Courses for Fall 2024 | Neuroscience

	Title	Instructors	Location	Time	Description	Cross listings	Fulfills	Syllabus URL
NRSC 0050-301	Forensic Neuroscience	Daniel D. Langleben	GLAB 100	F 1:45 PM-4:44 PM	Progress in behavioral neuroscience and brain imaging techniques, such as functional and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has forced the courts to reconsider the role of behavioral sciences in courtroom decision-making. The goal of this course is to enable students to understand and interpret the use of behaviorial neuro evidence in the justice system. The course will introduce the students to the relevant behavioral neuroscience constructs, principles of brain imaging and rules of scientific evidence. Students will be asked to use this introductory knowledge to critically evaluate the use of brain imaging and other behavioral neuroscience techniques as evidence in representative legal cases. For each case, students will serve as neuroscience experts for the defense or prosecution and prepare, present and defend their testimony against the opposing team. Through this course, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate brain imaging and other neuroscience data in forensic and legal settings.		Living World Sector
NRSC 0090-301	Your Brain on Food	Amber L Alhadeff		CANCELED	What motivates us to eat? Why do many of us eat even in the absence of hunger? How do our food preferences and habits form? And how can eating transition from regulated to dysregulated? This seminar class investigates these questions and many others, with a focus on how our brains regulate food intake. We will explore the neuroscience behind eating, as well as the genetic, psychological, social, cultural, and societal influences that shape our behavior. Through readings, assignments, and class discussions, we will navigate the biological forces behind normal eating, as well as how eating becomes disordered in diseases like obesity and eating disorders. Through this course, students will learn about behavioral neuroscience research from human and animal studies and will develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. There are no prerequisites except for a love of food.		Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-401	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Judith Mclean	LEVN AUD	MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110401, PSYC1210401	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-402	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Fernanda M Holloman	LLAB 104	T 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110402, PSYC1210402	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-403	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Joe Faryean	LLAB 104	F 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110403, PSYC1210403	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-404	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Carolyn Mann	LLAB 104	F 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110404, PSYC1210404	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-405	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Kristen Park	LLAB 104	T 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110405, PSYC1210405	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-406	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Anna Keen Leonard	LLAB 104	R 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110406, PSYC1210406	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-407	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Stephen Christopher Wisser	LLAB 104	R 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110407, PSYC1210407	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-408	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Adriana Hernandez Vasquez	LLAB 104	R 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110408, PSYC1210408	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-409	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Kerry Castle Nix	LLAB 104	R 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110409, PSYC1210409	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-601	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Judith Mclean	LLAB 109	MW 5:15 PM-6:44 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110601, PSYC1210601	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-602	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Judith Mclean Susan Shin	LLAB 104	T 5:15 PM-6:44 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110602, PSYC1210602	Living World Sector
NRSC 1110-603	Introduction to Brain and Behavior	Judith Mclean Matilde Eglantina Männil Duno	LLAB 104	R 5:15 PM-6:44 PM	Introduction to the structure and function of the vertebrate nervous system. We begin with the cellular basis of neuronal activities, then discuss the physiological bases of motor control, sensory systems, motivated behaviors, and higher mental processes. This course is intended for students interested in the neurobiology of behavior, ranging from animal behaviors to clinical disorders.	BIOL1110603, PSYC1210603	Living World Sector
NRSC 1160-001	ABCS of Everyday Neuroscience	Loretta Flanagan-Cato	JOHN GBCC	TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	This course is an opportunity for undergraduates to share their interest and enthusiasm for neuroscience with students in grades 9-12 attending urban public schools in West Philadelphia. The course will allow Penn students to develop their science communication and teaching skills. Students will prepare neuroscience demonstrations, hands-on activities, and assessment tools. In parallel, the course aims to engage local high school students, increasing their interest and knowledge in science, and ultimately promoting lifelong science literacy.
