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Course Criteria
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3.00 Credits
A multidisciplinary investigation of behavior and the nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on human processes of perception, cognition, learning, memory, and language. This course serves as the introductory course in the cognitive and neuroscience studies program. Prerequisite: Psychology 100 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
An inquiry into the mechanisms by which the nervous system supports higher mental functions, drawing on a variety of disciplines including cognitive psychology, neurobiology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. Discussion topics include perception, attention, learning, memory, language, executive function, emotion, development, social cognition, and consciousness. The laboratory will introduce empirical research techniques commonly employed in cognitive neuroscience research, with emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of the neocortex, and will provide an opportunity to develop a variety of student participatory research projects. Prerequisites: Psychology 100 (Introduction to Psychology) and Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 (Brain, Mind, and Behavior) or Biology 112 (Enchanted Cortex) or Biology 367 (Human Physiology). Fall semester. (5 credits)
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3.50 Credits
An examination of the processes of sensation and perception. While the course features a strong emphasis on neurophysiology of sensation, classical approaches to the study of perception will also figure prominently. Particular emphasis will be placed on vision and somatosensation, including pain processes. Lecture and weekly 3.5 hour investigatory laboratory. Prerequisites: Psychology 100 or Psychology 180/Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 and permission of the instructor. Not offered 2008-2009. (5 credits)
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3.00 Credits
An examination of the role of the nervous system in the control of behavior. While the course features a systems approach to the investigation of sensory and perceptual mechanisms, molecular and cellular components of the nervous system will also be discussed in the context of course topics. Particular emphasis is given to the nature of learning and memory processes, motivation, emotion, homeostasis, cognition, and human neuropsychology. The laboratory will be used for a variety of instructor-demonstrative and student participatory research and laboratory activities in behavioral neuroscience. Prerequisites: Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 or Biology 163 or 205 or 367. Spring semester. (5 credits)
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3.00 Credits
Students are involved and guided in conducting research within specific content areas approved by the supervising faculty. Research may be conducted individually or in small groups depending on the content area. Research groups meet regularly for presentation of background material, discussions of common readings, and reports on project status. Directed research is typically taken in the junior year and is open only to declared majors. Students will be assigned to sections by the supervising faculty. Prerequisites: Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180 and permission of instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
Materialism, rather than solving the problem of mind, consciousness and intentionality, has spawned numerous philosophical perplexities. This course will examine a variety of philosophical problems associated with contemporary models of the mind (mind/body dualism; mind/brain identity theories; behaviorism; functionalism and artificial intelligence; eliminative naturalism and folk psychology; biological naturalism). The course will also look at contemporary philosophical accounts of personhood and personal identity, particularly narrative accounts of the self. Readings will typically include Paul and Patricia Churchland, Antonio Damasio, Daniel Dennett, Owen Flanagan, Derek Parfit, Marya Schechtman, John Searle and Kathleen Wilkes. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Alternate years; next offered Fall 2008. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of artificial intelligence. Topics will include specific AI techniques, a range of application areas, and connections between AI and other areas of study (i.e., philosophy, psychology). Techniques may include heuristic search, automated reasoning, machine learning, deliberative planning and behavior-based agent control. Application areas include robotics, games, knowledge representation, logic, perception, and natural language processing. Prerequisites: one of Computer Science 120, 121, or 123, and Cognitive and Neuroscience Studies 180; or consent of instructor. Alternate fall semesters; next offered Fall 2008. (4 credits)
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2.00 Credits
This two-semester seminar provides an integrative view of neuroscience through study and discussion of current works arising from major sub-areas of the field. The seminar will generally follow a three-week cycle throughout the year. In the first week, students will read and discuss papers by an outside researcher from a discipline related to the program. In the second week, students will attend a talk given by that researcher. In the third week, students will critically discuss the research presented and consider how that work relates to work in other areas of neuroscience as well as their particular area of emphasis. Students will be expected to present to the group the research they themselves did in the research experience component of the major. Open to seniors; students must register for the course in both the fall and spring semesters. (2 credits each semester)
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3.00 Credits
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Every semester. (4 credits)
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3.00 Credits
This course provides an opportunity to pursue independent research or study on a topic in the field of neuroscience. This may be done with a faculty member at Macalester or at another college or university under direct supervision. Students must have the appropriate academic and coursework background before an independent study will be approved. Prerequisite: sponsorship by a cognitive and neuroscience studies program faculty member. Every semester. (4 credits)
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