NSCI 160a / PSYC 160a, The Human Brain  Robb Rutledge

Introduction to the neural bases of human psychological function, including social, cognitive, and affective processing. Preparation for more advanced courses in cognitive and social neuroscience. Topics include memory, reward processing, neuroeconomics, individual differences, emotion, social inferences, and clinical disorders. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology are also introduced.  SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* NSCI 240a / PSYC 230a, Research Methods in Human Neuroscience  Gregory McCarthy

Primary focus on structural, functional, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, with a secondary emphasis upon brain stimulation, electroencephalography, and evoked potentials. Students learn the fundamentals of each method and the experimental designs for which they are most applicable.  Prerequisites: PSYC 160/NSCI 160 and a course in statistics, or permission of instructor.  SC
MW 1pm-2:15pm

* NSCI 260a / PSYC 260a, Research Methods in Psychopathology: Psychotic Disorders  Tyrone Cannon

Methods of research in psychopathology. Focus on longitudinal designs, high-risk sampling approaches, prediction of outcomes, and modeling change over time. Students design and perform analyses of clinical, cognitive, genetic, neuroimaging and other kinds of measures as predictors of psychosis and related outcomes, using existing datasets supplied by the instructor.  SO
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

* NSCI 280a / S&DS 280a, Neural Data Analysis  Ethan Meyers

We discuss data analysis methods that are used in the neuroscience community. Methods include classical descriptive and inferential statistics, point process models, mutual information measures, machine learning (neural decoding) analyses, dimensionality reduction methods, and representational similarity analyses. Each week we read a research paper that uses one of these methods, and we replicate these analyses using the R or Python programming language. Emphasis is on analyzing neural spiking data, although we also discuss other imaging modalities such as magneto/electro-encephalography (EEG/MEG), two-photon imaging, and possibility functional magnetic resonance imaging data (fMRI). Data we analyze includes smaller datasets, such as single neuron recordings from songbird vocal motor system, as well as larger data sets, such as the Allen Brain observatory’s simultaneous recordings from the mouse visual system.  Prerequisite: S&DS 230. Background in neuroscience is recommended but not required (e.g., it would be useful to have taken at the level of NSCI 160).
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm

NSCI 320a / MCDB 320a, Neurobiology  Haig Keshishian and Paul Forscher

The excitability of the nerve cell membrane as a starting point for the study of molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behavior. At least 1 semester of college chemistry is strongly recommended.  SC  0 Course cr
MWF 11:35am-12:25pm

NSCI 321La / MCDB 321La, Laboratory for Neurobiology  Haig Keshishian

Introduction to the neurosciences. Projects include the study of neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology, and neuroanatomy. Concurrently with or after MCDB 320.  SC  ½ Course cr
HTBA

NSCI 324a / BENG 230a / MB&B 330a / MCDB 330a, Modeling Biological Systems I  Thierry Emonet

Biological systems make sophisticated decisions at many levels. This course explores the molecular and computational underpinnings of how these decisions are made, with a focus on modeling static and dynamic processes in example biological systems. This course is aimed at biology students and teaches the analytic and computational methods needed to model genetic networks and protein signaling pathways. Students present and discuss original papers in class. They learn to model using MatLab in a series of in-class hackathons that illustrate the biological examples discussed in the lectures. Biological systems and processes that are modeled include: (i) gene expression, including the kinetics of RNA and protein synthesis and degradation; (ii) activators and repressors; (iii) the lysogeny/lysis switch of lambda phage; (iv) network motifs and how they shape response dynamics; (v) cell signaling, MAP kinase networks and cell fate decisions; and (vi) noise in gene expression. Prerequisites: MATH 115 or 116. BIOL 101-104,  or with permission of instructors. This course also benefits students who have taken more advanced biology courses (e.g. MCDB 200, MCDB 310, MB&B 300/301).  QR, SC  0 Course cr
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm

NSCI 325b / BENG 465b / MB&B 361b / MCDB 361b, Modeling Biological Systems II  Joe Howard

