Neuroscience

Professor Kelsey (Psychology), Chair; Associate Professor Kinsman (Biology); Assistant Professors McCormick (Psychology) and Kleckner (Biology)

Neuroscience examines the bidirectional interrelations between the nervous system and behavior. As a result, neuroscience takes an interdisciplinary approach that includes perspectives from biology, psychology, chemistry, and philosophy. Neuroscience students at Bates become familiar with neurobiology, physiological psychology, and cognitive neuroscience through classroom and laboratory experiences, which include a thesis.

Major Requirements. The fifteen courses required to receive a B.A. in Neuroscience include four core neuroscience courses (Neuroscience 200, 308, 330, and 363), which should be completed by the end of junior year. Neuroscience 200 is currently under development and will be taught in the winter semester of 1998. In addition, three 300-level courses from the two elective lists below are required. All three courses may come from list A, consisting of neuroscience-related courses. Alternatively, one course from list B, consisting of background courses, may be substituted for a course from list A. Also required are Biology 101s, Biology s42, Psychology 218, and Chemistry 107, 108, 217, and 218.

Required thesis and senior seminar: At least a one-semester thesis, typically supervised by one of the three neuroscience faculty, is required of all neuroscience majors (Neuroscience 457-458). Given the difficulty of generating sufficient data in one semester, a two-semester thesis is the norm and is highly recommended, especially for those who intend to go on to graduate school. Preliminary thesis proposals are due by the end of the junior year. Students are also required to participate in the senior seminar in neuroscience as part of their thesis credit.

Courses
360. Independent Study. Independent study under the direction of a faculty member. A detailed written paper is required at the end of each semester of work. Proposals for independent study must be approved by the faculty supervisor and the Program Chair prior to registration. Students are limited to one independent study per semester. Staff.

457, 458. Senior Thesis and Seminar in Neuroscience. Independent laboratory research in neuroscience under the supervision of a faculty member. All participants will also meet as a group at least once a month to discuss topics related to neuroscience and, most especially, their theses. Students register for Neuroscience 457 in the fall semester and for Neuroscience 458 in the winter semester. Majors writing an honors thesis register for both Neuroscience 457 and 458. Staff.

Required Courses
Neuroscience 200. Introduction to Neuroscience. (Note: Neuroscience 200 is under de- velopment. The course, which is the same as Psychology 200, is offered first in the winter semester 1998).

Neuroscience 360. Independent Study.
Neuroscience 457, 458. Senior Thesis and Seminar in Neuroscience.

Biology 101s. Biological Principles.
Biology 308. Neurobiology.
Biology s42. Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Chemistry 107. Atomic and Molecular Structure.
Chemistry 108. Chemical Reactivity.
Chemistry 217-218. Organic Chemistry I and II.

Psychology 218. Statistics and Experimental Design.
Psychology 330. Cognitive Neuroscience.
Psychology 363. Physiological Psychology.

Elective Courses
Majors must take three courses from these two lists, either all three from list A or two from list A and one from list B.

List A: Courses Related to Neuroscience.
Biology 337. Animal Physiology.
Biology 338. Drug Actions on the Nervous System.
Biology 351. Immunology.
Biology 476. Seminar and Research in Neurobiology.

Psychology 305. Animal Learning.
Psychology 345. The Environment and the Developing Brain.
Psychology 355. Behavioral Endocrinology.
Psychology 401. Junior-Senior Seminar in Biological Psychology.

List B: Background Courses.
Biology 331. Molecular Biology.
Biology 352. Membrane and Receptor Biology.

Psychology 261. Research Methodology.
Psychology 301. Visual Perception.
Psychology 303. Health Psychology.
Psychology 318. Advanced Topics in Statistics.
Psychology 333. Advanced Topics in Abnormal Psychology.

Chemistry 321. Biological Chemistry I.

Philosophy 211. Philosophy of Science.
Philosophy 235. Philosophy of Mind and Language.
Philosophy 236. Theory of Knowledge.
Philosophy 321A. Evolution, Teleology, and Mind.

© 1997 Bates College. All Rights Reserved. Last modified:10/21/97 by jPc