB 497WR, 498R, 495A or 495BW. Students attend regular meetings to share research progress, discuss research ethics and integrate research into their major.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
XA
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Additional Courses

ANT Courses

This course surveys the social behavior, behavioral ecology, and adaptations of nonhuman primate species, the extant prosimians, monkeys, and apes.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Upper-level intro to basis of complex human behavior in the brain, focused on human brain structure and function. The overall goal is to master the anatomy underlying higher human capacities, acknowledging how our brain's evolutionary past can inform our understanding of how the brain works now.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Comparative study of primate mating strategies and sexual behavior.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This class aims to integrate data and theory from genetics, geology, and paleoanthropological evidence to trace the evolution of the human species. Opposing theories regarding the interpretation of data will be the focus of student evaluation.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course examines human as well as non-human primate communication systems from an evolutionary perspective. Topics covered include signal structure and function, information content of signals, honesty, deceit, and the evolution of language in humans.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Introduction to the evolution, diversity, and social significance of human diet and nutrition.


Credit Hours
3
GER
HSC
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • AFS 311

This course is concerned with evaluating neuroscientific, psychological and behavioral evidence of modern human cognitive specializations as well as archeological, paleontological, and comparative evidence of their evolutionary origins.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Neurobiological substrates supporting human social cognition and behavior. Review and synthesis of relevant research in neuropsychology, psychiatry, neuroimaging, and experimental animal research.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 317

This course will describe and explain variation in male parental care across species, across cultures and across individuals within a culture. Emphasis will be placed on hormonal and neurobiological foundations of paternal care, evolutionary theory, ethnography and developmental psychology. .


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 319

Biological and cultural adaptations to disease, the role of specific diseases in evolution, social epidemiological patterns related to culture, contemporary issues in disease control, and economic development. Diseases covered include malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, diabetes, and depression.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Biological and cultural adaptations to disease, the role of specific diseases in evolution, social epidemiological patterns related to culture, contemporary issues in disease control, and economic development. Considers a variety of diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and malnutrition.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course surveys the global landscape of challenges to physical and mental health that confront us today, and traces the emergence of biosocial approaches to both explaining and tackling these challenges.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course surveys the global landscape of challenges to physical and mental health that confront us today, and traces the emergence of biosocial approaches to both explaining and tackling these challenges.


Credit Hours
4
GER
CW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

How paradigms of health-focused beliefs and systems develop, are maintained, and change reflect history, society, and technology. We interrogate the scientific basis for present biomedical concepts that have co-opted concepts of the human body's health and well-being.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • HLTH 310

Seminar or lecture series of topics of anthropological concern. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
HSC
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

(May be repeated for credit when topic varies.) Seminar or lecture series of topics of anthropological concern.


Credit Hours
1 - 5
GER
HSCW
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

BIOL Courses

A study of the factors that cause genetic change and of the evolutionary consequences of such changes. Topics include population genetics, adaptation and natural selection, evolution of genes, proteins and genomes, sexual selection, kin selection, speciation, and diversification of taxa.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L, or BIOL_OX 142 or BIOL_OX 142X, or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Structure and function of animal behavior from a comparative, evolutionary perspective.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 320

Recent progress in the field of primate social behavior, particularly the role of cognition in complex social strategies.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires PSYC 110 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 325

A study of human physiology emphasizing integrated body functions. Topics include respiration, circulation, contractility, osmoregulation, endocrinology, and neurophysiology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

A survey of current topics in neural development and neural basis of behavior. Emphasis is on research work that uses a combination of physiological, genetic, cellular, and molecular techniques to understand neural systems and their evolution and development.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX 142) and (CHEM 141 or CHEM_OX 141 or CHEM 150 or CHEM_OX 150) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Recent research publications by Emory neuroscientists will be read and discussed in preparation for talks by the authors in class. Writing assignments will accompany this work.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
[(BIOL 142 and BIOl 142L) or BIOL_OX142] and (BIOL 360 or NBB 301) or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Functions, evolution, ecology, and significance of animal communication systems in a wide taxonomic range, from insects to primates.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • PSYC 440

Intro to computational neuroscience with an emphasis on biophysical neuronal modeling of single neurons and small networks. Other topics include spike train analysis, dynamical systems analysis, and dimensionality reductions methods. Some Matlab and general programming skills are required.


