Neuroscience

The study of neuroscience is one of the most rapidly growing areas of life sciences, reflecting the importance of the fundamental and applied interest in how the nervous system is coordinated and regulated. The field of neuroscience examines the physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, development, growth, maintenance, and evolution of nervous system processes.

Students working toward completion of this degree will be able to concentrate in one of two tracks (Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience or Integrative/Behavioral Neuroscience) or take courses that provide a blended combination of these complementary areas of neuroscience. The major provides both content and hands-on experience in various areas of neuroscience, and is an excellent choice for students with interests in pursuing neuroscience-related graduate programs, health careers (for example, students with post-graduate aspirations for attending medical, PA, dental, veterinary, or nursing school), or careers in private industry. Students will emerge from the major with the ability to think across disciplines, to formulate questions and seek answers, to interpret data and draw conclusions, and to effectively communicate the outcome of these processes to a larger audience. This suite of skills makes neuroscience majors eligible for a variety of career opportunities both within and outside the discipline of neuroscience.

Other Information

All coursework taken for the neuroscience major must be completed with a grade of “C-“ or better.

Note for Double Majors in Neuroscience and Biology:
Beyond the neuroscience fundamentals courses, students cannot use a 3000/4000 level course to count toward both majors.

Note for Double Majors in Neuroscience and Psychology: Beyond the neuroscience fundamentals courses, students cannot use a 3000/4000 level course to count toward both majors. Students may overlap 3000/4000 level PSYC courses between the Psychology Neuroscience & Behavior concentration and the Neuroscience major.

Note for Students Completing a Neuroscience Major and Psychology Minor:
No psychology coursework will be allowed to count toward both programs.

Note for Students Completing a Neuroscience Major and Biology Minor:
No 3000/4000 level course(s) may count toward both programs.

Note for Students Completing a Neuroscience Major and an Additional Major or Minor in Any Other Field: No 3000/4000 level course(s) may count toward both programs without prior approval.

Additional Laboratory Experiences

Students wishing additional laboratory experiences can enroll in Experiential Study in Neuroscience (NEUR 4960) or seek independent research opportunities with faculty conducting neuroscience research at UNO, UNMC, Creighton University, or Boys Town National Research Hospital.

Student Groups

Nu Rho Psi – National Honor Society in Neuroscience
http://nurhopsi.org

Canvas Site -- Neuroscience Majors should join the UNO Neuroscience Student Interest Group Canvas Site. If you are a Neuroscience Major and would like to be added to the Canvas page, email Dr. Sollars.

Contact

Neuroscience Director, Dr. Suzanne Sollars: 402.554.3981

Contact by email is best: ssollars@unomaha.edu

Website

Degrees Offered

Writing in the Discipline

All students are required to take a writing in the discipline course within their major. For the Neuroscience major, this is fulfilled with NEUR 3600 or PSYC 3140.

Neuroscience is a rapidly growing field, with a much faster than average projected jobs growth of 17% in the next ten years (U.S. Department of Labor). Students in our program have been highly successful in admissions to graduate and medical schools, and obtaining employment in neuroscience-related fields. Alumni from our Neuroscience Program have outstanding jobs as physicians, researchers, nurses, physician assistants, teachers, dentists, medical industry experts, technicians, and CEO’s of neuroscience-related businesses.

Within your Neuroscience Program, you will gain knowledge in all aspects of how the brain and body function, with tracks in cellular and molecular neuroscience, and integrative behavioral neuroscience. Built within the curriculum are opportunities for hands-on experimental experiences. We currently have faculty with expertise in neuropharmacology, neuroimmunology, development, endocrinology, gerontology, genetics, sensory systems, behavior, philosophy, and biomechanics. Your curriculum will focus on understanding and engaging with new and innovative research within neuroscience, science writing, data analysis, and applications of the latest concepts in the field.

