UVa Course Catalog (Unofficial, Lou's List)
Catalog of Courses for Neuroscience    
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These pages present data mined from the University of Virginia's student information system (SIS). I hope that you will find them useful. — Lou Bloomfield, Department of Physics
Neuroscience
NESC 3450The Study of Neuroscience from Molecules to Minds (4)
Offered
Spring 2025
This course introduces students to fondational and modern neuroscience research techniques through laboratory investigations. Neuroscience is explored at the molecular, systems, and behavioral level. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biopotentials, development, histology, and microscopy. An emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships, experimental design, and application of techniques in research.
NESC 3559New Course in Neuroscience (1 - 4)
This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of neuroscience.
Course was offered Fall 2024, Spring 2019
NESC 3960Research in Neuroscience (3)
Offered
Spring 2025
Students in Neuroscience major are expected to participate in active research, supervised by a faculty research mentor. The course grade is based on 10 hours/week lab work toward achieving term goals that are determined individually at the beginning of the term. Students are expected to submit a Term Plan one month after the first day of classes and a Progress Report two weeks before the last day of classes.
NESC 3980Current Topics in Neuroscience I (3)
Current developments in the interdisciplinary field of neurosciences will be examined, from molecular neurobiology through cognitive neuroscience. Instruction will be based on readings of original literature, presentation of original and new data from Neuroscience faculty and attendance of seminar talks as part of the Neuroscience Graduate Seminar series. Prerequisite: Major in Neuroscience.
NESC 3985Current Topics in Neuroscience II (3)
Offered
Spring 2025
Current developments in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience will be examined, from molecular neurobiology through cognitive neuroscience. Instruction will be based on readings of original literature, presentation of original and new data from Neuroscience faculty and attendance of seminar talks as part of the Neuroscience Graduate Seminar series. Prerequisite: Major in Neuroscience.
NESC 3995Research in Neuroscience (3)
Offered
Spring 2025
This course provides opportunities for first and second year students who have not yet declared a major to engage in supervised research activities.
NESC 4245Neuroscience through the Nobels (3)
Will study Nobel prize winning discoveries that shaped our understanding of the nervous system; explore the original experimental basis for these discoveries; and learn about the Nobel laureates. This course will enable students to acquire a deeper understanding of fundamental principles in Neuroscience, to familiarize with various research techniques, and to develop a sense of history of Neuroscience research.
NESC 4265Developmental Neurobiology (3)
The diverse functions of the nervous system depend on precise wiring of connections between neurons. This course covers cellular and molecular processes of how neuronal connections are established during development. Diseases which result from failing to establish the circuitry will also be discussed. This course will introduce research methods and technology, and encourage students to develop logical rationale of contemporary research.
NESC 4559New Course in Neuroscience (1 - 4)
This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of neuroscience.
Course was offered Fall 2018
NESC 4960Research in Neuroscience (3)
Offered
Spring 2025
An original experimental project is undertaken in which each student is responsible for the design and operation of the experiment under the direction of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. Prerequisite: Major in Neuroscience.
NESC 4970Distinguished Majors Thesis (3)
Offered
Spring 2025
A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. The thesis must be based on empirical research conducted by the student. Prerequisite: Participant in Neuroscience DMP.
NESC 4980Distinguished Majors Thesis (3)
Offered
Spring 2025
A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. The thesis must be based on empirical research conducted by the student. Prerequisite: Participant in Neuroscience DMP.
NESC 4995Research in Neuroscience (3)
An original experimental project is undertaken in which each student is responsible for the design and operation of the experiment under the direction of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. Prerequisite: Major in Neuroscience.
NESC 5330Neural Network Models (3)
An introductory course to neural networks research, specifically biologically-based networks that reproduce cognitive phenomena. The goal of this course is to teach the basic thinking and methodologies used in constructing and understanding neural-like networks. Prerequisites: CS 1110; and BIOM 2101 or permission of the instructor.
NESC 7010Foundations of Neuroimmunology (2)
This course will explore how reciprocal crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system contributes to health and disease. Attention will be paid to highlight how immune responses contribute to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimers disease, depression, anxiety, and autism.
NESC 7030Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience (2)
Introduces cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience.  Includes the cellular and molecular biology of neurons and glia, intercellular signaling in the nervous system, and neuronal development and plasticity.  Lectures and directed readings of primary literature. 
NESC 7060Fundamentals of Neuroscience (2)
Provides a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the structure and function of the central nervous system. Stresses the structural and functional interrelationships of the various regions of the brain and spinal cord, and the cellular, molecular, and developmental biology of the nervous system. Laboratory sessions include brain dissections and examination of microscopic material.
