Spring 2008
NeuroS&B 692D, Neuroanatomy, Physiology and Behavior

Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.
class schedule #59920
Course location: Room 206 Bartlett Hall
Coordinator: Dr. Geert de Vries

 This is a core course required of all Neuroscience and Behavior Program Ph.D. and M.S. students. The purpose of the course is to provide students with an overview of neuroanatomy, functional neuronal systems, and the scientific study of behavior. The course is divided into modules. In Part I the lectures will provide a basic understanding of the structure of the mammalian brain and illustrate the usefulness of approaching neuroscientific and neurological problems from a neuroanatomical perspective. The lab sessions will include dissecting sheep brains and studying plastinated sections of human brains. This section will conclude with a theoretical as well as a practical exam, which will test students' ability to recognize brain structures. Subsequent modules will cover functional neuroanatomy and neural systems, including topics such as the neural control
of feeding, reproduction, cognition, and the evolution of behavior.

Required Texts: Neuroscience,/ D. Purves et al. (editors)

Sinauer Associates & Lange; 4th edition;2008; ISBN: 978-0-87893-697-7

Spring 2008
Biology 523, Histology

3 credits, Lecture: Monday & Wednesday 12:20-1:10 p.m. #81045
Lab 01: Tuesday 1:25-4:25 p.m. Room 339 Morrill II #81046
Lab 02: Wednesday 1:25-4:25 p.m. Room 339 Morrill II #81047
Dr. Elizabeth Connor
Office: 353 Morrill Science Center 4 South Wing

Histology is a study of cell structure and how it relates to the cell and organ function. The fine structor of cells, tissues, and organs is explored at the microscopic level and related to the physiology of the organ system. Tissues (nervous, muscle, connective, and epithelial) are explored in detail and their specializations are discussed in selected organ systems (circulatory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and other glands, and lymphatic). Lab includes light microscopic identification of cells, tissues, and organs, and group projects involving sectioning, staining, and immunohistochemistry. Students develop competency with light microscopy and are well prepared for coursework in graduate and medical school. Course assessment is based on exams, quizzes, and lab practicals, attendance and projects. Course Website
Sample: Course Syllabus

Spring 2008
Biology 550, Animal Behavior

Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30
class schedule #52596
Instructor: Dr. Melinda Novak

Lecture, discussion. Brief historical introduction to the classical approaches to the study of animal behavior (e.g., ethology, behaviorism), followed by detailed coverage of current approaches including those emphasizing development, causation, ecology, and evolution. Topics include: cognitive capabilities (e.g., self-recognition in apes), foraging strategies (e.g., bee dances), navigation (e.g., bird migration), communication (e.g., bird song), predatory-prey interactions, population regulation, parental behavior, and social organization. Each topic examined from causal, developmental, and evolutionary perspectives. Parallels between animal and human behavior will be drawn whereever it is appropriate. Two exams and final, and 4 short assignments.

Spring 2008
Biology 791B, Graduate Seminar - Responsible Conduct of Research in the Life Sciences

Mondays 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Class Location: Room 317 Morrill Science Center NORTH
Coordinator: Thomas Mennella E-Mail: mennella[at]psych.umass.edu

This course is a 1-credit seminar covering major topics in the scientific ethics of life science research. Readings will be from the textbook: Scientific Integrity, 3rd ed. by F.L. Macrina, as well from additional sources. Students will be expected to complete each week's readings, answer brief quizzes based on the readings (to ensure that the readings were done), and to participate in student group-led presentations and discussions of case studies from the readings. Grading will be Pass/Fail. The course is designed to acquaint graduate students in the life sciences with the major issues in research ethics. Topics include: responsible conduct of research, authorship and peer review, mentoring, plagiarism, use of vertebrate animals and human subjects in research, proper data collection and management, intellectual property, genetic technology, workplace ethics, scientific record keeping, peer review, research misconduct, data ownership, collaborative research, managing competing interests, and protection of animal and human subjects. Students are encouraged to learn more about the ethics of science as it will pertain to their future careers whether in academia, industry, or other settings. The course is required of all first year Neuroscience and Behavior graduate students. However, it is open to all graduate students in the life sciences..

Spring 2006 - Dr. Jerrold Meyer
Spring 2007 - Dr. Eric Corp

Spring 2008
Psych 791B, S-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience

Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30
class schedule #80857
Instructors: Lisa Sanders & Matthew Davidson
NeuroCognition and Perception Lab - Lisa Sanders
This course will provide both theoretical and practical background for experimental design, data collection, and data analysis using neuroimaging techniques. The techniques covered in detail will include both electrophysiology (EEG and ERP) and magnetic technologies (MRI, fMRI, MEG) and each will be evaluated for relevant strengths and weaknesses. Students will learn to think critically about these techniques and the data collected with each method in order to evaluate and understand the results accumulating in their individual fields of study. The course will include hands-on data collection and analysis using specific analysis packages as well as exposure to other packages that are currently available. Other established and developing cognitive neuroscience methods (including DTI, TMS, and optical imaging) will be discussed in less detail.

Spring 2008
Biology 521, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

4 credits,
Instructor: Margery Coombs

Lecture, lab. Detailed approach to the structure and evolutionary relationships of vertebrates. Lecture: evolutionary and functional significance of structures in different groups. Lab: evolutionary trends and specializations, experience in dissection. Review the diversity of living and fossil vertebrates and learn to think in terms of their 500 million year history. Always a cornerstone of biological training, comparative anatomy has been revitalized by new research in functional morphology, cladistics, and embryology. This course provides necessary background for further study of ichytyology, herpetology, ornithology, mammalogy, and vertebrate paleontology. This course uses a comparative systems approach, which means that we will compare organ systems across a series of vertebrate taxa. Two hour exams, final; 2-3 lab exams.
Course Website

NSB Elective Requirement: NSB graduate students may use one 500-level course to satisfy the electives requirement. All other electives must be 600-level
or above. If students wish to use a 500-level course that is not taught by
an NSB faculty member to fulfill the electives requirement, permission must
be requested in writing from the NSB Graduate Program Director/Graduate
Operations Committee.

Spring 2008
Biology 548, Mammalogy

Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Dumont
Office: 321C Morrill Science Center 3-South Wing
Phone: 545-3565

4 credits, (lecture with lab)
Course Webpage

Lecture, lab. The course serves as an introduction to the comparative biology and evolution of mammals. Lectures cover basic principles of taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, the origins of mammals, synopses of each mammalian order, and a brief survey of behavior. Labs cover the systematics, morphology, and unique characteristics of most major orders of mammals. The labs also include a detailed introduction to identifying the mammals of New England. There are 3 1-hour exams, 3 lab exams, and 1 essays. Graduate students enrolled in the class must complete an additional project (to be approved) in order to receive graduate credit. Although not required, comparative vertebrate anatomy is a recommended prerequisite.

NSB Elective Requirement: NSB graduate students may use one 500-level course to satisfy the electives requirement. All other electives must be 600-level
or above. If students wish to use a 500-level course that is not taught by
an NSB faculty member to fulfill the electives requirement, permission must
be requested in writing from the NSB Graduate Program Director/Graduate
Operations Committee.

