NRSC - Neuroscience

NRSC 601 Principles of Neuroscience I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Detailed introduction to the basic fundamentals of cellular and molecular neuroscience; topics include membrane potentials, action potential generation, and the mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission, as well as their molecular basis. Prerequisites: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: BIOL 627 and NEXT 610.

NRSC 602/BIOL 628 Principles of Neuroscience II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Fully integrated overview of nervous system organization and systems-level neurobiology; broad topics include sensory systems and sensory systems function, motor systems and neuromuscular function, central pattern generation and locomotion, homeostatic regulation, motivation, emotions, learning and memory, and circadian rhythms. Prerequisites: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: BIOL 628/NRSC 602.

NRSC 603/VIBS 603 Neuroanatomy

Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours. Gross, developmental and microscopic anatomy of nervous system of selected laboratory and domestic animals. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Cross Listing: VIBS 603/NRSC 603.

NRSC 604/VIBS 604 Biomedical Neuroendocrinology and Endocrine Disorders

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Gross and functional anatomy and endocrine functions of neuroendocrine systems, hypothalamus and pituitary. Neuroendocrine control of puberty, sexual behavior, menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, labor, lactation, testis, thyroid, growth, stress, diabetes, obesity, sleep, memory, learning and aging and their disorders. Overview biosynthesis, transport and signaling of neuropeptides, prostaglandins, peptide and steroid hormones. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Cross Listing: VIBS 604/NRSC 604.

NRSC 605/VIBS 606 Neuroanatomical Systems

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Emphasis on major neural systems that govern identifiable physiological functions, behavior and neurodegenerative disease; whole-brain anatomy is approached from a "systems" perspective, wherein components of defined functional systems are described in terms of their location, inputs and outputs, and physiological/behavioral significance in health and disease. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Cross Listing: VIBS 606/NRSC 605.

NRSC 606/PBSI 606 Learning

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Explore the foundations and mechanisms of learning through behavioral, neurobiological and functional perspectives. Examine classical and instrumental conditioning using simplified experimental models to uncover how and when learning occurs. Analyze philosophical roots, historical developments and contemporary research in learning science. Apply core concepts to diverse domains such as clinical psychology, workplace behavior and computational modeling. Emphasize analytic techniques and critical evaluation of original and review literature. Designed to be accessible across disciplines, including neuroscience, philosophy and bioengineering, the course highlights the relevance of learning theory to broader scientific and practical contexts. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 606/NRSC 606.

NRSC 609/PBSI 609 Physiological Psychology

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Current research and methodological procedures on physiological bases of sensation-perception, memory and learning, arousal-sleep-attention, emotions and motivation. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 609/NRSC 609.

NRSC 611 Molecular Biology of Differentiation and Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Major paradigms of eukaryotic gene regulation in terms of the role of gene expression during ontogeny and the effect of dysfunction in these processes on the neoplastic state.

NRSC 615/PBSI 615 Perceptual Processes

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Complex sensory and perceptual phenomena with emphasis on the relationship between perception and motivation, cognition, creativity and instinctive/ethological; learning/experiential factors in higher level perceptual processes. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 615/NRSC 615.

NRSC 616/VIBS 616 Advanced Developmental Neurotoxicology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Study of mechanisms of toxicity of substances potentially devastating to the developing brain and spinal cord including lead, mercury and other heavy metals, alcohol, nicotine (smoking), pesticides, flame retardants and others. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: VIBS 616/NRSC 616.

NRSC 621/VIBS 621 Functional Neuroanatomy

Credits 4. 4 Lecture Hours. A comprehensive review of the neuroanatomical determinants of function; rigorous neuroanatomical foundation relevant for research investigating changes in neural pathways and/or networks involved in sensory and motor functions, learning and memory, perception, selective attention, as well as recovery of function following brain damage. Cross Listing: VIBS 621.

NRSC 633 Neuropsychopharmacology

Credits 4. 4 Lecture Hours. Interaction of drugs and toxins with neurotransmitter systems with primary emphasis on mechanisms involving receptor function that impacts central nervous system integration. Prerequisite: Approval of course coordinator.

NRSC 634/BIOL 634 Comparative Neurobiology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Cellular, molecular and systems neurobiology, together with neuroethology. A comparative approach to subject matter is stressed. Topics such as evolution of nervous systems and their diverse structure and complex functions are dealt with. Cross Listing: BIOL 634/NRSC 634.

NRSC 635/BIOL 601 Biological Clocks

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to the formal properties of biological rhythms; cellular and molecular bases for rhythmicity; temporal adaptations of organisms using clocks. Prerequisites: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: BIOL 601/NRSC 635.