Credit Hours
4
GER
None
Requisites
This course requires BIOL 360 or NBB 301 or IBS 514 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

Explores our current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate development of the nervous system. Topics covered include neurogenesis, axon guidance, programmed cell death, and synapse formation.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 460

For juniors and seniors interested in a basic understanding of the eye. This course will review principles and state-of-the-art information on ocular anatomy, embryology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

ECON Courses

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of neuroeconomics. Upon completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the tools used to study the neurobiology of decision making.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires ECON 201 OR NBB 301 and NBB 302 series or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 481

PHIL Courses

This course explores the central questions of biomedical ethics, such as end-of-life issues, abortion, and justice in the distribution of health care.


Credit Hours
3
GER
HAP
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Study of particular subjects pertaining to Philosophy. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 3
GER
HAP
Requisites
Two PHIL courses or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
None

PHYS Courses

The course explores physical and statistical constraints on strategies used by biological systems, from bacteria, to large organisms, and to entire populations, to sense external environmental signals, process them, and shape a response.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 212 or PHYS 212 or BIOL_OX 212 or PHYS_OX 212) and PHYS 220 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 434

PSYC Courses

Perception of the world through the senses, gathering information about one's surroundings by seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and acting.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Theories and research addressing the nature of higher mental processes, including such areas of cognition as categorization, attention, memory, knowledge representation, imagery, psycholinguistics, and problem solving.


Credit Hours
3
GER
NS
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Research and theory concerning the way information about the world is acquired and remembered.


Credit Hours
3
GER
HSC
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

The evolutionary basis of learning to adapt to the environment. Detailed analysis of the mechanisms of learning and their evolutionary function.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

This course examines the relationship between brain mechanisms and language behavior. Topics include aphasia and language disorders, aphasia in the deaf, critical periods in children, and gender differences in brain organization.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • LING 309

Effects of conditions such as blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy on psychological development in children. Complex disorders such as learning disabilities, childhood psychoses, and mental retardation are examined in light of what is known about the simpler disorders.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Structure and function of animal behavior from a comparative, evolutionary perspective.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
PSYC 110 or PSYC_OX 110 or BIOL 141 or BIOL_OX 141 or equivalent transfer credit as prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 320

Explores hormonal contributions to the development and expression of gender and sexual behavior in animals and humans.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 321

Biological factors influencing learning and memory with attention to the findings from both animal and human research.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Recent progress in the field of primate social behavior, particularly the role of cognition in complex social strategies.


Credit Hours
3
GER
SNT
Requisites
This course requires PSYC 110 or BIOL 142 or BIOL_OX142 or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 325

Prerequisite: Psychology 110 or equivalent. An in-depth survey of the brain systems and mechanisms involved in perception, memory, awareness, communication, and other cognitive phenomena.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Use of principles of behavior to enhance human functioning. Application of basic research and theory from experimental psychology to personal, social, and educational problems.


Credit Hours
3
GER
HSC
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Critically evaluating pseudoscientific, fringe science, and controversial claims in psychology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

The course examines developmental changes in brain function and organization linked to different aspects of sensory, language, and non-language cognitive processes during the first three years of life.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 414

Study of the neural mechanisms and phenomenology of sleep and dreaming in humans and other animals as a basis for discussing implications for behavior, cognition, evolution, and related philosophical issues.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Theories and research about how the brain interacts with mind in generating perceptions.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Application of imaging technology to the study of brain function and anatomy.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
  • NBB 425

Functions, evolution, ecology, and significance of animal communication systems in a wide taxonomic range, from insects to primates.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
(BIOL 142 and BIOL 142L) or BIOL_OX 142WE or equivalent transfer credit as a prerequisite.
Cross-Listed
  • BIOL 440

The literature on selected topics related to the development of the young organism, both human and animal.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Selected issues in personality theory and research.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

Selected issues in physiological and comparative psychology.


Credit Hours
3
GER
None
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None

REL Courses

Variety of subjects pertaining to religion. Content will vary in successive offerings. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.


Credit Hours
1 - 4
GER
HAP
Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None