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Laboratory Courses, 2024-2025

Neuroscience majors are required to take PSYC 36, and can use PSYC 60 towards their elective requirements. Psychology majors can use PSYC 60 or PSYC 63 as a culminating experience.

PSYC 36

Systems Neuroscience with Laboratory

In 24F at 10, Kyle Smith

In 25S at 10, Matt van der Meer

The primary focus of this course is the physiological basis of behavior from a systems perspective. Such topics as localization of function, neural models, and the physiological bases of sensory/motor systems, learning/memory, and spatial cognition are considered. The laboratory introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the mammalian central nervous system and to some of the principal techniques used in systems and behavioral neuroscience. Laboratory sections are scheduled for Tuesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm.  Students will be assigned to one of these two laboratory sections and must be able to attend the same section throughout the term. 

Prerequisite: PSYC 6
Dist: SLA

PSYC 60

Principles of Human Brain Mapping with fMRI

In 24F, 2A, Jim Haxby

In 25S, 2A, Luke Chang

This course is designed to introduce students to the theoretical and practical issues involved in conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments of cognitive and behaviorally-related brain activity. Participants will gain an understanding of the physiological principles underlying the fMRI signal change, as well as the considerations for experimental design. The course will include firsthand exposure to the scanning environment and data collection procedures. Participants will be provided conceptual and hands-on experience with image processing and statistical analysis. At the completion of this course, it is expected that participants will be prepared to critique, design, and conduct fMRI studies; appreciate limitations and potentials of current fMRI methods and techniques; and better understand the broad range of expertise required in an fMRI research program. The course is designed to provide the participant with intensive, hands-on instruction. Knowledge of MR physics, signal processing, or the UNIX/Linux operating system is not a prerequisite.

Approved course for the Neuroscience major/minor.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission through the department website.
Dist: TLA.