Undergraduate Courses
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience: NeuroSc 3000
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn and Spring
Course covering cellular and molecular organization of the nervous system.
Introduction to Neurophysiology | NeuroSc 3010
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
The course will discuss basic principles of neurophysiology working from the level of the ion channel to the whole system.
History of Neuroscience | NeuroSc 3025
Credits: 3
7-weeks, Online, Spring
Designed for neuroscience majors or non-majors. We will look at the discovery that demonstrated that different areas of the brain serve different functions, the mind-body argument, the birth of experimentation in the brain, and the discovery of neurons, neurotransmitters and neural communication. We will look into the lives of some of the major neuroscientists and their discoveries.
Structure and Function of the Nervous System | NeuroSc 3050
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn and Spring
Basic principles of the anatomical and neurophysiological organization of the nervous system.
Introduction to Neuropharmacology | NeuroSc 3305
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Spring
The class will help students understand the effects drugs have on the brain and behavior by introducing them to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, explaining how drugs are developed and tested in animal models, outlining learning theory behind drug use and abuse. Students will apply their knowledge to better understand how drugs are effective in the treatment of select neurological conditions.
Neurogenetics | NeuroSc 4050H
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
This course takes a historical approach to gene discovery in neuroscience: spanning classic mutagenesis studies in simple invertebrate systems to the mapping and identification of neurological disease genes in humans, with stops along the way to explore unique genetic systems and studies, such as the Stanford dog narcolepsy project.
Neurotrauma: TBI, Stroke, & Spinal Cord Injury | NeuroSc 4425
Credits: 3
7-weeks, In-person, Spring
This course will introduce upper-level undergraduate students to the topic of neurotrauma. The first part of the course will focus on the causes of neurotrauma, the effects of neurotrauma on the central nervous system, and comprehensive care of neurotrauma patients. The second part of the course will consist of guest lectures from experts in the field of neurotrauma.
Basic and Clinical Foundations of Neurological Disease | NeuroSc 4100
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with types, causes, symptoms and treatments of various neurological diseases. Additionally, students will be asked to reflect on patient experiences and relevant hot topics relating to neurological disease. Lectures will be provided by OSU experts, including scientists who have committed their life’s work to understanding diseases, neurologists and neurosurgeons, who are committed to changing the lives of patients, and additional health professionals that will provide greater insight into the impact of neurological disease. Students will leave the course with 1) a greater understanding of what defines a neurological disease, 2) familiarity with research on etiology and treatments, and 3) what the disease looks like in the real world. Furthermore, students will practice investigative research skills and form their own opinions in neuroscience.
NEW! Introduction to Neuroimmunology | NeuroSc 4500
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
This course will explore the interactions between the nervous and immune systems and their consequences for neural function and behavior. We will consider the research and clinical applications of inflammatory processes within the central nervous system, from neurodegeneration, neurotrauma, and psychopathologies, to stress and autoimmune disorders.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders| NeuroSc 4550
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction that has its onset during early childhood. This course will explore different aspects of ASD by examining studies on genetics, neurology, neurobiology early intervention, and behavioral science.
Biological Clocks and Behavior | NeuroSc 4623
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Spring
The broad variety of biological rhythms of animals and humans, including ultradian, daily, lunar, tidal, and annual cycles. Properties of biological clocks and ways in which rhythms are generated and how they are synchronized to the external environment.
Contemporary Topics in Neuroscience | NeuroSc 4850
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Spring
Neuroscience isn’t easy, but the intrigue is worth the effort. Welcome to a course where we are going to uncover unexpected truths about the brain and discover fascinating techniques for studying it. We will examine current, ongoing brain research and look at innovative approaches to brain therapies. You may never fully understand contemporary neuroscience if you don’t think like a neuroscientist, and here you will engage in group scholarly thinking mimicking your professors in the lab. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and discuss topics that you are interested in. Join us for a sneak peek into the here and now of the brain.
Undergraduate Experience-Based Credit Hours
Internship in Neuroscience | NeuroSc 3191
Credits: Varies
Neuroscience students have the opportunity to combine classroom theory with practical application through job-related experiences during a neuroscience related internship (Department
Approval of Internship Site is Required). Maximum of 3 credit hours of any combination of Neurosc 3191 and Neurosc 3193 can be applied to the Breadth Requirements of the major.
Individual Studies | NeuroSc 3193
Credits: Varies
This course enables students to pursue research in the field of Neuroscience under the guidance of a Neuroscience faculty member.
Undergraduate Research | NeuroSc 4998
Credits: Varies
Students will be given credit for participating in a research project in the laboratory of a faculty member in the Department of Neuroscience.
