This course will introduce students to basic concepts and the variety of topics in the field of neuroscience, including neuroanatomy (gross and cellular), physiology, neural basis of behavior, malfunctions due to disease and injury, and methods used to study these areas laying a foundation for advanced coursework in neuroscience.

The seminar introduces students to the interdisciplinary nature of modern neuroscience with an emphasis on the various neuroscience research activities that take place at Loyola University Chicago, and reviews current neuroscience research topics. NEUR 300 is cross-listed with BIOL 303.

Students will be trained in various anatomical, physiological, behavioral, and neurobiological modeling techniques used to study the nervous system and the brain in the laboratory. This course is cross-listed as NEUR 301 & PSYC 388.

Students will receive additional training and experience in specialized laboratory methods and techniques used by Loyola faculty in their Neuroscience research. This experience will help prepare them to contribute creatively to neuroscience research. Students will be assessed as to the quality of 3 items: 1) a written proposal for the independent research project; 2) a 'meeting quality' scientific poster; and 3) a written 'publication quality' scientific paper summarizing the work done for the independent research project.