Centenary > Academic Catalogue > Neuroscience

Neuroscience (NEUR)

see also: Neuroscience program

The rapidly growing field of neuroscience seeks to understand the nervous systems of human and nonhuman animals. It is a broad discipline that quite literally spans scientific specialties ranging in scope from molecule to mind. The field draws on the techniques and traditions of biology, chemistry, philosophy, psychology, and more recently, physics, mathematics and computer science. Neuroscientists study topics ranging from basic cellular processes in the brain, to identifying the causes of clinical brain/behavior disorders, to computational modeling of neural circuits and the quest for human consciousness. The neuroscience program at Centenary College has been designed to reflect this diverse scientific lineage. This approach provides students with a solid foundational knowledge while retaining the flexibility to pursue electives emphasizing their specific interests. Students who successfully complete the program will be well prepared for post-graduate study and/or an entry level position in a neuroscience-related field including biomedical research, pharmaceutical marketing or sales, as well as positions in local, state or federal health programs.

Major Requirements for the B.S. in Neuroscience

1. Major core coursework (25 hours)

2. Three elective courses from the following (9-12 hours)

3. Supportive coursework (23 hours)

Recommended Courses

Minor Requirements for Neuroscience (18-19 hours)

Coursework applied towards the Minor can not be used to satisfy the requirements of a Major in Biology or Psychology.

Departmental Honors in Neuroscience

For a student to be considered for admission to the Honors Program in Neuroscience, he or she must meet the general College requirements for admission to such programs. In addition to the general requirements, a student must complete an additional three semester hours of independent study credit beyond that required by the major. In collaboration with the supervising faculty member, the student must prepare a written summary of their project in the form of a Journal of Neuroscience article that will be archived by the Neuroscience Program. Finally, students must present their work at the Centenary College Student Research Forum.

240. Introduction to Neuroscience (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101 and BIOL 202 or BIOL 204. The fundamental principles and current problems of modem nervous system studies will be introduced. Topics include neural signaling, sensation, movement and the neural basis of cognition. The laboratory will reinforce lecture material and provide practical experience with both classical and modem methods in neuroscience. Spring. (Same as BIOL 240, PSY 240) (3-3)

317. Sensation and Perception (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101 or NEUR 240. This course considers the structure and function of sensory organs, sensory processing and how sensory data form and constrain our perceptions of the world. Lecture and laboratory exercises, including physiological and psychophysical experiments, will be seamlessly integrated in one three hour period per week. Fall of odd-numbered years. (Same as BIOL 317, PSY 317)

319. Psychopharmacology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of the instructor. This course deals with the neurobiological, pharmacological, psychological, and social aspects of the use and abuse of legal and illegal drugs. Yearly. (Same as BIOL 318 and PSY 319)

395, 396. Selected Topics (3)
Prerequisite: NEUR 240; other prerequisites depend upon topic. A detailed study of an area of neuroscience not covered in current offerings. Some topics offered are Chronobiology, Neurological Diseases and Disorders, and Neuroethology. This course may be repeated for credit for different topics. Offered as needed.

410S. Advanced Neuroscience (4)
Prerequisite: NEUR 240, CHEM 122. Emphasis will be placed on cellular and molecular approaches to neural development and plasticity with extensive use of the primary literature. In the laboratory, students will work in research teams to pursue guided independent research. A research paper that adheres to the Journal of Neuroscience format and an oral presentation of research findings will be required. Spring of even-numbered years. (Same as BIOL 10, PSY 410) (3,3)

473. Senior Seminar (3)
Prerequisite: NEUR 240, NEUR 410S, and senior standing. This course is designed to allow students the opportunity to synthesize information from many areas in neuroscience into a coherent whole. A summary oral presentation is required. Yearly.

491-496. Independent Study in Neuroscience (1-6)
Prerequisites: 20 semester hours of courses included in the neuroscience curriculum. Each candidate must submit a written proposal for approval in advance of his/her intention to register for this type of study. Research on a selected neuroscience topic. The results of the research will be presented orally at the Centenary College Student Research Forum or another approved public forum. On demand.

Last updated May 19, 2008.

2911 Centenary Boulevard  |  Shreveport, LA 71104  |  Apply Now 1-800-234-4448  |  Make a Gift 1-800-259-6447  |  Privacy Policy  |  ©2008