Spring 2008
Biology 568, Endocrinology

MWF 10:10-11:00 a.m. Room 137 Hasbrouck Laboratory
Instructor: Veronica Lopez

This course will cover the basic principles of vertebrate endocrinology, from a molecular to organismic level. Endocrinology is a subdiscipline of Physiology, and is concerned with the study of chemical messengers or hormones. These substances affect the functioning of all physiological systems as well as development and reproduction, and it is extremely important that students have a sound understanding of basic animal physiology. Course Syllabus

Spring 2008
Biology 544, Ornithology

Dr. Bruce Byers
4 credits, Lecture: Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30 class schedule #52590
Lab 1: Mondays 1:25-4:25 p.m. Room 204 Morrill III
Lab 2: Tuesdays 2:30-5:30 p.m. Room 204 Morrill III

This course is intended to provide an introduction to the evolution, ecology and behavior of birds. The lecture portion of the course will focus on the key concepts and questions that drive research in these areas. Dr. Byers will emphasize the investigative and analytical approaches with which ornithologists approach these concepts and questions. In lab, the focus will be on the morphological and physiological adaptations of birds, on field identification of birds by sight and sound, and on collecting and analyzing behavioral data. This is a demanding course that requires a significant investment of time and intellectual effort. Lecture topics include: evolutionary origins of birds and flight, systematics and classification, speciation, adaptive radiation, flight, migration, navigation, territoriality, foraging and feeding, mating systems, parental care, brood parasitism, visual communication, vocal communication, conservation. This course requires a required laboratory section.

NSB Elective Requirement: NSB graduate students may use one 500-level course to satisfy the electives requirement. All other electives must be 600-level
or above. If students wish to use a 500-level course that is not taught by
an NSB faculty member to fulfill the electives requirement, permission must
be requested in writing from the NSB Graduate Program Director/Graduate
Operations Committee.

Spring 2008
Psych 893B, Child Seminar

Tuesday 4:00-5:30 p.m. 521B Tobin Hall
class schedule #61352
Instructor: Lisa Scott

This provides a forum for Developmental Area (and other interested) faculty and graduate students to exchange ideas, report research, discuss current trends, etc. In addition, several internal and external speakers will give colloquia on topics spanning cognitive development, social development, developmental psychobiology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, educational psychology, and family studies.  Graduate students in Developmental are expected to enroll; others may do so with permission of the instructor.

Spring 2008
NEUROS&B 696, Independent Study, class schedule #59922
NEUROS&B 796, Independent Study, class schedule #59926

By Arrangement with Faculty Sponsor

Independent student research in neuroscience and behavior. The work is supervised by a faculty sponsor who determines direction of the project, reports required, grade and credit awarded. The project may consist of laboratory research, library research, or some combination of the two. Credit is variable (1-6 credits) and independent study may be repeated each semester. May be taken for a letter grade or graded Satisfactory (SAT). A SAT is similar to the undergraduate Pass (P) and is defined as passing for graduate credit. The SAT can be used toward graduation but does not calculate into the GPA (grade point average). Students signing up for their first independent study should select NSB 696; for subsequent independent study credits, select NSB 796.

Spring 2008
Biology 791C, Writing for Scientists

Instructor: Dr. Tobias Baskin

This is a one credit course which will meet once per week for an hour. The first meeting will be Monday, February 4 at 5:00 pm in the Plant Biology Conference room (Morrill 3 room 215). It may be possible to change the meeting time, depending on how many students sign up.This is a course for graduate students based on the premise that formal training in writing is warranted for a career that includes a great deal of writing. My major goal in the course will be to teach students how to control the flow of ideas within a paragraph. Exerting this control is a matter of knowing how different parts of a sentence influence the way that sentence is read. We will develop an understanding of reading and see how taking advantage of the way in which we read helps guide how we write.  We will do exercises from a text (see below) and students will write a paper (ie as if for publication) on their own data during the semester. Grading will be based on participation. No one will be graded on how "well" or "poorly" they write. I will also treat preparing  graphs. There will be a required text for the course.   Joseph M. Williams, Style, 10 Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Note, there are lots of  editions of this, and books by Williams with related titles. The class will use the 7th edition. This is published by Longmans, 2002. The ISBN number is 0321095170. There is a 9th edition (no idea about an 8th) published in 2006 but it is much more expensive. Please get the 7th edition. There are lots of them on Amazon. I am not asking the bookstore to stock this, please find it yourself on-line.

Spring 2008
Biology 750, Graduate Seminar

3 credits, Thursdays 1-3 PM, Rm. 351 Morrill 4
Instructors: Jeffrey Podos & David Lahti

The main goal of this graduate seminar will be to explore the topics of costs, reliability, and honesty in the evolution of animal communication systems.   The seminar will focus on recent literature, but will also feature hands-on modules in bioacoustics and the quantitative analysis of color signals.
Textbook: Searcy & Nowicki (2005), The Evolution of Animal Communication, Princeton University Press.

Feel free to email me questions to: jpodos[at]bio.umass.edu

Spring 2008
Psych 891C, Modeling Behavior

Instructor: Andrew L. Cohen
Sample Course Webpage

The goals of this course are to demonstrate, first, what mathematical models of behavior are and how to evaluate them in a research context and, second, the basics behind a number of common modeling techniques and how to implement them. The course will begin with an overview of mathematical modeling and a discussion of the role of mathematics for understanding behavioral data.  Rather than focusing on theory, the emphasis of the rest of the course will be on evaluation and applications of and hands-on experience with particular modeling techniques.  Possible topics include: multinomial models, models of choice, models of subjective sensation, signal detection, stimulus sampling theory, Markov models, random walk and diffusion models, multidimensional scaling, model selection, Bayesian models, ACT-R, connectionist models, and dynamic systems.  Students will be assigned weekly readings and mini-projects and a larger group project. Although there are no course prerequisites, basic algebra skills, elementary programming, and undergraduate statistics would be helpful.
Course Goals: To learn what mathematical models of behavior are and how to evaluate them in a research context. By the end of the class, you should be able to read a modeling paper critically.
To learn the basics behind a number of common modeling techniques and how to implement them.

Spring 2008
AnSci 697L, Special Topics in Apoptosis (JOURNAL CLUB)

Instructor: Sallie Schneider
Course Time & Location: Mondays 3:35-4:25 p.m.- Paige Lab Reading Room Schedule #81061

This one credit journal club is designed to explore the role and mechanisms of programmed cell death during development and disease.   The topics in the journal club are student driven, but could include potential topics such as signaling mechanisms to different types of programmed cell death, role of death in shaping immune and neural systems, regulation of death in normal and cancer stem cells,  or use of  apoptotic knowledge for therapeutic interventions. 

Spring 2008
NeuroS&B 699, Master's Thesis

class schedule #59924 (for NSB fast track master students and terminal master's students only)

Independent research and writing of master's thesis. Research carried out and reported under supervision of students research advisor as partial fulfillment of requirements for a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. No more than 10 credits may be applied towards a M.S. degree in NSB. Minimum credit, 1; maximum, 10.

Spring 2008
NEUROS&B 899, Ph.D. Dissertation

Variable Credits 1-9 credits
class schedule #59928

NSB doctoral students may not register for NSB 899 until the doctoral comprehensive examination is passed. At this time the student should have chosen a dissertation topic and the Dissertation Committee should be formed by the student in consultation with his/her advisor. The committee must consist of at least four members of the graduate faculty, from at least two different departments, and including at least three NSB core faculty members. Committee members will be available for advising and consultation throughout the planning, execution, and writing of the dissertation.

Spring 2008
GRADSCH 999, Continuous Enrollment

class schedule #57092

Graduate students not enrolled for any course credits but who are candidates for a degree, must pay a program fee each semester (excluding summer terms) for continuous registration until the degree for which the student has been accepted has been formally awarded. Deadline for enrollment under this option is the end of the add/drop period. Use SPIRE registration #57092 and the Bursar's Office will mail you a bill for the $275.00 Program Fee. This Bursar's bill will be due around mid-March. Another alternative to paying the Program Fee is to call the Graduate Records Office directly and pay the $275 fee with a credit card by the February 11, 2008 deadline. Any student who does not pay this fee by the appropriate deadline and later seeks readmission or applies for graduation, shall pay the accumulated program fees plus a readmission fee of $125.00. Students seeking readmission must file a written request, endorsed by the appropriate Department Head or Graduate Program Director.

