2019-2020 University Catalog archived
Neuroscience (NEUR)
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An interdisciplinary major in neuroscience leading to a Bachelor of Science degree is available to interested students. The central theme of neuroscience is an understanding of the structure and function of the brain and how it is involved in controlling behavior. Thus, the area draws heavily from biology, chemistry, cognitive and behavioral science, mathematics and the computational sciences. The major in neuroscience is intended to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in the biomedical sciences, including graduate training in neuroscience, biology and cognitive and behavioral science, as well as the health professions.
The requirements for a major in neuroscience are described in “Neuroscience major leading to BS degree ”, but generally involve courses from the departments of biology, chemistry, computer science, physics and engineering, and cognitive and behavioral science. An essential element of the neuroscience program at Washington and Lee is the opportunity for the student to become involved in laboratory research with a faculty member. While the areas of research may differ from year to year, they generally include neurochemical research on development and function of sensory systems, involvement of the brain in learning, attention and memory, effects of teratogenic agents on vertebrate brain development, reproductive neuroendocrinology, evaluation of electrical activity recorded from human brains, axonal regeneration, sleep, gut-brain microbiome, computer modeling, artificial intelligence and animal behavior.
The core neuroscience faculty come from biology, cognitive and behavioral science, and physics and engineering, with affiliate faculty in biology and computer science. Further information concerning the major can be obtained from the website at http://www.wlu.edu/neuroscience-program.
Students contemplating application to medical school should note that CHEM 241 (or 241S) (Organic Chemistry I), 242 (Organic Chemistry II), 341 (Biochemistry I), MATH 102 (Calculus II), and PHYS 112 and 114 (General Physics II) are either required or highly recommended by most admissions committees. Students contemplating graduate school should discuss specific courses with the head of the major.
HONORS: An Honors Program in neuroscience is offered for qualified students; see program head for details.
Head of the Major: Fiona Watson
Core Faculty
First date is the year in which the faculty member began service as regular faculty at the University. Second date is the year of appointment to the present rank.
Sarah N. Blythe, Ph.D.—(2010)-2018
Associate Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Ryan C. Brindle, Ph.D.—(2018)-2018
Assistant Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science and Neuroscience
Ph.D., University of Birmingham
Jonathan C. Erickson, Ph.D.—(2009)-2015
Associate Professor of Engineering
Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
Helen I’Anson, Ph.D.—(1995)-2004
Professor of Biology
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Dan R. Johnson, Ph.D.—(2009)-2015
Associate Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
Tyler S. Lorig, Ph.D.—(1988)-1997
Ruth Parmly Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Robert E. Stewart, Ph.D.—(1997)-2015
Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Ph.D., University of Virginia
Natalia Toporikova, Ph.D.—(2012)-2018
Associate Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Florida State University
Fiona Watson, Ph.D.—(2008)-2014
Associate Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Harvard University
Wythe L Whiting IV, Ph.D.—(2003)-2008
Associate Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science
Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology
Neuroscience courses are as follows:
Interdisciplinary Major
NEUR 120 - Introduction to Neuroscience
FDR: SC
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Either CBSC/PSYC 110 or CBSC/PSYC 111; or instructor consent. Corequisite: NEUR 121. An introduction to neuroscience emphasizing the molecular organization, chemistry, and physiology of the neuron; how neurons are organized into functional circuits; and how these functional circuits process information and control both normal and abnormal behavior. Staff.
NEUR 121 - Introduction to Neuroscience Workshop
Credits: 1
Corequisite: NEUR 120. Training in the basic fundamental skills needed tor a career in the neurosciences. Prospective majors 1) learn fundamental oral presentation skills critically needed for a career in the biosciences; 2) learn to lead a discussion with an emphasis on critical analysis of primary research articles; 3) acquire a conceptual toolbox and theoretical understanding of current neuroscience techniques; 4) develop a digital portfolio of their academic work and research; and 5) learn about current neuroscience lab research opportunities at W&L. Staff.
NEUR 395 - Special Topics in Neuroscience
Credits: 1, 2, or 3
A seminar designed to provide the advanced student with a broader knowledge of the field of neuroscience. Specific topics will vary and will be determined, in part, by student interest. May be repeated for credit if the topics are different.
NEUR 401 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Consent of the neuroscience faculty. This seminar involves independent reading and/or research. Students are expected to prepare a detailed research proposal based on their independent work. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
NEUR 403 - Directed Individual Study
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Consent of the neuroscience faculty. This seminar involves independent reading and/or research. Students are expected to prepare a detailed research proposal based on their independent work. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. Staff.
NEUR 422 - Directed Individual Research
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Consent of the Neuroscience faculty. Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a neuroscience faculty member by prior mutual agreement. Consult with individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be carried out during the summer. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits may apply towards the major. Staff.
NEUR 423 - Directed Individual Research
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Consent of the Neuroscience faculty. Each student conducts primary research in partnership with a neuroscience faculty member by prior mutual agreement. Consult with individual faculty for a description of current research areas. May be carried out during the summer. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different. No more than six credits may apply towards the major. Staff.
NEUR 442 - Honors Thesis Proposal
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Honors candidacy. Writing a proposal for honors thesis research, including a clear statement of the problem being studied, a literature review, and a feasible, detailed plan for the research. Taken no later than the winter term of the junior year. Staff.
NEUR 453 - Neuroscience Internship
Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Instructor’s or major director’s consent. This course provides students an opportunity to engage in scholarly and professional development though external placements in research laboratory, clinical, or business settings where neuroscientific content is a focus of daily work activity. May be carried out during the summer. Staff.
NEUR 493 - Honors Thesis
Credits: 3-3
Prerequisites: Senior standing and honors candidacy. Individual conference. Staff.
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