Resources related to Dr. Stefanik’s courses
Here you can find course-specific information as well as overarching course policies.
NEUR100: Intro to Neuroscience
This course provides an introduction to the brain at a cellular, systems, and behavioral level. A wide range of topics will be considered, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and cellular and basic organization of the brain into neural systems. You will also learn how the intersection of multiple disciplines (ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry to computer science and psychology) come to further our understanding of how the nervous system works, both in health and disease.
NEUR200: Behavioral Neuroscience
This course provides an examination of the manner in which genetic, environmental, biochemical, and physiological factors contribute to the neurobiological basis of behavior. Special attention is given to the nervous system’s contributions to fear, emotion, reproductive behavior, learning, memory, communication, stress, ingestion, and neurological disorders. This course will also emphasis critical skills in the neuroscience discipline, with a focus on reading, understanding, and critiquing the primary literature.
NEUR280: Drugs & Behavior
This course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding the impact of drugs and drug use on brain, the individual, and ultimately, society. A wide range of psychoactive drug classes will be considered, including stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, alcohol, opiates, and psychotherapeutic drugs. It will draw both from the textbook, popular press, and contemporary scientific literature to provide a study into how these drugs affect behavior. Particular emphasis will be on the neurophysiology of drug action, drug dependence and delineations between drug use and abuse, and the social and legal implications of drug use.
NEUR310: Advanced Molecular Neuroscience
This course will focus on the molecular and cellular approaches to study central nervous system function. We will examine topics in the field, in-depth, at the level of molecules, cells, and synapses, focusing on how the brain transfers, integrates, and stores different types of information. Topics covered will include in-depth membrane biophysics, neural transmission, and synaptic function.
NEUR311: Molecular Neuroethics
Now that we can grow brains in a dish, should we? If you could instantly become smarter by taking a pill, would you? What is the justification for the use of animals in research? The field of neuroethics studies the moral issues arising in connection with advances in the field of neuroscience. Examination of the ethical boundaries when utilizing novel and experimental molecular techniques in both vertebrates and humans will complement NEUR310 course material. Accompanying the NEUR310 lab, students will be educated and trained in the ethics of molecular neuroscience research.
Course Policies and Other Helpful Resources
Here you can find Dr. Stefanik’s general course policies as well as a wealth of resources designed to make your life easier.
The Hidden Curriculum Project Idea Submission
A.K.A. The “I was never taught how to do this but wish I was” Project.
Ever wonder why some of your peers seem to “get” things so quickly?
The goal of this project is to create a series of videos/posters/resources for students to help with the simple things that often we assume everyone knows or sometimes might be embarrassed to ask about.
The hope is to create resource that might be helpful to those who right be afraid to ask questions that appear obvious to some, but not all.
Now taking submissions for topic ideas! Submit an idea below.
(All submissions are anonymous.)