Spring 2008
ANIMLSCI 697J, ST-Cell, Genes and Development

The class is open to all graduate students with interest in cell biology, signaling mechanisms that operate in development, reproduction and epigenetics. Class is limited to 15 students and is offered every other year.

D. Alfandari, H. Cousin
This course explores the discovery of mesoderm induction in the  amphibian embryo. The course first establishes what is mesoderm and  how mesoderm induction was first demonstrated using cell  recombination experiments (Niewcoop). It then places particular  emphasis on experimental approaches that made possible the discovery  of “Mesoderm inducing molecules”. Students are encouraged to use  their own knowledge and imagination to discuss and propose alternate  experiments that could bee used with todays technology. Finally, a  survey of the recent literature is used to see how far mesoderm  induction has gone, what are the best candidate inducer and what  remains unclear. Testing: Critical analysis of published journal articles.

Goals:
1 To provide basic knowledge on early embryology.
2 To stimulate critical thinking and experimental design.

Kimberly D Tremblay: Session on “Early murine development”

During this session on mouse development we will focus on early axis formation and gastrulation. We will look at historical and recent experiments that give insight into each of these processes and compare what is known in the mouse with other vertebrates, particularly the frog. The signaling pathways involved will be reviewed and discussed. The goal is to gain a basic understanding of the morphology and embryology associated with early mouse development. We will understand these topics through lecture and reading the primary literature.
 
Jesse Mager:  Epigenetic regulation

The past few years have seen extraordinary advances in our understanding of epigenetic regulation and the ability to reprogram somatic cells.  This segment will focus on both recent advances in the field as well as crucial discoveries over the last many years.  Topics will include: DNA methylation, the histone code - histone modifications, genome imprinting, cloning and cell fate/potential reprogramming.

Pablo E. Visconti: Session on “Signal Transduction mechanisms involved in cell cycle”.

This session will be based on original research leading to our understanding of cell cycle mechanisms underlined in oocyte transition from Prophase of Meiosis I to Metaphase of Meiosis II. In addition, these mechanisms will be put in context with the ones involved in the resumption of meiosis that occur after fertilization. The process of oocyte maturation is intended to serve as a general model for the study of signaling pathways. There will be a single exam that will be based on the interpretation and analysis of experiments.

Rafael A. Fissore: Session on “Fertilization and Activation of Development”.

This session will discuss the optimization of egg and sperm mechanisms that operate prior to and during fertilization and that are required to induce normal activation of development. We will focus on events such as the acrosome reaction, interaction of gametes at the egg surface, and egg activation after sperm entry. We will review the recent literature on these events and carry on discussions on the molecules and signaling cascades activated in each of these events. Our lecture topics will cover family of molecules such as PLCs, IP3Rs, Meiotic kinases, CaMKII kinases. In addition to 30-45 min lectures, we will present and discuss the most recent literature contributions.

There will be a single exam that will be based on interpreting information from recent papers and proposing follow up studies.

All NSB graduate students must take at least one course to satisfy the quantitative requirement. The course(s) to be taken will be determined by the student's guidance committee. In most cases the requirement will be satisfied by taking one or more statistics courses, such as:

Psychology 640 and 641
Public Health 640
Statistics 501
Statistics 506

Fall 2007
Psych 640, Statistical Inference in Psychology I

Lecture: MWF 1:25-2:15 p.m. - 219 Bartlett Hall schedule #42044
Discussion: Tuesday 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Lab 1: Monday 2:30-3:30, 207 Tobin Hall schedule #42046

Instructor: David Arnold
The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the basic statistical concepts underlying data analysis and with a working knowledge of how to display data and conduct and interpret appropriate analyses. The Psych 640/641 deals with the description of data, probability, basic inferential concepts, and thorough coverage of analysis of variance, as well as the use of contrasts to test specific hypotheses, and bivariate correlation and regression. Sample course website for Psych 640 taught during Fall 2003.

Spring 2008
Psych 641, Statistical Inference in Psychology II

Lecture: MWF 1:25-2:15 p.m. class schedule #61252
Discussion: Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 p.m. Room 207 Tobin Hall
Lab 01: Thursday 4:00-5:00 p.m. Room 207 Tobin Hall
Lab 02: Monday 2:30-3:30 p.m. Room 207 Tobin Hall
Instructor: David Arnold
Continuation of Psych 640. Introduction to analysis of variance and correlational techniques, related to the general problem of inference in the social sciences. Psych 641 is most appropriate for students who took 640 during the fall semester.

Fall 2007
STATISTC 501, Methods of Applied Statistics

3 credits- Sample Course Syllabus
Department of Mathematics and Statistics Webpage

Lecture 1: #43020 Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30
Instructor:
Lecture 2: #43024 Tuesday & Thursday 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Instructor:

An applied statistics course for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students with no previous background in statistics who will need statistical methods in their work. Focus is on proper research methodology and on statistical models that arise in practice; very little emphasis on the purely mathematical aspects of the subject. Topics include: data description and display, probability theory, random variables, random sampling, estimation and hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, simple and multiple linear regression, contingency tables. A large component of the course is data analysis using a computer package; no previous computing experience is necessary. Aside from the use of the computer for data analysis, STAT501 differs from other introductory statistics courses such as STAT111 or STAT140 in that the pace is much faster, more material is covered, and the demands on the student are greater. It should not be used as a substitute for those courses. STAT515-516 is a two semester sequence in Probability and Statistics, at a higher mathematical level than STAT501, that provides the theoretical basis for many of the techniques discussed in STAT501. Textbook: Mendenhall, Beaver, and Beaver, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, 12th ed.

Spring 2008
STATISTC 506, Design of Experiments

3 credits - ONLY OFFERED DURING THE SPRING SEMESTER
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
An applied statistics course on planning, statistical analysis, and interpretation of experiments of various types. Coverage includes a factorial designs, randomized blocks, , incomplete block designs, nested and crossover designs Computer analysis of data using a statistical package program (SAS). 5-10 homeworks. A midterm exam and a final exam. Prerequisites: STAT 501 or STAT 516 (knowledge of estimation, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals). Text: Applied Linear Statistical Models by Neter, Kutner, Nachtsheim, Wasserman 5th ed.

Spring 2008
PUBHLTH 640, Intermediate Biostatistics

Principles of statistics applied to analysis of biological and health data. including analysis of variance, regression, nonparametric statistics, sampling, and categorical data analysis. The course provides an introduction to biostatistical analysis in four areas: Regression and correlation analysis; Experimental design and analysis of variance; Logistic regression and discrete data analysis; Non-parametric statistics. The course will emphasize general principles that span these areas through stochastic models. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to choose appropriate strategy for analysis of study data, analyze the data using appropriate software, draw appropriate conclusions, and present the result appropriate for a manuscript or report.

Fall 2008
NeuroS&B 692C
Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology

Course Website
class schedule #74856
Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.
class location:
Coordinators: Eric Bittman: Elizabeth Connor, Abigail Jensen

The objective of this 3 credit course is to provide NSB and MCB graduate students with the background necessary to understand the molecular and cellular processes underlying brain development and neural functioning. The course brings together a number of faculty who have both training and expertise in the topics covered. An understanding of molecular and cellular neurobiology and neural development is becoming increasingly important, especially with the advent of transgenic animals and their use in a wide range of research fields. This course fulfills the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neurobiology Core requirement for NSB doctoral students.