Neuroscience Undergraduate Thesis Research | NeuroSc 4999
Credits: Varies
A program of individual research with a Neuroscience faculty member culminating in a thesis and oral examination.
Neuroscience Undergraduate Thesis Research | NeuroSc 4999H
Credits: Varies
A program of individual research with a Neuroscience faculty member culminating in a thesis and oral examination. *Honors Course
Dual-Level Courses
NEW! Introduction to Neuroscience I | NeuroSc 5501
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Autumn
This course will explore fundamental elements of central nervous system function. Through three modules that each cover a key area for understanding the brain - neurophysiology, protein and genetic contributions, and neurotransmitters and neuronal activity - learners will obtain principal knowledge of cellular structures in the brain and how neurons communicate.
NEW! Introduction to Neuroscience II | NeuroSc 5502
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Autumn
This course will examine structural and functional systems. The course will focus on brain and spinal cord anatomy as it relates to body function and will introduce key elements of the peripheral nervous system that play into our behaviors as humans. This course establishes a strong foundation for understanding how elements of the human nervous system work together to produce basic human behaviors.
NEW! Clinical Neurobiology | NeuroSc 5503
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Spring
The goal of this course is to familiarize learners with the biological basis of various neurological diseases. In sessions taught by lead OSU clinical experts, learners will explore the pathological and behavioral changes that occur in common neurological diseases and how they are used to diagnose disease. Discussions will focus on contemporary theories of disease onset, biomarker advancement, and novel treatments being developed by lead researchers today.
NEW! Research Communication in Neuroscience | NeuroSc 5504
Credits: 3
7-weeks, Online, Spring and Summer
Science is an integral part of everyday lives, however, how science is communicated can often be intimidating or challenging to comprehend. In this course, learners will explore the how and why communicating neuroscience – from general audience magazine articles, news reports and novels, social media and podcasts, all the way to the academic research journal articles. Students will learn about how neuroscientists share their discoveries with other scientists, as well as with the general public. We will examine the unique elements of various communication types and assess their pros and cons for specific communication goals. Furthermore, learners will have the opportunity to re-think how we communicate science to the public and in areas specific to their own interests. This course will explore the how and why of communicating neuroscience and prepare learners to adequately understand various types of communications to continue exploring the ever-changing discoveries in Neuroscience.
NEW! Neurobiology of Movement | NeuroSc 5602
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Autumn
Course will cover the neural control involved in producing voluntary movement from the neuromuscular junction to to primary motor cortex. Areas that influence these brain regions (e.g., basal ganglia and cerebellum) will be covered. Deficits resulting from damage to any of these regions will be described and discussed.
NEW! Traumatic Injuries in the Central Nervous System | NeuroSc 5603
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Summer
Neuroscience 5601 will introduce upper-level undergraduate students to the topic of neurotrauma. The first part of the course will focus on the causes of neurotrauma, the effects of neurotrauma on the central nervous system, and comprehensive care of neurotrauma patients. The second part of the course will consist of guest lectures from experts in the field of neurotrauma. The topics of these lectures will vary from semester to semester and may consist of the following: Addictive Behaviors, Cognitive Dysfunction, Cognitive Decline/Dementia, Inflammation & Neuropathology, Physical & Mental Health Impairments, Policy & Law, Sexual Behaviors, Sleep Dysfunction, Systemic Dysfunction.
NEW! Paradigms Lost and Found in the History of Neuroscience | NeuroSc 5604
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Summer
Neuroscience is an ever-changing, fast-growing field. Throughout this course learners will examine historical foundations of contemporary neuroscience. This course examines the beginnings of understanding neuroanatomy, neurons and independent cells, the functions or neurons and mapping of the brain, through the lens of what researchers first knew and neuroscientific discoveries that would influence the field forever. Furthermore, each paradigm shift will be tied into contemporary discovery to enhance appreciation of how far neuroscience has come in such little time.
NEW! Research Techniques in Neuroscience | NeuroSc 5605
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Spring
Examining neuroscience in a broader context requires understanding the processes of neuroscientific research. This course will focus on experimental design, developing a solid research question, and writing a hypothesis in ways that relate to both basic and clinical research. Furthermore, learners will be introduced to contemporary and popular research techniques, such as the use of transgenic animals, animal behaviors, cellular culture, gene and protein assays, microscopy and immunohistochemistry, gene therapy, as well as optogenetics and techniques of neuromodulation. Experts will share how these techniques are being used to tackle new research questions.