NESC 7200Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience (2)
Covers regulatory systems that operate on behavior, including behavioral neuroscience topics (circadian rhythms, drug addiction, neuroethology, social behavior) and cognitive neuroscience topics (physiology of learning and memory, perception, cognition, aging).
NESC 8000Foundations of Neuroscience (6)
Offered
Spring 2025
This advanced course introduces critical areas in neuroscience. In 3 sections, it covers: Molecular, Cellular, Dev Neuroscience, Systems & Circuits, and Behavior & Disease. Will explore: nervous sys development, basic principles of neurobio, membrane & action potential, ion channels, synaptic transmission & modulation, brain structures, sensory & motor circuits, neurological disease, animal models used to study them & the clinical context.
NESC 8010Seminar in Neuroscience (2)
Offered
Spring 2025
Topics of current interest in neuroscience are presented and discussed by both the program faculty and visiting neuroscientists from other institutions. Prerequisite: Permission of program director.
NESC 8020Seminar in Neuroscience (1 - 12)
Topics of current interest are presented and discussed by both the program faculty and visiting neuroscientists from other institutions. Prerequisite:  Permission of program director.
NESC 8050Epilepsy Research Today (2)
Offered
Spring 2025
This course will introduce students to fundamental principles that guide epilepsy research today. Topics range from understanding how human seizures are classified to how animal models can inform our mechanistic understanding of epilepsy. The course includes formal lectures by clinical and basic science faculty, as well as student presentations.
Course was offered Fall 2024
NESC 8080Neuroscience Graduate Student Seminar Series (1)
Offered
Spring 2025
Students give forty-five minute presentations to their peers each week. Provides a chance for practice and improvement in giving lectures and an opportunity to receive advice from fellow trainees and attending faculty. Gives all members of the program updates on the progress and scientific interests of the students.
NESC 8150Introduction to Research (1 - 6)
Laboratory experience acquaints the student with applied theory and current techniques in addressing research problems in neuroscience. Prerequisite: Permission of program director.
NESC 8160Introduction to Research (1 - 6)
Laboratory experience acquaints students with applied theory and current techniques. 
NESC 8170Introduction to Research (2)
Laboratory experience acquaints the student with applied theory and current techniques in addressing research problems in neuroscience. Prerequisite:  Permission of program director.
Course was offered Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010
NESC 8180Introduction to Research (2)
Laboratory experience acquaints the student with applied theory and current techniques in addressing research problems in neuroscience. Prerequisite:  Permission of program director.
Course was offered Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010
NESC 8250Molecular Basis of Neurological Disorder (2)
A series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease.
NESC 8550Current Topics in Neuroscience (2)
Primary literature survey of a specific topic in neuroscience.
Course was offered Spring 2014, Spring 2013
NESC 9010Molecular Neuroscience (2)
Building on the NESC 8000 Foundations of Neuroscience course, this course expands on the Molecular Neuroscience (Molecular, Cellular & Development track), while also providing a deep dive in Cellular Neurophysiology (Synapses & Circuits track). Recognizing that modern neuroscience projects necessitate fluency in the concepts and methods in both fields, NESC 9010 and 9020 will be held jointly this term.
NESC 9012Methods in Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Neuroscience (2)
This course will provide the strong methodological foundation in molecular neuroscience. It will allow students to follow scientific lectures/seminars with ease while critically assessing discussed principles. Upon completion of this course, students will understand molecular and genetic methods used in assessing neuronal functions. This course will be a combination of lecture and discussion of classic and contemporary literature.
Course was offered Spring 2019, Spring 2018
NESC 9020Foundations of Cellular Neurophysiology (2)
Building on the NESC 8000 Foundations of Neuroscience course, this course expands on the Molecular Neuroscience (Molecular, Cellular & Development track), while also providing a deep dive in Cellular Neurophysiology (Synapses & Circuits track). Recognizing that modern neuroscience projects necessitate fluency in the concepts and methods in both fields, NESC 9010 and 9020 will be held jointly this term.
NESC 9022Tools for Modern Neurobiology (2)
We plan to make this a practical course to show the methods needed to dissect systems and circuits including detailed methods, pitfalls of various techniques, troubleshooting and "insider" tips. We may even have some "field trips" to our labs to see the techniques in action!
NESC 9998Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research (1 - 12)
Offered
Spring 2025
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.
NESC 9999Non-Topical Research (1 - 12)
Offered
Spring 2025
For doctoral research, under the supervision of a dissertation director.