Neuroscience Education

Education and training in neuroscience is intensifying at Wright State University, just as it is in the international scientific community. Undergraduate and graduate level courses, degree programs and concentrations are offered through the Wright State University College of Science and Mathematics and Boonshoft School of Medicine.

Neuroscience Courses

• Neuroscience Today (NCP 3330): This course teaches current concepts of brain function from an eclectic interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis is on problem-solving through experimental and theoretical analyses. Additional insight will be provided by examples from clinical neuroscience (viz., neurology; neurosurgery; psychiatry). A further goal is to demonstrate how physics, biology, mathematics, psychology, chemistry and electrical engineering contribute to defining and elucidating the subject. The presentations will also show how basic science and clinical research shape current understanding. Another course goal is to show the student what we do NOT know about brain function. Search the online catalog for more information. Learning aids: Text: Introductory Neurophysiology (Goldfinger); in-class handouts; student research projects (term paper on a neuroscience topic; report on the work of a WSU neuroscientist). Exams: 3 sectional, 1 cumulative final; all: essay type. View a sample syllabus (PDF).
• Introductory Neurophysiology (P&B 4420/6420; BMS 8650): Introductory Neurophysiology is an upper-level STEM course for advanced undergraduate and early-stage graduate students, given each fall quarter. This four-credit-hour course meets four times per week and addresses the biophysical basis of information generation and processing by neuronal tissues. Beginning at the single-cell/thermodynamic level, the physical basis for baseline and excitation activity in neurons and its intra- and inter-cellular divergence is developed. Students examine classical and contemporary theoretical concepts and experimental findings; a textbook (Introductory Neurophysiology, Goldfinger) and its accompanying lab book provide parallel supportive readings and additional instruction. Motor system studies are used to illustrate bottom-up organization by neuronal circuitry generating motor behavior. Using simulation PC-based software (written by the instructor), students perform a series of seven cell-level electrophysiological experiments, addressing aspects of excitation in open-loop (microelectrode recording) and closed-loop (voltage-clamp) modes. Student learning is further facilitated by lab reports, daily written assignments, written sectional and cumulative final exams, and topical research papers. Search the online catalog for more information.
• Human Neurobiology (ANT 7310; BMS 9030): Human Neurobiology is designed to expose students to fundamental principles of nervous system structure and function.  The course stresses the integrative action of neuroanatomical circuitry and physiological processes from investigative research and clinical perspectives.  After completing this course students will be able to apply knowledge of basic principles to the understanding of neuroscience research problems and common neurologic disorders. Search the online catalog for more information.
• Medical Neuroscience Course, Medical School Year II (SMD 560): Medical Neuroscience provides second-year Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine students with an introduction to the basic and clinical neurosciences.  The course is interdisciplinary, with contributions in content and teaching by appropriate basic and clinical departments.  The course is five weeks long and emphasizes basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neuropathology and neurology.  It uses innovative teaching approaches, including clinical case reviews, online tutorials and team-based learning modules, to create an active learning environment that has been ranked among the most effective Biennium 1 courses by student evaluations. View the course description.

Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration: In the Department of Psychology at Wright State University, undergraduates have the option of receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. This concentration prepares students for graduate studies in Behavioral Neuroscience and can be easily modified to incorporate premedical requirements as well.
• Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience: The Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology offers a program of graduate study leading to the Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience. The program provides students with a broad knowledge of physiology and neuroscience as well as concentrated experience in one specific area of specialization.
• Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Ph.D., Neuroscience Concentration: The Neuroscience and Physiology area of concentration in the BMS Ph.D. program involves investigating the function of the cell, the organ and the whole animal, using molecular, cellular, physiological and behavioral approaches. The concentration covers a broad range of interests from genetic level study to behavioral and theoretical research.