Advanced topics related to dynamical processes in biological systems. Processes by which cells compute, count, tell time, oscillate, and generate spatial patterns. Time-dependent dynamics in regulatory, signal-transduction, and neuronal networks; fluctuations, growth, and form. Comparisons between models and experimental data. Dynamical models applied to neurons, neural systems, and cellular biophysical processes. Use of MATLAB to create models. Prerequisite: MCDB 330 or equivalent, or a 200-level biology course, or with permission of instructor.  QR
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm

NSCI 329a / MCDB 329a, Sensory Neuroscience Through Illusions  Damon Clark and Michael O'Donnell

Animals use sensory systems to obtain and process information about the environment around them. Sensory illusions occur when our sensory systems provide us with surprising or unexpected percepts of the world. The goal of this course is to introduce students to sensory neuroscience at the levels of sensor physiology and of the neural circuits that process information from sensors. The course is centered around sensory illusions, which are special cases of sensory processing that can be especially illustrative, as well as delightful. These special cases are used to learn about the general principles that organize sensation across modalities and species. Prerequisites: BIOL 101-104; NSCI 160 or NSCI 320 or permission of instructor.  SC
MW 1pm-2:15pm

NSCI 340b / PSYC 335b, Cognitive Neuroscience  Steve Chang

This course covers how cognition is made by the brain. Students learn brain mechanisms underlying human cognition, including making decisions, paying attention, regulating emotion, remembering events, as well as understanding others. The course discusses both established and newly emerging findings based on several landmark experiments in both humans and animals. During this process, students are also introduced to cutting-edge techniques in cognitive neuroscience for studying human cognition. Prerequisite: PSYC 160 or specific chapter readings from the instructor.  SC
HTBA

NSCI 355a / PSYC 303a, Social Neuroscience  Stephanie Lazzaro

Exploration of the psychological and neural mechanisms that enable the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of social relationships. Topics include the neuroscience of how we form impressions and decide whether to instigate relationships with others; how we build relationships through trust, cooperation, attachment, conflict, and reconciliation; and group-level processes including intergroup bias, moral judgment, and decision making. Prerequisite: PSYC 110 or permission of instructor.  SC
TTh 2:30pm-3:45pm

NSCI 361a / CGSC 274a / PSYC 261a, Algorithms of the Mind  Ilker Yildirim

This course introduces computational theories of psychological processes, with a pedagogical focus on perception and high-level cognition. Each week students learn about new computational methods grounded in neurocognitive phenomena. Lectures introduce these topics conceptually; lab sections provide hands-on instruction with programming assignments and review of mathematical concepts. Lectures cover a range of computational methods sampling across the fields of computational statistics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, including probabilistic programming, neural networks, and differentiable programming. Students must have a programming background, ideally in a high-level programming language such as Python, Julia or Matlab. Students must also have college-level calculus. The course will substantially use Julia and Python.  QR, SC, SO  0 Course cr
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* NSCI 443b / PSYC 443b, Topics in the Neuroscience of Memory  Stephanie Lazzaro

A seminar style overview and examination of the neuroscience of memory. In this seminar, we discuss some significant historical findings in the study of memory, as well as focus on more recent, current research. How memory works and how memories can be altered and improved are discussed. Topics may include sleep and memory consolidation, re-consolidation, false memories, superior autobiographical memory, as well as the the effects of rewards, novelty, exercise, and social cues on various types of memory. Goals for this course include acquiring an in-depth and integrative understanding of the current research and directions surrounding the neuroscience of memory, and thinking critically about the methodology and evidence in the research papers that are read and discussed. We discuss strengths and limitations of the research and theories, as well as real-world applications. Prerequisites: PSYC 110, PSYC 160, or PSYC 130
F 9:25am-11:15am

* NSCI 449a / PSYC 449a, Neuroscience of Social Interaction  Steve Chang

This seminar covers influential studies that inform how the brain enables complex social interactions from the perspectives of neural mechanisms. Students thoroughly read selected original research papers in the field of social neuroscience across several animal species and multiple modern neuroscience methodologies. In class, the instructor and students work together to discuss these studies in depth. Focused topics include neural mechanisms behind brain-to-brain coupling, empathy, prosocial decision-making, oxytocin effects, and social dysfunction.  Prerequisite: PSYC 160 or permission from the instructor.  SC
W 9:25am-11:15am