NRSC 2110-401	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Michael Kane Michael Kaplan	ANNS 110	TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110401
NRSC 2110-402	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Michael Kaplan Jacob S Popolow	FAGN 216	R 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110402
NRSC 2110-403	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Michael Kaplan Martha Stone	GLAB 100	R 3:30 PM-4:59 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110403
NRSC 2110-404	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Alexander M Gerlach Michael Kaplan	LLAB 109	R 5:15 PM-6:44 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110404
NRSC 2110-405	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Michael Kaplan Sam Patrick Ostrowski	GLAB 100	R 7:00 PM-8:29 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110405
NRSC 2110-406	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Liam G Dell Michael Kaplan	GLAB 100	F 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110406
NRSC 2110-407	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Michael Kaplan Srikar S Muppidi	GLAB 101	F 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110407
NRSC 2110-408	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Michael Kaplan Evangelia Vitsaxaki	GLAB 101	F 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110408
NRSC 2110-409	Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology	Serena Chen Michael Kaplan	GLAB 102	F 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	Cellular physiology of neurons and excitable cells; molecular neurobiology and development. Topics include: action potential generation; synaptic transmission; molecular and physiological studies of ion channels; second messengers; simple neural circuits; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory; and neural development.	BIOL2110409
NRSC 2140-401	Evolution of Behavior: Animal Behavior	Yun Ding Marc F Schmidt	LEVN AUD	TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	The evolution of behavior in animals will be explored using basic genetic and evolutionary principles. Lectures will highlight behavioral principles using a wide range of animal species, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Examples of behavior include the complex economic decisions related to foraging, migratory birds using geomagnetic fields to find breeding grounds, and the decision individuals make to live in groups. Group living has led to the evolution of social behavior and much of the course will focus on group formation, cooperation among kin, mating systems, territoriality and communication.	BIOL2140401, PSYC2220401
NRSC 2140-402	Evolution of Behavior: Animal Behavior	Christina Iphigenia Bardjis	LEVN AUD	T 7:00 PM-7:59 PM	The evolution of behavior in animals will be explored using basic genetic and evolutionary principles. Lectures will highlight behavioral principles using a wide range of animal species, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Examples of behavior include the complex economic decisions related to foraging, migratory birds using geomagnetic fields to find breeding grounds, and the decision individuals make to live in groups. Group living has led to the evolution of social behavior and much of the course will focus on group formation, cooperation among kin, mating systems, territoriality and communication.	BIOL2140402, PSYC2220402
NRSC 2140-403	Evolution of Behavior: Animal Behavior	Abby Green Lieberman	LLAB 109	F 10:15 AM-11:14 AM	The evolution of behavior in animals will be explored using basic genetic and evolutionary principles. Lectures will highlight behavioral principles using a wide range of animal species, both vertebrate and invertebrate. Examples of behavior include the complex economic decisions related to foraging, migratory birds using geomagnetic fields to find breeding grounds, and the decision individuals make to live in groups. Group living has led to the evolution of social behavior and much of the course will focus on group formation, cooperation among kin, mating systems, territoriality and communication.	BIOL2140403, PSYC2220403
NRSC 2205-001	Cellular Basis of Learning and Memory	Mary Ellen Kelly	FAGN 118	TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM	This course will introduce students to the molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms that underlie how experiences are acquired, stored and retrieved in the central nervous system. The interdisciplinary nature of this topic reflects the diverse, historical approaches used to understand how organisms, from aplysia to humans, learn and remember. To scaffold our discussions, we will explore how key methodological advances in the field of neuroscience, produced a paradigm-shift in our understanding of the neurobiology of learning and memory. The course is primarily lecture-based with opportunities for students to engage actively with course material.			https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202430&c=NRSC2205001
NRSC 2249-401	Cognitive Neuroscience	George Lin Allyson P Mackey Monami Nishio Victoria Morgan Subritzky Katz	ANNS 110	MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	The study of the neural systems that underlie human perception, memory and language; and of the pathological syndromes that result from damage to these systems.	PSYC1230401	Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector	https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202430&c=NRSC2249401
NRSC 3310-101	Functional Neuroanatomy	Judith Mclean	LLAB 104	T 12:00 PM-2:59 PM	A laboratory course designed to familiarize the student with the fundamental gross and histological organization of the brain. The mammalian brain will be dissected and its microscopic anatomy examined using standard slide sets. Comparative brain material will be introduced, where appropriate, to demonstrate basic structural-functional correlations.
