Academic Calendar 2021-2022

Neuroscience (NSCI)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 calendar. To access the most recent version of the calendar, please visit https://queensu-ca-public.courseleaf.com.

NSCI 323  Cellular Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

Fundamental properties of the nervous system. Emphasis placed on the properties of neurons that are fundamental to neuron-to-neuron communication, the formation of neural circuits, and the repair of the nervous system following injury. Tutorials introduce techniques and neurological problems that illustrate principles of neural function.

Requirements: Prerequisite BIOL 339 or KNPE 125 or KNPE 225 or (PHGY 215 and PHGY 216) or PSYC 271 or PHGY 210 or PHGY 212 or PHGY 214  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 324  Systems Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

Fundamental properties of the nervous system. Emphasis placed on the properties of neurons and neural circuits that underlie behaviour and cognitive functions within selected neural systems, such as sensory, motor, reward, and autonomic systems. Tutorials introduce techniques and neurological problems that illustrate principles of neural function.

Requirements: Prerequisite (PHGY 215/3.0 and PHGY 216/3.0) or PSYC 271/3.0 or NSCI 323/3.0 or PHGY 210/6.0 or PHGY 212/6.0 or PHGY 214/6.0.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 401  Introduction to Theoretical Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

This course will provide an introduction to the main modelling approaches and theoretical concepts in Neuroscience. The computational anatomy of the brain and how it implements perception, learning, memory, decision making and motor control, among other topics, will be discussed.
RECOMMENDATION NSCI 323/3.0, NSCI 324/3.0, ANAT 312/3.0, PSYC 271/3.0.

Requirements: Prerequisite STAT263; STAT 267; STAT 367; COMM 162; ECON 250; PSYC 202; SOCY 211; BIOL 243; CHEE 209; GPHY 247; KNPE 251; POLS 385; NURS 323 and Level 4 in a LISC Maj or Spec Plan and a GPA of 2.5  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 403  Introduction to Neuroimaging  Units: 3.00  

This course covers the theory and practice of modern neuroimaging methods. Topics include data acquisition, research study design, and analysis methods. Functional MRI is presented in the most depth, but computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), are also covered.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P)

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 and (registration in a LISC Major or Specialization Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5) and one of (NSCI323 or NSCI324 or ANAT312 or PSYC271 or PSYC 370).  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 414  Progress in Neuroanatomy and Neuropharmacology  Units: 3.00  

A contemporary and comprehensive assessment of the neurochemical anatomy and neuropharmacology of the mammalian and human nervous systems as they relate to development, function and disease. Topics will include dynamics of neurotransmitter interactions, neuronal drug receptor interactions and second messengers, neurotoxicity associated transmitters and neural growth factors.
NOTE BMCO students should contact the Department regarding prerequisites.

Requirements: Prerequisites A grade of B- in (ANAT312 or NSCI 323 or PHAR 340) and (a GPA of 2.5). Corequisite NSCI 324.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 422  Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

A course providing 1) the essentials in cellular and molecular neuroscience to pursue a graduate program and/or a career in neuroscience or related field, and 2) independent learning and communication skills applicable broadly. The course is divided into three segments: 1) neuronal integration, 2) synaptic plasticity, and 3) neuromodulation.
NOTE BMCO students should contact the Department regarding prerequisites.
LEARNING HOURS 119 (12L;24S;8G;6I;69P)

Requirements: Prerequisite A grade of B in NSCI 323 and (Level 4 and registration in the LISC Major or Specialization Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5)  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 429  Disorders of the Nervous System  Units: 3.00  

A multi-disciplinary course exploring advanced concepts of clinical neuroscience. Topics include stroke, traumatic brain and cord injuries, neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, deep brain stimulation, pain and placebo effects, normal and abnormal aging, stem cells. Students will learn to critically evaluate scientific literature and present these concepts to classmates during student-led seminars. Restricted to fourth-year students. Enrollment is limited.