Fall 2008
NeuroS&B 892A, Methods in Neuroscience Research

1 credit, graded course, class schedule #74863
Thursdays 4:00-5:15 p.m.
Course Organizer: Dr. Jerrold Meyer
Office: 526 Tobin Hall - Phone: 545-2168

The purpose of this seminar will be to acquaint students with a variety of methodologies used in modern neuroscience research. Each participant will be required to select and present a method that they are not currently using in their own research. Presentations will consist of the following: (1) the initial development and history of the method, (2) details of how the method is performed, (3) the types of questions addressed by the method, (4) the strengths and limitations of the method compared to other methods that could be used to address the same question, and (5) a recent journal article showing how the method was used in the context of a neuroscience research problem. A few examples of methods that could be selected are gene microarray, in vivo microdialysis, PET imaging, receptor autoradiography, single-unit recording, in situ hybridization, quantitative real-time PCR, event-related potential recording, radioimmunoassay, etc.

Fall 2008
NeuroS&B 792A, Proseminar

Mondays 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Course Location: requested Tobin hall
class schedule #74858
Instructor: Dr. Thomas Mennella, office 518 Tobin Hall.

Course Description: This mandatory pass/fail course for first-year graduate students in the Neuroscience and Behavior Program provides the opportunity for incoming graduate students to interact regularly with other graduate students and faculty in the Program to continue a sense of community within the Program. Students will learn about opportunities for extramural funding that are available to them, the basics of grant-writing, and they will receive practice in public speaking to improve their speaking skills and make them active participants in discussions of research in their research groups and in colloquia. Resources that are available on-campus and on-line for research related activities will be highlighted. Also, a series of short seminars will be given by faculty within the Neuroscience and Behavior Program to allow students to become familiar with current research interests in each of the core areas of the program: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience; Neural and Behavioral Development; Neuroendocrinology; Animal Behavior, Learning and Computational Neuroscience; and, Sensory and Motor Systems.

Fall 2008
NEUROS&B 696, Independent Study, class schedule #74857
NEUROS&B 796, Independent Study, class schedule #76736

By Arrangement with Faculty Sponsor

Independent student research in neuroscience and behavior. The work is supervised by a faculty sponsor who determines direction of the project, reports required, grade and credit awarded. The project may consist of laboratory research, library research, or some combination of the two. Credit is variable (1-6 credits) and independent study may be repeated each semester. May be taken for a letter grade or graded Satisfactory (SAT). A SAT is similar to the undergraduate Pass (P) and is defined as passing for graduate credit. The SAT can be used toward graduation but does not calculate into the GPA (grade point average). Students signing up for their first independent study should select NSB 696; for subsequent independent study credits, select NSB 796.

Fall 2008
NeuroS&B 699, Master's Thesis

class schedule #76735 (for NSB fast track master students and terminal master's students only)

Independent research and writing of master's thesis. Research carried out and reported under supervision of students research advisor as partial fulfillment of requirements for a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience and Behavior. No more than 10 credits may be applied towards a M.S. degree in NSB. Minimum credit, 1; maximum, 10.

Fall 2008
NEUROS&B 899, Ph.D. Dissertation

Variable Credits 1-9 credits
class schedule #76737

NSB doctoral students may not register for NSB 899 until the doctoral comprehensive examination is passed. At this time the student should have chosen a dissertation topic and the Dissertation Committee should be formed by the student in consultation with his/her advisor. The committee must consist of at least four members of the graduate faculty, from at least two different departments, and including at least three NSB core faculty members. Committee members will be available for advising and consultation throughout the planning, execution, and writing of the dissertation.

Fall 2008
GRADSCH 999, Continuous Enrollment

class schedule #73852

Graduate students not enrolled for any course credits but who are candidates for a degree, must pay a program fee each semester (excluding summer terms) for continuous registration until the degree for which the student has been accepted has been formally awarded. Deadline for enrollment under this option is the end of the add/drop period. Use SPIRE registration #73852 and the Bursar's Office will mail you a bill for the $275.00 Program Fee. This Bursar's bill will be due around mid-March. Another alternative to paying the Program Fee is to call the Graduate Records Office directly and pay the $275 fee with a credit card by the September 15, 2008 deadline. Any student who does not pay this fee by the appropriate deadline and later seeks readmission or applies for graduation, shall pay the accumulated program fees plus a readmission fee of $125.00. Students seeking readmission must file a written request, endorsed by the appropriate Department Head or Graduate Program Director.

Fall 2008
NeuroS&B 891C, Biological Rhythms

variable 1-3 credits, class schedule #74861
Fridays 3:30-5:00 p.m. Room 215 Morrill Science Center III-South
Coordinators: Drs. Eric Bittman and Christopher Hollot
Course Website

This Journal Club will focus on neurobiology and modeling of circadian rhythms in mammals. The circadian clock is comprised of a network of cell-autonomous oscillators whose function depends upon transcriptional-translational feedback loops. The master pacemaker is entrained by environmental signals and regulates slave oscillators throughout the organism. This is an exciting and highly multidisciplinary field: mathematical modeling as well as molecular neurobiology are essential to understand these rhythms. The five-college clocks group brings together students and faculty from several departments. Faculty participants include Dr. Eric Bittman (UMass, Biology), Dr. Christopher Hollot (UMass, Electrical & Computer Engineering), Dr. Tanya Leise (Amherst College, Mathematics & Computer Science). Students may enroll for 1 credit, and will be expected to present one paper or figures from papers, and to participate in discussions.

Further information and a sampling of our readings may be accessed at
http://bcrc.bio.umass.edu/courses/spring2007/grad/nsb891c/review.phtml

Below is a sample of other Neuroscience and Behavior Program courses which
have been offered other seminars:

Fall 2007
Biology 572, Neurobiology

Monday-Wednesday-Friday 10:10 a.m. Course Website
class schedule #32878
Course location: Room 203 Morrill Science Center 3-South Wing
Instructor: Dr. Gordon Wyse
E-Mail:gwyse[at]bio.umass.edu
Office: 201 Morrill Science Center 3-South - Phone: 545-0477
Teaching Assistant: Mary K. Costello - email: costello[at]bio.umass.edu

Course Description: Lecture with discussion and some computer exercises. Biology of nerve cells and cellular interactions in nervous systems. Lectures integrate structural, functional, molecular, and developmental approaches. Topics include neuronal anatomy and physiology, membrane potentials and neuronal signals, synapses, development of neuronal connections, visual system, control of movement, and neural plasticity. Text: Hill, Wyse, and Anderson, (Animal Physiology) or alternative text, Kandel et al, Principles of Neural Science. Two essay exams, final exam, and a short critique paper. Prerequisite: Biol. 285 or both Psych 330 and intro biology.

Fall 2007
Biology 580, Developmental Biology

Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30 - Course Website
class schedule #32976, 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Rolf Karlstrom

Course Description: Analysis of embryonic development, with special attention to cell-cell interactions, cell fate determination, gene regulation, signal transduction, and pattern formation. The study of neurogenesis and neural patterning will be used to understand cellular and molecular interactions that give rise to differentiated tissues in the embryo. Student presentations of primary research articles will be integrated into lectures on each topic. The emphasis will be on examining current experimental approaches to understanding developmental problems in model systems. Implications of developmental processes on evolution, and on human disease will be investigated. Students will prerequisite: Biol 285 or equivalent recommended. This course fulfills an elective course for NSB doctoral students.

