Neuroscience Courses

Core Courses for Neuroscience Specialty

BIOL 215 Neuroscience 1 - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience. Provides a comprehensive survey of the study of the nervous system focusing on cellular and molecular neuroscience.  Offered every other fall term. (Fall 2008, 2010,...)

BIOL 216 Neuroscience 2 - Systems Neuroscience.. Provides a comprehensive survey of the nervous system function focusing at the systems level and will include motor, sensory, and regulatory systems.  Offered every other fall term. (Fall 2009, 2011, ...)

BIOL 250 Techniques in Neuroscience Research.  This laboratory course provides an introduction to important laboratory techniques in experimental neuroscience. Offered each summer term.

BIOL 251 Advanced Survey in Neuroscience 1. An introduction to current neuroscience literature with a focus on research at Marquette. Offered each fall term.

BIOL 252 Advanced Survey in Neuroscience 2. An introduction to current neuroscience literature with a focus on research at Marquette.  Offered each spring term.

In addition, students in the Neuroscience Specialty will take two of the core courses in Biological Sciences (BIOL 211-214). Courses

Elective Courses

Graduate Courses

Students in the Neuroscience Specialty may choose electives from any of the graduate courses in Biological Sciences Courses

Neuroscience Specialty Courses:

Behavioral Neuroendocrinology.  This course examines neuroendocrine systems as they relate to the behavioral processes and their underlying neurobiological mechanisms with emphasis on the contribution of neuroendocrine dysfunction to neuropsychiatric disease.  Offered every other spring term.  (spring 2008, 2010, ...)

Glutamate:  The Primary Excitatory Neurotransmitter in Normal and Pathological States.   This course reviews critical aspects of glutamatergic signaling including an overview of glutamate receptors, transporters, and release mechanisms.  The contribution of abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission is discussed in light of a number of pathological states including stroke and schizophrenia.  Offered every other spring term.  (spring 2009, 2011,...)

Undergraduate Courses for Graduate Credit

BISC 112 Head and Neck  Anatomy.  Comprehensive review of neuroanatomy, sensory systems and speech, muscular and vascular systems, and osteology of the head and neck.  An emphasis is placed on functional anatomy and significant clinical correlates.  Laboratory included.  Offered each fall term.

BISC 130 Human Gross Anatomy.  A human gross anatomy course including lecture and a cadaver dissection laboratory.  Anatomy of the limbs, back, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and head and neck is approached on a regional basis.  Functional aspects of musculoskeletal structures are emphasized.  Offered each fall term.

BIOL 155 Neurobiology.  General principles of the organization and function of the vertebrate nervous system.  Topics include the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell excitablility, synaptic transmission, and how neuromodulators regulate these functions in neuronal networks; mechanisms of learning and memory at the synaptic level; sensory systems from transduction to higher-order processing; and motor systems from the neuromuscular junction to voluntary movement to provide an integrative understanding of the nervous system.  A functional approach to neuroanatomy will be integrated throughout the course.  Offered each spring term.

BIOL 156 Experimental Neurobiology.  Experimental analysis of synapses and neuronal circuitry using a variety of preparations and electrophysiological techniques.  The basic electrical properties of excitable cells and chemical communication between cells will be investigated.  Offered each spring term.

BISC 160 Molecular Pathology.  Fundamental concepts of cellular and molecular biology will be presented.  These concepts will be applied toward understanding the mechanisms of specific human diseases, therapeutic interventions and current research efforts.  Offered each spring term.

BISC 414 General Histology.  This course is a study of the normal microscopic structure and function of human cells, tissues and organs.  The structural basis for various physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation and endocrine cycles is presented.  Laboratory exercises promote visual identification of structure.  Offered each fall term.

BISC 435 Pharmacology.  Fundamentals of human pharmacology and basic principles dictating drug actions within the human body.  The course focuses on the therapeutic actions and clinical applications of various drug classes with emphasis on cellular mechanisms, physiological responses, adverse reactions, drug-drug interactions, and clinical indications, accompanied by discussion on the pathological conditions for which common therapeutic agents are used.  Offered each fall term.