Requirements: PREREQUISITE NSCI 322/3.0 or NSCI 323/3.0 or NSCI 324/3.0 or ANAT 312/3.0 and Level 4 and (registration in a LISC Major or Specialization Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5)  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 433  Cellular Elements of the Nervous System: Responses to Injury and Disease  Units: 3.00  

Cellular dysfunction is a critical feature of neural injury and disease among humans. This course will examine the cellular elements of the mammalian central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis placed on understanding normal and abnormal cellular function in both humans and animal models.
NOTE Restricted to students registered in the 4th year.
LEARNING HOURS 114 (36L;36Lb;42P)

Requirements: Prerequisite (NSCI323 or NSIC324) and (ANAT309 or ANAT312) and (a GPA of 2.5) and registration in a LISC Major or Specialization Plan.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 444  Controversies in Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

As insight regarding the human brain expands, so do related issues such as what constitutes personhood, what drives the criminal mind, intelligence-enhancing drugs and end-of-life issues. Lead by experts who deal daily with such concerns, we will focus weekly on a particular topic in neuroscience which impacts on society.
LEARNING HOURS 108 (12L;24S;72P)

Requirements: PREREQUISITE NSCI 322/3.0 or NSCI 323/3.0 or NSCI 324/3.0 or ANAT 312/3.0 and Level 4 and (registration in a LISC Major or Specialization Plan) and (a GPA of 2.5)  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 483  Neurobiology of Learning and Memory  Units: 3.00  

An exploration of brain systems underlying how the we learn and remember, and how they become disordered. Online multimedia modules and study of cutting edge research articles reveal how modern techniques and ideas are driving neuroscience forward. Requires interviewing a person with a disorder in order to learn to advocate for them in society.

Requirements: Minimum 4th year (Level 4) standing and one of [(PHGY 215/3.0 and PHGY 216/3.0); PSYC 271/3.0; PHGY 214/6.0; PHGY 210/6.0]. For LISC and BCHM Honours students Level 4 and registration in a LISC or BCHM Major or Specialization Plan and a GPA of 2.5  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 491  Directed Special Laboratory  Units: 3.00  

Laboratory course in a selected area of Neuroscience to be arranged in consultation with individual members of the Centre for Neuroscience Studies. Course involves experimental design, data collection and analysis (approximately 6 hours of laboratory work per week required) as well as a brief communication of the laboratory work.
NOTE Students are limited to one NSCI 491/3.0 research project in Year 4.
NOTE    Students whose research project requires the care and/or handling of animals must also complete the Introductory Animal Care Course and if required the appropriate Animal Use workshops through the Office of the University Veterinarian.

Requirements: BSCH SSP LISC NSCI  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 499  Research Project in Neuroscience  Units: 12.00  

An investigation into a selected area of neuroscience. The research project involves experimental design, data collection, and analysis, written report and oral presentation. Students will be required to attend seminars and tutorials on topics related to research. Limited enrolment.
NOTE Acceptance by a supervisor required prior to registration.
NOTE Students whose research requires the care and/or handling of animals must also complete the Introductory Animal Care Course and if required the appropriate Animal Use workshops through the Office of the University Veterinarian.
LEARNING HOURS 480 (288Lb;24G;24I;144P).

Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 and registration in a LISC Specialization and a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher. Exclusion ANAT 499; CANC 499; EPID 499; LISC 499; MICR 455; MICR 499; PATH 499; PHAR 499; PHGY 499; REPD 499.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences  
NSCI 800  Neuroscience Current Concepts  Units: 3.00  

An advanced course that will focus on current research topics in selected areas of Neuroscience. Topics will include research in all fields of specialization within the Neuroscience graduate program (Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Cognitive/Behavioural Neuroscience, Neurological and; Psychiatric Disorders) to introduce students to the breadth of research in Neuroscience.  This course is required for all M.Sc. students in the Neuroscience graduate program.Three hour seminar/week: fall. TBA

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 801  Quantitative Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

This is a tutorial-based introduction to quantitative methods for neuroscience research. The goal is to provide Matlab/Python-based hands-on skills in signal processing, basic and advanced statistics, data neuroscience (machine learning) and model fitting methods. This includes an introduction to scientific programming as well as causality-supporting methods and open science framework approaches.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 803  Magnetic Resonance Imaging  Units: 3.00  

This course is designed for graduate students who want to learn the theory and practice of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for anatomical imaging, imaging of dynamic physiological processes, and MRI to detect neuronal function (functional MRI, fMRI). The course will allow the student to gain an understanding of the principles that underlie the applications of MRI and fMRI as a research tool.Three hour lecture/week; fall. P. Stroman