Fall 2007
Psych 891F, S-Environmental Influences on Reproduction and Reproductive Behavior

Tuesday 3:00-5:30 p.m.
schedule #48193
Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Blaustein

Course description: Hormones have numerous effects on the brain and behavior, behavior has numerous effects on the endocrine system, and the environment has numerous influences on brain, behavior and the endocrine system. In this seminar-format course, we will study hormone - behavior relationships at the whole animal level, as well as at the cellular and molecular level. Although we may cover traditional topics in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (e.g., hormones and sexual behavior, hormones and aggressive behavior, environmental regulation of the endocrine system, neuroendocrine regulation of the reproductive cycle, sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior, hormones and parental behaviors, etc.), we will be sure to always consider how the environment influences these neuroendocrine interactions. The environment may include other animals, endocrine disruptors, plant estrogens, photoperiod, and any other factor outside the animal that influences its endocrine system or response to hormones. The course content is quite flexible and will be determined largely by the interests of the participants in the class. Part of the class will be in journal club format; part will be student seminar presentations; and a term paper will be due at the end of the semester. Knowledge of neuroscience, as well as at least some understanding of endocrinology is required.

Fall 2007
Psych 617, ABCD (Applied & Basic Cognitive Development)

class schedule #42042
Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m. - 204 Herter Hall
Instructors: Drs. Matthew Davidson & Kyle Cave

This course is the first semester of a two-semester introduction to cognitive psychology along with its applied and developmental aspects. The first semester (Psych 617) emphasizes historical, perceptual, attentional, and physiological aspects of cognition. The second semester (Psych 618) emphasizes memory representation, language, logic, and problem solving aspects. Either semester can be taken without taking the other. Although we do not presuppose any detailed background in cognitive or developmental psychology, our goal is to provide a fairly comprehensive introduction. There will be a heavy reading load consisting of secondary sources such as literature reviews and theoretical presentations. We do assume that students taking this course will have previously taken courses in research design and statistics and have some facility in reasoning about the relationship between theory and empirical research.

Fall 2007
Biology 550, Animal Behavior

Lecture 1: Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30 Peter Houlihan, schedule #32936 Course Website
Lecture 2: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:45 Jeffrey Podos, schedule #32956
Course Website

Animals have evolved a remarkable diversity of behavioral patterns, used in a wide range of ecological and social contexts. Our goal in the first part of this course will be to examine the mechanisms responsible for the expression of behavior. For example, how do birds locate prey, how do crayfish avoid becoming prey, and how do crickets and birds develop species-specific communication signals? To help answer these questions we will make use of neurobiological, hormonal, genetic, and developmental perspectives. Our next goal in the course will be to examine the evolutionary bases of behavior, asking for example why animals move, forage, hide, communicate, and socialize as they do. To address these questions we make use of optimality theory and other behavioral ecological perspectives. Other topics in the course will include sexual selection, human behavior, and the role of behavior in establishing biodiversity. Textbook: Alcock, John Animal Behavior, 8th edition. Sinauer Associates.

(Biology 550 counts towards the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neurobiology Core requirement for NSB graduate students).

Fall 2007
NeuroS&B 891C, Biological Rhythms

variable 1-3 credits, class schedule #40612
Fridays 3:30-5:00 p.m. Room 215 Morrill Science Center III-South
Coordinators: Drs. Eric Bittman and Christopher Hollot
Course Website

This Journal Club will focus on neurobiology and modeling of circadian rhythms in mammals. The circadian clock is comprised of a network of cell-autonomous oscillators whose function depends upon transcriptional-translational feedback loops. The master pacemaker is entrained by environmental signals and regulates slave oscillators throughout the organism. This is an exciting and highly multidisciplinary field: mathematical modeling as well as molecular neurobiology are essential to understand these rhythms. The five-college clocks group brings together students and faculty from several departments. Faculty participants include Dr. Eric Bittman (UMass, Biology), Dr. Christopher Hollot (UMass, Electrical & Computer Engineering), Dr. Tanya Leise (Amherst College, Mathematics & Computer Science). Students may enroll for 1 credit, and will be expected to present one paper or figures from papers, and to participate in discussions.

Further information and a sampling of our readings may be accessed at
http://bcrc.bio.umass.edu/courses/spring2007/grad/nsb891c/review.phtml

Fall 2007
Psych 591O, Aging and Cognition

Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-2:15 p.m.
class schedule #48186
Instructor: Agnès Lacreuse

The goal of this seminar is to provide an overview of the cognitive changes that occur as a function of healthy aging, and to a lesser extent, pathological aging (Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease). We will cover a broad variety of topics including theories of cognitive aging, brain aging, animal models of cognitive aging, sex differences in cognitive aging, interventions to alleviate age-related cognitive decline (exercise, caloric restriction, hormonal replacement), etc. The seminar will consist of lectures and student-led presentations. Pre-requisites: Psych 315, 320 or 330.

Fall 2007
Psych 591H, Social Attachment: Neurobiology to Interpersonal Stress

Thursday 2:30-5:00 p.m.
class schedule #47782
Instructors: Drs. UnJa Hayes & Sally Powers

This seminar is designed to explore the biological and behavioral foundations of normal and pathological attachment by studying both animal and human models. Specifically, the course will focus on two types of social attachments: parent-offspring attachment and romantic attachment/pair bonding. To ensure that all participants, regardless of educational backgrounds, can benefit from and contribute to the discussion, the beginning of the course will consists of primer lectures on basic neuroscience (anatomy, physiology, neurochemistry, and endocrinology) and clinical assessment (DSM-IV, clinical terminology). The goal of the course is to develop skills of applying animals models to human problems in development and to better understand how research with humans can inform and change animal models.
UMass Center for Research on Families

Fall 2007
Psych 893B, Child Seminar

Tuesday 4:00-5:30 p.m. 521B Tobin Hall
class schedule #42152
Instructor: Lisa Scott

This provides a forum for Developmental Area (and other interested) faculty and graduate students to exchange ideas, report research, discuss current trends, etc. In addition, several internal and external speakers will give colloquia on topics spanning cognitive development, social development, developmental psychobiology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, educational psychology, and family studies.  Graduate students in Developmental are expected to enroll; others may do so with permission of the instructor.

Fall 2007
Psych 630, Research Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience: The Neurobiology of Mental Disorders

Tuesday & Thursday 11:15-12:30
3 credits, class schedule #42164
Instructor: Princy Quadros-Mennella

Course Description: With the dramatic advances in neuroscience and neuropsychology, we can better understand the anatomical, chemical and psychological anomalies underlying many mental disorders. These advances may help us find better treatment options as well as potential preventative measures. Using several different reading sources, the present course will cover epidemiology, symptoms, known causes, neurobiology and treatment of mental disorders listed below. Topics covered will include: ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, substance dependence, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

Fall 2007
Psych 752, Child Perceptual Development

class schedule #47765
Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:45 - Room 342 Herter Hall
Dr. Neil Berthier

This course is designed to focus on the development of visual perception.  Auditory development is mentioned briefly.  The first half of the course will provide basic background, while the second half will focus on current topics in perceptual development. Class Website

Fall 2007
Biology 892A, Molecular Genetics and Development

Wednesdays 12:00 noon, Room 215 Morrill
class schedule #32898 Course Website
Coordinator: John Nambu
Office: 404 Morrill Science Center 3-South Wing
Phone: 545-2782

This one credit journal club focuses includes discussion of current research in developmental biology and neuroscience with an emphasis on the application of molecular genetic approaches. A wide range of potential topics include: genetics, specification of cell fates, cell diffentiation, programmed cell death, organogensis, organismal physiology and behavior, aging, disease gene identification, diagnosis and therapy, stem cell biology, epigenetics and development of novel molecular genetic techniques. The format for this journal club includes research paper presentations, laboratory research talks, and outside speakers. Course Website

Fall 2007
ANIMLSCI 795A - Journal Club in Cells, Genes, and Development

Thursdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. Room 216 Paige Reading Room
1 credit, class schedule #31788
Participating faculty: Dominique Alfandari, Joseph Jerry, Rafael Fissore, Pablo Visconti, Jesse Mager, Kim Tremblay
(Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences)

The topics of the journal club will focus on Development, including: fertilization, early patterning, axis formation, cell specification and signaling, cell migration and and morphogenesis. The journal club will continue to have an open theme focusing on papers of current interest and high impact.

