Fall 2024

In 24F at 2A, Jim Haxby

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. As a result, enrollment in the course will be limited to 12 people. 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.

In 24F at 10A, Alireza Soltani

Neuroeconomics is an emerging field in which a combination of methods from neuroscience, psychology, and economics is used to better understand how we make decisions. In this seminar course, we learn about economic and psychological theories that are used to investigate and interpret choice behavior, and mental and neural processes that underlie decision making. We also examine how recent neurobiological discoveries are used to refine decision theories and models developed in psychology and economics. During this course, students will read and discuss the most current research findings in neuroeconomics. They will also learn to develop new ideas/hypotheses and design experiments to test those ideas/hypotheses, or to use their knowledge to inform society about the implications of findings in the field of neuroeconomics. 

Approved course for the Neuroscience major/minor.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission via the department website

In 24F at 10A, Katherine Nautiyal

This seminar provides advanced undergraduates the opportunity to participate in the exploration of the cutting edge of neuroscience research through the vehicle of the Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN). The conference program serves as a syllabus and roadmap for the most up-to-date techniques and discoveries in the field of neuroscience. The seminar will explore topics and issues informed by the scheduled presentations at the meeting, allowing student learning to keep pace with the current research and knowledge of leading international experts in neuroscience. The culmination of the course will involve travel to the Annual Meeting of SfN with over 30,000 neuroscientists. This experience is designed to make neuroscience "come alive," and to provide students with valuable opportunities to take part in a scientific conference, meet world-renowned researchers, prospective graduate mentors, and possible future employers. Students will also have the chance to develop important professional skills through critical evaluation of research, exposure to different presentation styles, and preparation of an in-depth research paper and oral presentations. This seminar is offered in honor of the late Professor David Bucci and his dedication to innovative undergraduate teaching in Neuroscience. Thanks to the generosity of the donors to the David Bucci Fellows Fund, all travel expenses for students will be covered by Bucci Fellowships.

Approved course for the Neuroscience major/minor.

Prerequisite: PSYC 6 and instructor permission through the department website.

Students interested in the course should contact the instructor prior to the course registration period. Students will be asked to complete a brief application stating their interest in the course, what they hope to get out of the course, courses completed in Neuroscience/Psychology, and any prior/current research experience. Advanced students (Seniors, then Juniors) majoring in Neuroscience or Psychology will be given priority for enrollment. A code of conduct will also be developed by and for the students to guide their participation at the conference as ambassadors of Dartmouth College.

See Independent Research for more info on PSYC 70 (Neuroscience Research), PSYC 88 (Independent Psychology Research), and PSYC 90 (Independent Neuroscience Research).

See Psychology Honors for more info on PSYC 89 (Honors Psychology Research)

See Neuroscience Honors for more info on PSYC 91 (Honors Neuroscience Research)