Career Opportunities:

  • Research & Development
  • Hospitals
  • Universities/Colleges
  • Laboratories
  • Government Agencies
  • Health Care
  • Pharmaceutical & Other Science Industries
  • Laboratory Software and Equipment
  • Science Writing
  • Consultancies
  • Medical Illustrators

NEUR 1000  SUPERHEROES, ZOMBIES, CYBORGS AND DROIDS: COULD THEY LIVE AMONG US? (3 credits)

Neuroscience is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and concepts once relegated to the realm of science fiction are quickly becoming not only possible, but inevitable. In this course, we will use superheroes, zombies, cyborgs, and droids as vehicles into the wonderful and exciting world of neuroscience and how the brain and nervous system function. Mind control, enhanced strength, artificial brains...these may all seem like pure fantasy, but the reality may surprise you. This course fulfills the General Education: Natural and Physical Sciences requirement.

Prerequisite(s): High School Biology and High School Chemistry recommended. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

Distribution: Natural/Physical Sci General Education lecture

NEUR 1520  INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE I (3 credits)

The nervous system is intricate, complex, and is the subject of one of the most exciting fields in the life sciences. This course is part 1 of a 2-semester sequence designed for neuroscience majors or students who are contemplating neuroscience as a major. This course will focus on understanding how the nervous system interacts at the cellular and molecular levels: anatomy and function of neurons, communication within and between neurons, and how neurons interact to perceive and process sensory information.

Prerequisite(s): High school biology and chemistry. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 1540  INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE II (3 credits)

The nervous system is intricate, complex, and is the subject of one of the most exciting fields in the life sciences. This course is part 2 of a 2-semester sequence designed for neuroscience majors or students who are contemplating neuroscience as a major. This course will focus on understanding how the nervous system interacts at the organismal, behavioral and cognitive levels: how the nervous system develops, how the motor system, hormones, and physiology influences behavior, and how cognition and systems neuroscience leads to understanding of the mind.

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 1560  NEUROSCIENCE PATHWAYS TO DISCOVERY (3 credits)

Experience the tools, strategies, challenges, and joy of discovery in neuroscience in a hands-on, active-learning environment. This laboratory/lecture course will introduce concepts of research exploration, guide students in developing topics for experimentation, and help students build ways to assemble the pieces needed to answer questions in neuroscience.

Prerequisite(s): Recommend concurrent with NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 3500  BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF AGING (3 credits)

The Biological Bases of Aging Course provides a survey of the primary topics in the biology of aging field for undergraduate students. This a required course for the Gerontology major. By the end of the course, students will understand major theories, biological methods, and seminal research studies in the biology of aging field. Furthermore, students will learn how to critically analyze and interpret primary research about biological aging. This course provides preparation for students considering graduate school in gerontology or biology, geriatric nursing and social work, geriatric medicine, neuroscience, psychology, and exercise science. (Cross-listed with GERO 3500, BIOL 3500)

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore/Junior/Senior Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 3600  RESEARCH METHODS IN NEUROSCIENCE (3 credits)

In this course, students will get an introduction to how neuroscientists acquire, interpret, discuss, and share knowledge. Skills covered include study design, reading primary research articles, interpreting statistics, and writing scientific papers.

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 3130 and ENGL 1160 (or permission of Instructor) Not open to non-degree graduate students.

Distribution: Writing in the Discipline Single Course

NEUR 4000  SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE (3 credits)

This is an advanced course for the Neuroscience major designed to provide a solid understanding of the peripheral and central connections that make the systems of the body function. Data and theories of brain-behavior relationships from current research in neuroscience will be discussed. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8006).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 and NEUR 1540, BIOL 1450, BIOL 1750; or permission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4050  ADVANCED BIOLOGY OF AGING (3 credits)

This course covers biological aging topics at an advanced level, and is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who have some prior knowledge about biology or aging. The course will be interdisciplinary in nature and focus on topics relevant to gerontology, biology, psychology, and exercise science. Students will learn how to think critically about primary research in the biology of aging. Furthermore, they will apply their knowledge of the biology of aging field by creating a handbook of healthy aging for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 4050, GERO 8056).