NRSC 3334-401	Computational Neuroscience Lab	Nicole C Rust		CANCELED	This course will focus on computational neuroscience from the combined perspective of data collection, data analysis, and computational modeling. These issues will be explored through lectures as well as Matlab-based tutorials and exercises. The course requires no prior knowledge of computer programming and a limited math background, but familiarity with some basic statistical concepts will be assumed. The course is an ideal preparation for students interested in participating in a more independent research experience in one of the labs on campus.	PSYC3281401
NRSC 3334-402	Computational Neuroscience Lab	Marc Jaskir Nicole C Rust	TOWN 303	MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	This course will focus on computational neuroscience from the combined perspective of data collection, data analysis, and computational modeling. These issues will be explored through lectures as well as Matlab-based tutorials and exercises. The course requires no prior knowledge of computer programming and a limited math background, but familiarity with some basic statistical concepts will be assumed. The course is an ideal preparation for students interested in participating in a more independent research experience in one of the labs on campus.	PSYC4281402
NRSC 4110-401	Neural Systems and Behavior	Marc F Schmidt	PSYL C41	MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	This course will investigate neural processing at the systems level. Principles of how brains encode information will be explored in both sensory (e.g. visual, auditory, social, etc.) and motor systems. Neural encoding strategies will be discussed in relation to the specific behavioral needs of the animal. Examples will be drawn from a variety of different model systems.	BIOL4110401, BIOL5110401, PSYC3220401
NRSC 4413-301	Cellular Structure and Neurological Disorders	Kristen Ashley Hipolit	WILL 301	TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal filaments that are crucial to the structure and function of neurons. From providing the scaffolding for the unique architecture of neurons, to guiding intracellular trafficking, to supporting neuronal migration and connectivity, microtubules are important for a variety of neuronal roles. Consequentially, the dysfunction of microtubules and microtubule-associated-proteins is associated with a number of nervous system disorders. This seminar will explore the role of microtubules in a number of neurobiological diseases and disorders including Neurodevelopmental disorders (ex. Fragile X, Lissencephaly), Neurodegenerative Disorders (ex. Alzheimer's and the Tauopathies, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia), Psychiatric Disorders (Ex. Schizophrenia and Mood disorders), and also in Traumatic Brain Injury. We will use readings from the primary literature as a basis for lectures, student presentations, and papers.
NRSC 4440-301	The Neuroscience behind the addiction to chocolate, wine, coffee and tobacco	Mariella De Biasi	FAGN 214	TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	Both clinical observations and popular culture support the idea that food might have addictive properties. Similar to the narrative for addictive drugs,individuals and the media use terms like "food addict" and "chocoholic", and refer to cravings, symptoms of withdrawal, and escalating patterns of eating that might be viewed as evidence of tolerance. The class will discuss chocolate and coffee as examples of so-called "addictive" food and compare their effects and mechanisms with those of alcohol and nicotine, two substances with well-characterzed addictive properties. Furthermore, we will discuss why some forms of overeating are thought to reflect an addictive behavior. Considering the social dimension of alcohol,coffee, and tobacco consumption and the fact that large numbers of the population consume them together, we will also discuss the possible interactive effects of combinationsof these psychoactive substances on mood and disease state. At the end of the course the student will become familiar with the diagnostic criteria for substance dependence, the anatomy and physiology of the brain circuits involvedin reward processing and drug depencence, and the neurotransmitter systems involved.
NRSC 4450-301	Music and the brain: the new and old science of music	Michael Kaplan	LERN 210	MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM	In a world where humans can't seem to agree on much of anything, there is one thing that still unites us: we love music. Why should abstract sequences of sounds give us such strong emotional reactions? Why indeed should they give us any emotional reaction at all? On every continent, today and throughout history, there is not a single human culture that has ever been described that does not make music. Within cultures, music is so ubiquitous that we actually have clinical terms (amusia and musical anhedonia) to describe people who don't understand or don't enjoy music. And yet, despite this ubiquity, the evolutionary origin and purpose of music remains unknown. Not only do people everywhere make music - they do so in fundamentally similar ways. All over the world people divide rhythm into twos and threes; all over the world people divide the frequency spectrum logarithmically, in octaves; with a very few exceptions, we divide octaves into no more than 12 steps, and we use subsets of 5-7 of these tones at a time. Not only that, but many cultures seem to have independently arrived at the same sets of 5-7 notes. These are probably not coincidences. If not coincidence, then what? In this course we look for explanations to these and other questions about music by looking at something that humans all over the globe have in common: the brain. Using readings from the primary literature and classic texts, supplemented with software exercises and analysis, we will see how many of the age-old mysteries and questions of music can be either answered or in some cases amplified by a consideration of brain mechanisms. Thinking about music in the context of brain function also provides a biological and evolutionary rationale not just for why music is the way it is, but why it should exist at all. More broadly, this course is an example of what can (and cannot) be accomplished by addressing aesthetic and philosophical questions as scientific and empirical ones. Prerequisite: NRSC 1110 and prior musical instruction, any instrument.
NRSC 4470-301	Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders	Michael Kane	PSYL C41	TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM	This seminar will focus on the significant role of animal models in the investigation of the pathophysiology of a variety of human neuropsychiatric disorders as well as in the development of treatments for these disorders. The course will focus on the use of genetically modified mice in the investigation of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), anxiety and affective disorders, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with an emphasis on the limitations of such models. Class time will consist of short lectures and open discussions via student-led presentations. Emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of primary literature.