* NSCI 455b / PSYC 432b, Under Pressure: The Psychology of Stress  Dylan Gee

While stress serves an adaptive function that is critical for survival, chronic or extreme stress can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. Understanding the broad range of factors that can exacerbate or reduce stress, how we respond to stress, and the ways that experiences and effects of stress can differ across people and across stages of development can provide foundational insights for dealing with stress in our lives. This seminar integrates psychological, neurobiological, social, developmental, and clinical perspectives on stress. In addition to developing a foundation in the theoretical and empirical literature on stress, students will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning related to coping skills drawn from evidence-based interventions in psychology. Priority given to seniors. Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but one of the following is strongly recommended: PSYC 110, PSYC 160, PSYC 230, PSYC 335, PSYC 352, or PSYC 376.  SO
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

* NSCI 470a and NSCI 471b, Independent Research  Damon Clark and Steve Chang

Research project under faculty supervision taken Pass/Fail; does not count toward the major, but does count toward graduation requirements. Students are expected to spend approximately ten hours per week in the laboratory. A final research report and/or presentation is required by end of term. Students who take this course more than once must reapply each term. To register, students must submit a form and written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the faculty research adviser and DUS, by the end of the first week of class. More detailed guidelines and forms can be obtained from http://neuroscience.yale.edu.
HTBA

* NSCI 479b / PSYC 479b, Computational Basis of Seeing and Thinking  Ilker Yildirim

The goal of this seminar is to discuss the computational basis of seeing and thinking in the mind and brain. We are especially concerned with this question of how perception gets us to cognition: How is it that perception transforms raw, unprocessed, unorganized, incoming sensory signals arising from our physical environments—for example, the light that bounces off surfaces and arrives at your retina, raw audio waves hitting your ears, or the vibro-tactile sensations you feel at your fingertips when you touch a surface—into things like objects and people, into things that we can think about? We somewhat prioritize the field of scene perception, where many fundamental questions about the nature of seeing and aspects of cognition arise prominently, and much of those questions remain open to this date. We draw upon readings and classroom discussions to find out where the literature stands, including behavioral, neural, and computational studies, all in the context of searching for a mechanistic, functional account of how the brain produces percepts and thoughts about objects, scenes, and people.  SO
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

* NSCI 480a and NSCI 481b, Senior Non-empirical Research  Damon Clark and Steve Chang

Research survey under faculty supervision fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree and awards a letter grade. For NSCI seniors only (and second term juniors with DUS permission). Students are expected to conduct a literature review, to complete written assignments, and to present their research once in either the fall or spring term. Students are encouraged to pursue the same research project for two terms. The final research paper is due in the hands of the sponsoring faculty member, with a copy submitted to the department, by the stated deadline near the end of the term. To register, students submit a form and written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the faculty research adviser and DUS, by the end of the first week of classes. More detailed guidelines and forms can be obtained from http://neuroscience.yale.edu. 
HTBA

* NSCI 490a and NSCI 491b, Senior Empirical Research  Damon Clark and Steve Chang

Laboratory or independent empirical research project under faculty supervision to fulfill the senior requirement for the B.S. degree. For NSCI seniors only (and second term juniors with DUS permission); this course awards a letter grade. Students are expected to spend at least ten hours per week in the laboratory, to complete written assignments, and to present their research once in either the fall or the spring term. Written assignments include a short research proposal summary due at the beginning of the term and a full research report due at the end of the term. Students are encouraged to pursue the same research project for two terms, in which case, the first term research report and the second term proposal summary may be combined into a full research proposal due at the end of the first term. Final papers are due by the stated deadline. Students should reserve a research laboratory during the term preceding the research. To register, students must submit a form and written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the faculty research adviser and DUS, by the end of the first week of classes. More detailed guidelines and forms can be obtained from http://neuroscience.yale.edu. 
HTBA