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 813  Advances in Neuropharmacology  Units: 3.00  

Recent advances in understanding neurotransmission and pharmacology in the central nervous system will be discussed. The current literature describing progress in understanding molecular, cellular and behavioural aspects of brain function, and the impact of drugs and disease, will be examined. Winter; seminars. Given in years ending with an uneven number.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of Graduate Program
EXCLUSION: PHAR-810*, BMED-813*

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 815  Special Directed Topics  Units: 3.00  

Designed for students with special interests that are not covered by existing courses offered in the Centre for Neuroscience Studies. Normally, this will take the form of a closely supervised reading course in the area of a graduate instructor's expertise, but may also include supervised laboratory work and/or specialized clinical experience. A plan of study must be approved by course coordinator.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 822  Cell. & Molecular Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

An in-depth study of the biophysical properties of neurons and diseases that affect the function of neurons and glia. (same as ANAT 822  and PHGY 822) Topics will include cable properties of dendrites, voltage- and ligand-dependent channels, and molecular mechanisms responsible for neuronal death and regeneration. The course will be based on lectures and student seminars of selected readings. Given concurrently with LISC-422*, with additional assignments for graduate students.One hour lecture/week, 2 hour seminar/week: winter. K. Rose. (Offered in years ending in an even number)

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 825  Medical Neuroscience  Units: 6.00  

A multidisciplinary graduate level course exposing students to the clinical aspects of neuroscience . Didactic lectures cover detailed organization of the nervous system with clinical implications. Laboratories review basic neuroanatomy and pathology. Clinical demonstrations expose students to several neurological disorders. Lectures, laboratories, and clinical cases.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 826  Cognitive Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

A course for graduate students to explore advanced concepts of cognitive processes in the central nervous system. This is a multi-disciplinary lecture/seminar course with active student participation expected. The course will consist of weekly sessions focusing on specific concepts such as perception, motor processing, reward systems, working memory, executive functions and decision making. Offered jointly with NSCI-426.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of Instructor
EXCLUSION: ANAT-826*, PHGY-826*

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 829  Clinical Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

A multi-disciplinary course exploring advanced concepts of clinical neuroscience . Topics can include stroke, traumatic brain and cord injuries, neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, deep brain stimulation, pain and placebo effects, normal and abnormal aging, stem cells. Students will learn to critically evaluate scientific literature and present these concepts to classmates during student-led seminars. Enrolment is limited.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 830  Biological, Clinical, and Social Aspects of Dementia  Units: 3.00  

Alzheimer¿s disease and related dementias will have an increasing importance in the field of neuroscience given the aging of the Canadian population. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the major topic areas in dementia research and provide a foundation for understanding the complexity of dementia research across disciplines and research methodologies.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 844  Controversies in Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

As insight regarding the human brain expands, so do related issues such as what constitutes personhood, what drives the criminal mind, intelligence-enhancing drugs and end-of-life issues. Lead by experts who deal daily with such concerns, we will focus weekly on a particular topic in neuroscience which impacts on society.
PREREQUISITE: At minimum, an introductory course in the Neurosciences or permission of the Instructor.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 850  Computational Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

This course will provide an overview and hands on experience of the most important computational approaches in Neuroscience. The main topics covered include single cell and neural network modelling, Bayesian approaches, State Space modelling and Optimal Control Theory. More specific modelling approaches will also be discussed as well as some widely used computational data analysis methods.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 855  Modelling in Neuroscience  Units: 3.00  

This course is based on the annual Summer School in Computational Sensory-Motor-Neuroscience (CoSMo), which is a 2-week (12 days) intensive course. Through lectures, tutorials and a problem-based project, students will gain advanced knowledge and experience in the application of computational methodologies to modelling in neuroscience.

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 868  Clinical neuroscience methods  Units: 1.00  

The objective of this course is to familiarize graduate students with the principles and practice of cutting edge technologies used in clinical neuroscience methods involved in biomedical research. (Weight= 1.0 credit unit) EXCLUSION: BMED-868

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 899  Master's Thesis Research  Units: 6.00  

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies  
NSCI 999  Ph.D Thesis Research  Units: 6.00  

Offering Faculty: School of Graduate Studies