NEUR 4160  NEUROPHARMACOLOGY (3 credits)

Neuropharmacology will introduce students to ligand-receptor interactions and their effects on behavior, cognition, and development. This course will characterize the molecular structure of ligands and how these small molecules or biologics affect central nervous system receptors and transporters. Students will learn about structure-activity relationships and principles of pharmacology: distribution, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and elimination) and explore the historical milestones in drug development. We'll also discuss the dynamic actions of drugs of abused drugs and the mechanisms of action. For undergraduate Neuroscience Majors, the course counts as a Neuroscience Block 1. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8166, PSYC 4160, PSYC 8166).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540 or PSYC 1020 or BIOL 1450. PSYC 4230 recommended for students who have not taken NEUR 1520 or BIOL 1450.

NEUR 4200  ADVANCED NEUROSCIENCE LABORATORY (3 credits)

This course is designed as a capstone laboratory course for Neuroscience majors. The course will provide students with hands-on experience in collecting data in diverse areas of neuroscience, analyzing these data, interpreting the data, and preparing written and verbal presentations of the data.

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520, NEUR 1540, PSYC 3130, PSYC 3140 or NEUR 3600, and BIOL 1450. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4230  BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (3 credits)

A comprehensive study of the relationship of the nervous and other organ systems to behavior. Research on both human and other animal species is considered. (Cross-listed with PSYC 4230).

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1450 OR PSYC 1010

NEUR 4290  NEUROETHOLOGY (3 credits)

In the field of Neuroethology a major goal is to understand the neural bases of animal behaviors in a natural context. In this course students will investigate how behaviors are generated and modulated by the nervous system in organisms ranging from insects to mammals. We will explore the neural mechanisms underlying a variety of animal behaviors as they interact with their natural environment ranging from sensory perception of the world (e.g. echolocation, electrolocation), to locomotor movements (e.g. flying, swimming), to more complex behaviors (e.g. learning, memory). (Cross-listed with NEUR 8296, BIOL 4290, BIOL 8296, PSYC 8296).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520, NEUR 1540 and BIOL 1750; or by permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4330  SOCIAL NEUROSCIENCE (3 credits)

This course will evaluate the biological substrates of sociality and social behavior, and explore the impact of social environments on brain function and development. Students in the course will explore the molecular, cellular, neurotransmitter, and endocrine influences on social behavior, including affiliative care, aggression, social bonding, altruism, and social cognition. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8336, PSYC 8336).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540, and BIOL 1450, or permission of Instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4480  NEUROIMMUNOLOGY (3 credits)

The course explores the bi-directional mechanisms by which the brain and the immune system communicate with each other in health and during injury or infection. This course also introduces human immunology as a basis for understanding the advanced content in neuroimmunology. Topics include innate immunity in the central nervous system (CNS), inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, CNS infections and autoimmune diseases. Reading and evaluating neuroimmunology primary literature, presentation and scientific writing will be emphasized. Counts as a Neuroscience Block 1 course requirement. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8486).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 and NEUR 1540, or permission of Instructor.

NEUR 4640  NEURAL MECHANISMS OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (3 credits)

This course details how the brain changes during and after the administration of illicit substances. Illicit drugs 'hijack' the natural reward pathways and brain circuits. Material highlights brain regions, neural circuits, and structural alterations that accompany illicit drug use. Modern neuroscience research techniques that measure and manipulate brain function reveal opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The course will explore how therapeutic interventions repair the brain. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8646).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 and NEUR 1540

NEUR 4650  NEUROMECHANICS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT (3 credits)

A study of basic principles of neural process as they relate to human voluntary movement. Applications of neural and mechanical principles through observations and assessment of movement, from learning to performance, as well as development. (Cross-listed with BMCH 4650).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1540 or permission of instructor

NEUR 4810  BEHAVIORAL GENETICS (4 credits)

This lecture and laboratory course will explore the interaction between behavior and genetics. Topics addressed will include research systems used in behavioral genetics research, ways of studying animal behavior, gene function, gene expression, genetic manipulation, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics. Research techniques will include behavioral observations, cognition assays, and traditional and cutting edge genetics research techniques and analyses (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, transgene generation, quantitative PCR, next generation sequencing). Students will design, conduct, analyze, and present semi-independent research projects over the course of the semester. (Cross-listed with BIOL 4810).