Spring 2007
Psych 733, Psychopharmacology

Lecture: MWF 10:10-11:00 a.m. 3 credits
Discussion: Tuesday 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Jerrold Meyer
Office:526 Tobin Hall

This course will survey the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs and their mechanisms of action on the brain. The course will be divided into 6 units as follows: (1) fundamental principles of pharmacology, including drug receptors and pharmacokinetics, (2) methods in neural and behavioral pharmacology, (3) synaptic transmission, (4) major neurotransmitter systems, (5) biochemical psychopathology, including the effects of drugs used to treat various psychopathological disorders, and (6) substance abuse and dependence. Prerequisites for the course are previous coursework in physiological psychology or neurobiology, or consent of the instructor. The course requirements are 2 semester exams, a final exam (all exams primarily essay questions), and a term-paper.

Spring 2007
Biology 571, Biological Rhythms

3 credits, MWF 10:10-11:00 a.m.
Instructor: Eric Bittman
Office: 418A Morrill Science Center III-South Wing
Phone: 545-4344

The formal, genetic, cell biological, and physiological analysis of endogenous oscillations in plants and animals, including their entrainment by light and use in photoperiodism and orientation. Circadian, cicatidal, and circannual rhythms emphasized.

The synchronization of these rhythms by the physical environment and the use of the clock for photoperiodism and orientation will be studied. Assigned readings from original scientific literature. For junior and senior life science majors and graduate students. Prerequisite: Biol 285 or equivalent.

Spring 2007
Psych 530, Human Neuropsychology

Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Ready

Course Description: Comprehensive overview of the field of human neuropsychology. Topics include functional neuroanatomy, research methods, lateralization, somatosensation, motor control and disorders, language, memory and amnesia, visuospatial functions, attention, and executive functions. Special topics are neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical neuropsychological assessment, and overview of related disciplines. Learning goals for the course are: (1) To have a solid foundation in brain-behavior relationships with an emphasis on functional neuroanatomical systems. (2) To be able to use this information to understand and explain specific types of human behavior (e.g., language, memory, motor control). (3) To be able to identify clinical manifestations of select neurologic diseases based on knowledge of brain-behavior relationships. (4) Have an awareness of major research and clinical methods in human neuropsychology and the strengths and limitations of these methods.

Spring 2007
Biology 566, Comparative Animal Physiology

Tuesday & Thursday 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Instructor: Duncan Irschick

Lectures cover the physiology of animals on a system by system basis (e.g. circulatory system, digestive system, etc.) with an emphasis on the vertebrates. Comparisons between animals within each system and adaptations to "extreme" environments are emphasized. Weekly probelm sets provide practice in physiological reasoning for each system covered.

Note: NSB Graduate Students need permission from the GOC (Graduate Operations Committee) to "count" as an NSB elective course.

Spring 2007
Psych 750, Learning and Memory Processes in Children

Instructor: Dr. Matthew Davidson
This course will provide a survey of the current literature exploring cognitive and physiological aspects of learning and memory development.
Topics will range from learning processes active early in life to different forms of memory storage and retrieval, as well as discussion of working
memory and executive processes related to learning and development. We will explore these topics across several levels of analysis, ranging
from the cellular the the cognitive and behavioral levels.

Spring 2007
Psych 891UU, Seminar-Visual Cognition & Attention

Instructor: Dr. Kyle Cave
Wednesdays 2:00-5:00 p.m.
We will read and discuss current research on visual cognition and the role of attention in vision. Each student will be responsible for presenting
a few research papers in class, and writing a final review paper at the end of the semester.

Spring 2007
COMPSCI 691II - Computational Modeling of Emotions

Instructor: Hava Siegelmann
3 credits, Friday 9:20-11:50 AM, Computer Science Bldg. Room 140

Much of animal behavior has been explained as aimed at increasing rewards and decreasing punishers. Except for homeostatic need states (e.g. hunger) or primary rewards/punishers (e.g. taste), the computational problem is too complicated, and is enabled only due to the computational advantages offered by emotions.

Some theories argue that emotions are in the basis of evolutionary theory: genes can influence behavior by specifying positive emotions as goals rather than inflexible responses to achieve them, and this facilitates evolutionary improvements. Other theories focus on the reinforcement learning aspects where emotions assist one-time learning.
Perhaps the most immediate power of emotions is in causing motivation (both extrinsic and intrinsic) via associating stimuli to reinforcers. Examples include the motivation to attain happiness as a key in consuming alcohol, sex, religion, drugs, spirituality, and food, to name a few. The lost of motivation is described in the Jan. 26, 2007 issue of the journal Science where smokers with a damaged insula a region in the brain linked with to emotion and feelings were reported to quit smoking easily and immediately.

In this course we will focus on how the study of emotions can be used in intelligent information processing systems including robots, interfaces, and learning algorithms. For this aim we will read some related neuroscience, we will learn computational modeling of emotions, learning algorithms, and analog based computation. The students will work on original research projects improving the state of the art in computational emotions.  

The course material includes: 

1. Who needs emotions?  The Brain Meets the Robot  edited by Fellous and Arbib
2. Analog Computation via Neural Networks: Beyond the Turing Limit authored by Hava Siegelmann 
3. http://www.columbia.edu/~ko2132/pdf/Ochsner_multiprocess_ERG.pdf 
4. Some recent papers

Fall 2006
Psych 891NN, Brain Plasticity

Instructor: Dr. Lisa Sanders, Room 429 Tobin Hall

The term experience-dependent plasticity covers a wide range of topics dealing with the many different levels at which experience shapes the developing and mature brain. We'll be reading and discussing both the seminal papers everyone has heard of but may not have read (e.g., Hubel & Wiesel, 1970), and some of the newest research that has greatly expanded theories about how much the brain can change. The papers are organized around approaches that have been taken to understand plasticity in both human and non-human animals including surgically altered connections, ocular dominance columns, somatosensory maps, phantom limbs, and the effects of both sensory deprivation (e.g., deafness) and expertise (e.g., professional musicians). However, the goal of the course is to address basic questions about plasticity that can only be answered by considering multiple approaches including whether brain tissue is equipotential, if some systems are more plastic than others, what the developmental constraints are on plasticity, and what the behavioral consequences of neural reorganization are.

Fall 2006
CS 691HH
Computational Modeling of Emotions and Religions in the Brain
Seminar: Emotions & the Brain

Instructor: Hava Siegelmann
Description: The class will combine biology, computer science and brain psychology. The resutls and knowledge we will learn are applicable to all these and will enable student to do research in that interdisciplinary area.