NEW! Human Neuroimaging | NeuroSc 5606
Credits: 2
7-weeks, Online, Spring
Neuroimaging use is commonplace in healthcare and research and exposure to brain images is becoming increasingly frequent in the public media. This course will introduce basic principles of neuroimaging methods and technologies. Learners will engage with topics such as the history of neuroimaging, basic physics of neuroimaging, image production, and goals and limitations of different image modalities. The course will focus on CT and MRI, as well as advanced topics such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, positron emission spectroscopy, and functional MRI. We will explore when to use each of these technologies in different clinical and research applications. This course will also explore human neuroanatomy and examine how brain imaging is utilized in health and disease.
Developmental Neuroscience | NeuroSc 5790H
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Spring
Investigates the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms responsible for building nervous systems. The brain is a complex structure, yet it develops from a single sheet of cells. We will discuss how this development tolerates tremendous genetic and environmental variability to assemble a functioning nervous system. *Honors course
Graduate Courses
Foundations of Neuroscience I | NeuroSc 7001
Credits: 4
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
Discusses basic principles of the cellular, molecular and neurophysiological, and neuropharmacological organization of the nervous system.
Current Topics in Neuroscience | NeuroSc 7100
Credits: 1
14-weeks, In-person, Autumn
In this course students will be assigned journal articles in the field of Neuroscience. They will be expected to discuss the papers in class under faculty guidance.
Neurobiology of Disease | NeuroSc 7050
Credits: 3
14-weeks, In-person, Spring
Neurobiology of Disease will explore the basis of major diseases affecting the nervous system.
Neuroscience Laboratory | NeuroSc 7200.01
Credits: 1
7-week, In-person, Spring
Laboratory component of NeuroSc 7002 in which students will learn anatomy of the human brain.
NEW! Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases | NeuroSc 7325
Credits: 3
7-weeks, In-person, Autumn
The course discusses the central biological mechanisms that underlie ageing and neurodegenerative diseases and approaches to target these pathways for the treatment of diseases prevalent in aged populations including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal lobar dementia, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The course includes lectures, paper discussions, and a grant workshop.
NEW! Glial Biology | NeuroSc 7350
Credits: 2
7-weeks, In-person, Spring
The course discusses the ontogeny, structural and functional characteristics, and the biological role of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, satellite cells, and Schwann cells in the nervous systems. This course discusses the role of glial cells in the induction/maintenance/regulation of the blood-brain barrier. The course also discusses the pathological role of glial cells in diseases.
NEW! Genetics of Neurological Disease | NeuroSc 7435
Credits: 3
7-weeks, In-person, Spring
Genetic and epigenetic principles underlying the development and maintenance of the mammalian nervous system will be explored in the context of human neurological disorders, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism, movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Techniques used to identify genetic variation in human neurological disorders and model systems will be discussed.
Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Neuroimmunology | NeuroSc 7500
Credits: 2
14-weeks, In-person, Spring alternate years
Discusses research and clinical applications of inflammatory processes within the central nervous system with special emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune disease, and neurotrauma (e.g., spinal injury).
NEW! Principles of Neural Circuit Design and Function | NeuroSc 7715
Credits: 3
7-weeks, In-person, Spring
This course will describe how neurons and neural circuits process sensory information and control behavior. It will focus on explaining why neural circuits demonstrate specific organizational principles that are conserved through evolution and fundamental to nervous system function. It is intended to explain theory and provide practical examples through both lectures and interactive discussions.
Graduate Experience-Based Credit Hours
Individual Studies | NeuroSc 6193
Credits: Varies
Enables students to pursue research in the field of Neuroscience under the guidance of a faculty member in the Department of Neuroscience.
Neuroscience Research Techniques | NeuroSc 7000.01
Credit: Varies
This will provide the necessary skills for students who have a goal to work research laboratory either in academia or industry. They will be assigned to laboratories where they will become competent in various lab skills including but not limited to animal handling, PCR, immunohistochemistry, genetic screening, CRISPR, maintenance of lab notebooks, basic data analysis.
Neuroscience Education Techniques | NeuroSc 7000.02
Credits: Varies
To prepare students for a career in teaching neuroscience in an education setting (e.g., high school science, neuroscience courses at community or small liberal arts colleges). Students will become competent in developing courses, giving lectures, grading exams, counseling students, etc.
Neuroscience Capstone Project | NeuroSc 7600
Credits: Varies
The capstone course is designed to evaluate the student's ability to problem solve, carry out a critical analysis of scientific procedures and/or educational material, and their ability to communicate this information to their peers and instructors in the degree program.
Research for Dissertation | NeuroSc 8998
Credits: Varies
Graduate level research in neuroscience.
Research for Dissertation | NeuroSc 8999
Credits: Varies
Graduate level research in neuroscience.