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2140

NEUR 4840  GLIA IN HEALTH AND DISEASE (3 credits)

While neurons are often highlighted as the primary drivers of brain function, evidence is rapidly growing that a lesser-known class of cells, glia, are intimately involved in virtually all aspects of central nervous system function. This course is designed for students looking for an in-depth discussion on the various glial cells of the central system, with an emphasis on cutting-edge research and the techniques used to study them. Counts as a Block 1 Neuroscience requirement. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8846).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540, or permission of Instructor.

NEUR 4850  NEUROBIOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MEMORY (3 credits)

This course will evaluate the neurobiology of learning and memory. In this course students will explore how learning and memory processes are encoded and stored at the cellular and molecular neurobiology levels. We will examine both classic and cutting edge studies to see how changes in molecular activity, genetics, and cellular physiology can influence learning and memory processes. Counts as a Block 1 course for Neuroscience Majors. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8856).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 & NEUR 1540 or Instructor Permission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4870  MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (3 credits)

This course presents foundational topics in molecular and cellular neurobiology in the context of how the nervous system is functionally organized. Topics include: nervous system cell types and their subcellular organization; electrical properties of neurons and glia; energy metabolism and biochemistry of the brain; intra- and intercellular neuronal signaling; the regulation of gene expression in neuronal cells; synaptic plasticity; and how these are altered in disease. (Cross-listed with BIOL 4870, BIOL 8876, NEUR 8876).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1500, or both NEUR 1520 and NEUR 1540, or BIOL 3020, or permission of instructor.

NEUR 4890  GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR (3 credits)

This course will evaluate the complex interaction between an organism's genome and neural activity pattern in the nervous system as related to behavior. In this course students will explore how changes in gene expression (allelic variants, epigenetics, differential regulation) and gene networks within neural tissue can reciprocally influence behaviors such as communication, foraging, reproduction, and cognition. (Cross-listed with NEUR 8896, BIOL 4890, BIOL 8896, PSYC 8896).

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520, NEUR 1540, and BIOL 2140. Or by permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4910  SPECIAL TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE - BLOCK 1 (3 credits)

Fulfills Neuroscience BLOCK 1 or Neuroscience Elective requirement. A study of designated special topic in neuroscience. Students may repeat this class as long as the specific topic is not duplicated.

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520, junior-senior status (sophomore status by permission), or instructor permission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4920  SPECIAL TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE - BLOCK 2 (3 credits)

This course fulfills Neuroscience BLOCK 2 or Neuroscience Elective requirements. A study of designated special topic in neuroscience. Students may repeat this class as long as the specific topic is not duplicated.

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540, junior-senior status (sophomore status by permission), or instructor permission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

NEUR 4930  SPECIAL TOPICS IN NEUROSCIENCE - NEURO ELECTIVE BLOCK (3 credits)

This course will provide for an in-depth study of a designated topic in neuroscience that is different than the focus of an existing course in the neuroscience curriculum. Students may repeat this class as long as the specific topic is not duplicated. Fulfills a Neuroscience Elective requirement.

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540, or Instructor permission.

NEUR 4960  EXPERIENTIAL STUDY IN NEUROSCIENCE (1-3 credits)

Focused research projects, data analysis, and/or directed readings with faculty supervision. Oral and written reports based on empirical research are expected outcomes.

Prerequisite(s): NEUR 1520; PSYC 3130. PSYC 3140 recommended. Instructor permission required.