| There is a diverse selection of course offerings in the neurosciences at
Davidson College. Of particular interest to the Neuroscience student will be those courses
offered by our Neuroscience faculty. These courses are either
required, or will otherwise supplement your studies in the neurosciences. Below you will
find a brief course description of several course offerings.
For a complete listing of classes that
may be applied to the Neuroscience Concentration, please
click here.
Learning
PSY 282
Dr. Ramirez
Overview of major topics in learning: elicitation, classical conditioning,
reinforcement, punishment, problem-solving, behavioral economics, and verbal behavior.
Focus on empirical data, research methodology, and technologies generated from learning
research. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. (Spring)
Psychological Research - Behavioral Neuroscience
PSY 303 (BIO 331)
Dr. Ramirez
Role of the nervous system; sensory and motor mechanism; physiological bases
of motivation and emotion; sleep and arousal; and physiological bases of learning, memory,
and language. Extensive laboratory training. Work with animals required. Prerequisite:
Psychology 101 or Biology 111 or Biology 112 and permission of instructor. (Fall)
Psychological
Research-Learning
PSY 305
Dr. Ramirez
The major learning theories of the 20th century will be
explored. Particular attention will be paid to the theories of
Thorndike, Pavlov, Skinner, Tolman, Hull, Hebb, and Bolles. The
empirical data supporting these theoretical frameworks will be
assessed. This is a laboratory intensive course involving
animals. Students who have taken Psychology 282 may not enroll in
this course. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. (Spring) Recommended
completion by Fall, senior year, for majors.
Functional Neuroanatomy
PSY 324 (BIO 332)
Dr. Ramirez
Intensive readings in molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology,
and/or behavior. Students: 1) make classroom presentations of critical analyses of the
course readings; 2) conduct laboratory research or hospital rounds; and 3) submit an
annotated bibliography and a write-up of the laboratory project or term paper. Prerequisites:
Psychology 303 and the permission of the instructor. (Spring)
Clinical
Psychopharmacology Seminar
PSY 284
Dr. Smith
Advanced seminar the focuses on the clinical application of
psychotherapeutic drugs(i.e., drugs designed to treat mental illness).
Intensive readings are made throughout the semester on the use of these
drugs to treat various psychological and neurological disorders. Prerequisite:
Psychology 101. (Fall)
Drugs and Behavior
PSY 284
Dr. Smith
This course examines the effects of drugs on human and animal behavior.
Consideration is also given to the physiological effects of drugs on the central nervous
system. Methods for preventing and treating drug abuse are also addressed. Prerequisite:
Psychology 101. (Fall)
Psychological
Research - Behavioral Pharmacology
PSY 302
Dr. Smith
Students conduct experiments on the effects of drugs on human and animal
behavior. Scientific writing is a strong focus of this course, with students writing
research reports on each experiment. Students are required to propose a novel line of
research in the form of a research proposal. Studies conducted in other behavioral
pharmacology laboratories are discussed and critiqued. Some work with animals is required.
Prerequisite: Psychology 101. (Spring)
Developmental
Biology
BIO 306
Dr. Lom
Investigates the events and mechanism fundamental to the development of
animal form and function. Particular emphasis will be placed on the genes and proteins
that direct animal development. Laboratory sessions will focus on experimental
manipulations of early invertebrate and vertebrate development. Prerequisite: Biology
111 and 112 or permission of the instructor. Genetics (Biology 301) and/or Cell Biology
(Biology 308) are recommended. (Spring)
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
BIO 333
Dr. Lom
An advanced examination of neurons and synapses at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels, including,molecular basis of neuronal transmission and memory, and genetics of behavior. Laboratories emphasize visualization of neuronal morphology and synapses in model organisms and examine the behavior of simple organisms and growing neurons.
Prerequisite:
Biology 111 and one of the following: Bio 301, 304, 306, 308, 309, or 331. Not open to first-year students. (Spring)
Group
Investigation in Developmental Neurobiology
BIO 352
Dr. Lom
Group investigation in Developmental Neurobiology is a
research-intensive laboratory course. Each student will independently
design and conduct an original research project using
in vitro and/or in vivo techniques in vertebrate developmental
neurobiology. Students will develop experience with experimental
techniques, develop a working knowledge of the primary literature, engage in
the scientific writing and the peer review processes, and be able to discuss
current research. Prerequisite: Permission of the
instructor. (Spring) |