Fall 2006
MICROBIO 797R - Revolutions in Biology (Journal Club)

Class schedule #79475
The first meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 7 at 4:00 in Morrill I N338, but the
time can be changed to suit members. Auditors are also welcome.
1 credit, mandatory pass/fail.
The goal of this club is to read and discuss primary literature on
groundbreaking ideas in all fields of biologyStudents will choose the articles presented. Suggested topics include:

Watson & Crick on DNA's structure
Cloning of Dolly the sheep
Darwin on evolution by natural selection
The first sequenced genome
Prion infection
Buchner's zymase experiments
RNA machine

Articles will be emailed every week, and will be available in the
Microbiology Department main office.
Contact: Jessica Butler, Ph.D.
Phone: 413-577-2747 E-Mail: jbutler@microbio.umass.edu
www.geobacter.org

Spring 2006
Biology 597E, Sex Steroids - Advanced Endocrine Physiology

Instructor: Dr. Sandra Petersen
Phone: 545-1808
This course will provide undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to learn about very recent findings in endocrine research in the news. Each student will be expected to research the primary literature behind those news stories and present a 30 to 40-minute seminar to the class. In addition, graduate students and students in the Honors Section of the course will work together on formal PowerPoint presentations that will be used to communicate the excitement and importance of these findings to middle and high school age students. In addition to learning about steroid hormone action, students will explore such topics as: environmental pollutants as endocrine disruptors, physiological basis of sexual differences in the brain, the link between environmental chemicals and diabetes, and effects of anabolic steroids on human physiology.
Note: The day and time will be based on when all students can attend. It will probably be an evening class. An organizational meeting will be scheduled so check with Dr. Petersen before the first day of classes.

Spring 2006
Biology 597M - Environmental Endocrine Disrupters

Instructor: Dr. Thomas Zoeller
Office: 412 Morrill Science Center

Environmental Endocrine Disrupters refers to chemicals in the environment - mostly man-made - that can interfere with normal endocrine actions and can exert actions that influence public health or wildlife populations. The goal of this course is to introduce the student to concepts of environmental endocrine disruption in several ways. During the first part of the semester we will review key mechanisms of endocrine actions. The second part of the class will provide real-world examples of research projects focused on studying endocrine disruption in wildlife and in humans. Some of these research projects will be described by outside faculty. The third part of the class will allow student sto investigate specific areas of their own interest and provide some feedback to the class.

Spring 2006
Biology 564, Human Physiology

Instructor: Dr. Eric Bittman
Office: 418 Morrill Science Center 3-South Wing
Phone: 545-4344

Course Syllabus - Physiological principles governing function and integration of major organ systems (nervous, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine) and their interactions in humans. Prerequisite: Biol 285 or equivalent and at least one semester of organic chemistry. This course counts towards an elective for Neuroscience and Behavior graduate students.

Spring 2006
Psych 650, Brain Development and Behavior

Instructors: Dr. Neil Berthier, 408 Tobin Hall, Phone: 545-0535
Dr. Matthew Davidson, 416 Tobin Hall, Phone: 545-1579

Designed for grad students to acquire some knowledge of human brain development and its relationship to developmental psychology. Short review reading topics will include: early brain morphogenesis, neurogenesis, migration, axon guidance, dendritic development, bisual development, somatosensory, deprivation, behavior genetics, glutocorticoids, socialization, attachment, depression, prematurity, estrogen/sex-typed behavior, maternal infection.

Spring 2006
Psych 891J, The Multiple Causes of Obesity

Instructor: Dr. Elliott Blass
Office: 417 Tobin Hall
Phone: 545-0283
Title: Obesity: Biological Cultural, Social and Developmental Determinants

The approach to the graduate course, as the title implies, will be multifaceted and will draw on a variety of literatures ranging from epidemiology to metabolism (and hormones) to cultural differences in what is and is not considered attractive, to social and gustatory influences on intake, to issues concerning exercise and the role of development in obesity as it influences each of these issues.

Fall 2005
NeuroS&B 891A, Seminar-Cell Death and Differentiation in Neurons

variable credit - 1-3 credits
Instructors: Dr. Nancy Forger, 523 Tobin, 545-5982
Dr. Geert De Vries, 528 Tobin, 545-0663

In this course we will read primary articles from the literature on neuronal cell death and differentiation of neural phenotype. The papers chosen will have particular relevance to research ongoing in the De Vries and Forger labs, but nonetheless will be of general interest. Students have the option of signing up for the class as a 1-credit "journal club" or as a 3-credit graded seminar. Students electing the 3-credit seminar option will read more papers, possibly be called on to lead discussions on more than one of the assigned readings, and write graded midterm and end-of-term papers. Everyone is expected to 1) come to every class (having read the assigned papers for that class and having completed the mini homework assignment for that class); 2) lead the discussion on one paper; and 3) participate actively in discussions.

Fall 2005
CS 691C
Computational Study of Consciousness

Instructor: Hava Siegelmann
Course Syllabus

This is a new research course which will focus on studying the different elements necessary to produce consciousness in animals and machines. Students will learn both the classical and very recent research in consciousness and prepare students to do research in this field.

Spring 2005
Psych 591, Advanced Topics in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Seminar

3 credits
Instructor: Dr.Jeffrey Blaustein
Phone: 545-1524
Office: 536 Tobin Hal

Hormones have numerous effects on the brain and behavior, and behavior has numerous effects on the endocrine system. In this seminar-format course, we will study these interactions at the whole animal level as well as at the cellular level. Some examples of topics that may be covered are: steroid hormones and sexual behavior, hormones and aggression, environmental regulation of the endocrine system, influences of the social environment on reproduction, sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior, hormones and maternal behavior. Actual topics will be determined by the students that take the course. Pre-requisites: Psych 335 and two biology courses or solid working knowledge of neuroscience and endocrinology.

Fall 2004
Biology 568, Endocrinology

3 credits
Course Website

Endocrinology is a subdiscipline of the broader field, Physiology, and is concerned with the study of chemical messengers or hormones. These substances affect the functioning of all physiological systems as well as development and reproduction. As a result, the student will be wise to have a course in physiology before Endocrinology. Attendance at lecture is required. The lectures will not follow the organization of the textbook precisely, and information will be provided in lecture that is not contained in the book. There will be four exams. The first three will be worth 20% each, the final is worth 40%. The three hourly exams are not cummulative but cover only the material discussed during that inter-exam period. The final will be comprehensive, but the main emphasis will be on the last unit.

Fall 2004
(Cross-listed with Computer Science and Neuroscience and Behavior)
Title: Modeling the Brain: Perception and Learning
CS 691L
NeuroS&B 691A

Course Website/Syllabus
Dr. Hava Siegelmann (Department of Computer Science)
Office: 242 Computer Science Building - Phone: 577-4282

This course will cover basic concepts of computational neuroscience and different approaches to computer modeling of brain processes. Participants will read and discuss research articles on selected topics within the areas of visual perception, learning, memory and motivation. The goal in each case will be to understand the interplay between neurobiology and computer modeling. Specifically, how knowledge about the biological bases of behavior inspires strategies in robotics and artificial intelligence, and how reproducing behavioral functions in artificial systems can lead to novel predictions about the architecture of the brain. Eligibility for Online registration: Graduate only
Comments: Undergraduates see instructors for permission.

Fall 2004
NSB 891E, Landmark Papers in Sexual Differentiation

Course Syllabus

Instructors: Dr. Nancy Forger & Dr. Geert De Vries

Fall 2004
Psych 891A, Regulation of Energy Balance and Obesity

3 credits
Course Organizer: Dr. George Wade
Office: 525 Tobin Hall
Phone: 545-0772

Obesity has become a huge public health and econimic problem, but we seem to be nowhere near a "cure". This seminar will examine the current literature on the physiological controls of energy balance, including both neural circuitry and hormonal factors. By necessity, much of the material will involve work with experimental animals, although applications to human beings will be covered whenever possible. The exact topics will depend on the expertise and interests of the participants. Format will be instructor- and student-guided discussions. There will be a paper due on the last day of classes.

Psych 891D, Seminar-High Level Visual Cognition

3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Kyle R. Cave
We will survey current research in higher-level visual cognition, with special emphasis on the role of visual attention in object recognition The studies that we examine will include visual perception experiments with human observers, experiments with animals on the neurophysiology of object recognition and attention, and computational models of mechanisms for recogntion and attention.