NRSC 636 Signaling in Behavior and Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Will focus on signaling pathways used in multicellular animals. In each lecture, major signaling pathways used in behavior, physiology, and development will be introduced at the molecular level, and then be discussed in the context of organismal biology. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

NRSC 640/VIBS 640 Neurobiology

Credits 1 to 5. 1 to 5 Lecture Hours. Biology of the mammalian central nervous system with emphasis on cellular and molecular interactions; contemporary research topics in areas such as neuron-glia interactions, neuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, developmental neurobiology and neurogenetics; extensive readings from primary literature. Prerequisites: Undergraduate or graduate cell biology, genetics and biochemistry or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: VIBS 640/NRSC 640.

NRSC 641 Principles of Neuropsychology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Review of major areas of cognitive functioning including concentration, memory, language, visuospatial/construction skills and executive functions; review of neurobehavioral syndromes including dementia, epilepsy, head injury, stroke, drug toxicity, etc.; assessment of deficits associated with disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC 624 or PSYC 627 or equivalent as approved by instructor.

NRSC 642/PBSI 642 Neuroimaging Data Analysis

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Physics of magnetic resonance imaging; experimental design for fMRI; linear and nonlinear image registration; data denoising; data filtering and smoothing; volume and surface methods; General Linear Models and multivariate approaches to subject-level data; mixed effects modeling, random effects modeling, permutation methods for linear models; functional connectivity. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor; coursework in regression models recommended. Cross Listing: PBSI 642/NRSC 642.

NRSC 644/BIOL 644 Neural Development

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Classical and current research literature to explore the major events in the development of a nervous system, including topics ranging from neurogenesis to synapse information. Prerequisite: Graduate classification. Cross Listing: BIOL 644/NRSC 644.

NRSC 649/PBSI 649 Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience

Credits 3. 3 Other Hours. Engage deeply with advanced and emerging topics in behavioral and cellular neuroscience through a thematic seminar that varies each semester. Explore areas such as learning and memory, motivated behavior, behavioral flexibility, addiction and anxiety; the roles of specific brain systems such as amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia; and the methods and techniques used to investigate them. Critically analyze primary literature to uncover theoretical and empirical insights, identify gaps in current research and generate innovative questions. Emphasis is placed on animal models and the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Foster critical thinking and analysis of current research in behavioral neuroscience to develop a deeper understanding of the neural bases of behavior. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 649/NRSC 649.

NRSC 650/PBSI 650 Clinical Psychopharmacology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Survey of topics in clinical psychopharmacology, including pharmacodynamics, major neurotransmitter systems, and therapeutic applications and limitations. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 650.

NRSC 655/PBSI 655 Foundations in Cognitive Neuroscience

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Experimental design in cognitive neuroscience; basics of cognitive neuroscience methods; perception versus imagery; attention; motor control; short-term and long-term memory; volition and consciousness; executive function; decision making; affect and psychopathology; social cognition. Prerequisite: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 655/NRSC 655.

NRSC 671/PBSI 671 Methods and Statistics in Psychological Science II

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Examine the conceptual foundations and practical applications of linear regression in psychological research. Focus on understanding the rationale behind regression-based approaches and develop proficiency in selecting, applying and interpreting appropriate models for behavioral data. Gain hands-on experience with psychological datasets and enhance analytical thinking through guided practice. Emphasize the integration of statistical reasoning with empirical inquiry to support sound research conclusions. Prerequisites: Graduate classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PBSI 671/NRSC 671.

NRSC 681 Seminar

Credits 1 to 3. 1 to 3 Other Hours. Presentation of current research in neuroscience and related areas. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

NRSC 685 Directed Studies

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Directed individual study conducted under the direction of a member of the faculty of neuroscience of selected problems in the field of neuroscience. Prerequisites: Graduate classification and approval of Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience Chair.

NRSC 689 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of neuroscience. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.

NRSC 690 Theory of Research

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Theory and design of research related to current biomedical problems especially those involving study of animal disease; philosophical perspectives underlying historical advances in research pertaining to the study, prevention and treatment of disease. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Graduate classification. Cross Listing: VIBS 690 and VTPP 690.

NRSC 691 Research

Credits 1 to 23. 1 to 23 Other Hours. Research in neuroscience conducted under the direction of a member of the faculty of neuroscience for thesis or dissertation credit. Prerequisite: Graduate classification and approval of instructor.

NRSC 698/BIOL 698 Behavior, Genes, and Evolution

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduces an integrative approach to the study of animal behavior, complementing evolutionary and ecological perspectives with molecular and genetic approaches and methodologies. Prerequisite: Graduate classification. Cross Listing: BIOL 698/NRSC 698.