Psych 891F, Behavioral Ecology

3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Jakob
Office: 107 Middlesex House
Phone: 577-0707

Topics will include, but not be limited to, foraging, social behavior, sexual selection, cognitive ecology, antipredator behavior, and modeling. The course will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, and student presentations. We'll read both classic papers in the discipline as well as the sexy new stuff (there will be a fair amount of reading). Prerequisites are a course in animal behavior (e.g., Biology 550 or equivalent).

Entomology 697, Seminar: Skills for Large-Lecture Teaching

2 credits
Coordinators: Dr. Elizabeth Jakob
Anne Averill

Opportunities for teaching in a large-lecture forum are rare for most graduate students, so gaining experience is difficult. In this seminar, we will discuss every phase of teaching large classes, from planning the course to grading. Participants will create a teaching statement, a syllabus for a class in your area, and a sample presentation.
Topics include: Preparing a teaching portfolio, developing a course syllabus, writing multiple choice questions, constructing a course website, getting feedback about your teaching, powerpoint presentations, on-line quizzing systems, civility issues, and diversity in the classroom.If you wish to audit, you do not need to register--there will be plenty of room. Auditors won't have to do the written assignments but should otherwise plan to participate fully. This class is supported by a Graduate School Mentoring Grant.

Biology 750, Advanced Animal Behavior
( "Behavior and Adaptive Radiation")

Instructor: Jeffery Podos
Office: 360A Morrill Science Center II-South Wing

In this seminar course we will explore the interface of animal behavior, speciation and adaptive radiation. Two main questions to be addressed are as follows: How does behavioral flexibility facilitate adaptive radiation? And, how does behavior diversify in the context of adaptive radiation? In the first half of this course we will read and discuss Dolph Schluter's (2000 book "The Ecology of Adaptive Radiation". In the second half of the course we will explore specific topics in student-led presentations. Possible topics to be explored include the mechanistic bases for evolutionary change in behavior, rates of speciation, plasticity in the evolution of morphology and behavior, mechanisms of pre-zygotic isolation, the theory of ecological speciation, and the role of signal evolution in adaptive radiation. This course is intended for graduate students and upper-level undergraduates (with Biology 550 as a pre-requisite).

Psych 891F, Nutrition-Reproduction Interactions

3 credits
Instructor: George Wade

Reproduction and the regulation of energy balance are tightly integrated in mammals. Reproductive physiology and behaviors are highly sensitive to the availability of oxidizable metabolic fuels, and when the supply of calories is limited, animals become infertile. On the other hand, reproductive condition and gonadal hormones have a major impact on food intake, fuel partitioning and metabolism, energy expenditure, and body weight and composition. This seminar will cover various topics in reproductive physiology and behavior, regulation of energy balance, and the interactions between the two. The exact topics will depend on the expertise and interests of the participants. Format will be instructor- and student-guided discussions. There will be a paper due the last day of classes.

(Cross-listed with Biology and Computer Science)
Biology 791A, Computational Approaches to Biological Oscillations and Clocks

CS 791R, Computational Approaches to Biological Oscillationos and Clocks
3 credits

Instructors: Dr. Eric Bittman (Department of Biology)
Office: 418A Morrill Science Center 3-South Wing
Phone: 545-4344

Dr. Hava Siegelmann (Department of Computer Science)
Office: 242 Computer Science Building
Phone: 577-4282

Course Webpage

This seminar will consider bioinformatic and neurobiological approaches to biological clocks, with an emphasis on how computer and biological networks can generate reliable rhythms which synchronize with one another and with the environment. Topics will include:

1. internal oscillations of behavioral and physiological functions
2. the mechanisms of their synchronization (entrainment)
3. distributed algorithms for creating synchronized clocks from asynchronous components
4. reaching concensus about phase and period among distributed oscillators
5. modeling a system that integrates cues and sends executive messages to generate rhythmicity
6. how the brain's master oscillator works
7. our current understanding of the molecular basis of circadian clocks
8. the body as a population of master and slave oscillators

Students will be assigned weekly readings and will present a semester project based on their search of the literature and/or computer simulations. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in computer science, neuroscience and behavior, or other appropriate field, or consent of the instructors.

Psych 721, Conditioning

3 credits
Instructor: Dr. John Moore
Office: 121 Middlesex
Phone: 545-0569

Available as a tutorial by arrangement.

Course Description: Most neuroscientists share some familiarity with classical conditioning. They recognize it as a form of learning and as a platform for investigating the nature of learning and memory at levels of analysis ranging from the cellular to the behavior of whole organisms. Furthermore, they have witnessed the steady growth in research on this topic. Hundreds of abstracts on classical conditioning have been listed in the Society for Neuroscience Abstracts in recent years, and the numbers are growing. As a paradigm of learning and memory, classical conditioning has become a tool for fundamental studies across a broad array of topics and specialties, ranging from computational modeling to motor control and from pharmacology and therapeutics to cognitive neuroscience.

At the same time that classical conditioning and other forms of behavioral learning have become increasingly important in the neurosciences, there has been an alarming contraction in the emphasis placed on these topics in training programs at all levels. Few undergraduate psychology programs offer laboratories in animal learning, and courses on the topic have been diluted to such a degree that few students have an opportunity to become facile with the terminology, concepts, and findings that make classical conditioning interesting and important for today's neuroscientist.

Many neuroscientists are engaged in exciting work on classical conditioning using a variety of tools, but they generally lack an appreciation of where their work lies along a broad spectrum of current knowledge about behavioral learning and memory processes. This course offers a comprehensive review of contemporary work in classical conditioning. It is recommended for behavioral neuroscientists who lack a sense of where their work fits into the larger picture. Its objective is to provide a sophisticated overview of the field for working neuroscientists and their students.

Text: Moore, J.W. (Ed.) A Neuroscientist's Guide to Classical Conditioning. New York: Springer-Verlag, 2002.

NSB 691C, Computational Neuroscience

3 credits
Course Website
This course focuses on the use of computational methods in neuroscience. Topics covered include the development and use of computer models at the biophysical, circuit, and system levels, including models of single neurons, neural circuits, models of learning, and representation of sensory and motor information. Students will learn how to use computational tools to produce simulations. The course will be largely self-contained with respect to the computational and mathematical skills required, although some minimal experience with computing will be useful. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. Neuroscience and Behavior Program doctora/masters students should register for NSB 691C. All others, should register for CMPSCI 691C.

Spring 2001
Biology 692C, Molecular Neuroendocrinology

1 credit
Instructors: Sandra Petersen and Joe Jerry

The topic that we have chosen for this interface is: "Hormonal Regulation of Intracellular Signaling Pathways". Thus, the papers presented will cover work done in a variety of cell and tissue types. Vet. Ani. Sci. students should register under the AN SCI JC number. NSB or MCB students can continue to register under the number (not yet in the Schedule for Spring--I will get that taken care of as soon as possible). We welcome new students, postdocs and faculty members and look forward to some good discussions! Students from Vet. Med. Ani. Sci. should register through their department as usual. The class is nearly filled for those who want to present a paper for credit. In addition, the total number of people is now at 32 with representatives from Entomology, Psychology, Vet Animal Sci, Biology and Biochemistry.

Psych 591H, Hormones and Behavior

4 credits

This honors course will investigate how hormones act in the brain to regulate various behaviors. Some of the topics will include hormone effects on sexual, feeding, aggressive and parental behavior, as well as learning and memory. We will incorporate the many recent and exciting advances in both animal and human research. We will study some of the new techniques being applied to Behavioral Neuroendocrine research, including a tour of some of the labs on campus. The first part of the course will be an overview of the basic concepts of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology. In the second part of the course, students will give presentations and write a paper on a topic of their choice.