The field of neuroscience examines bidirectional relationships between the nervous system and behavior and includes perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. As an inherently interdisciplinary field, neuroscience applies various methodologies to study the molecular, cellular, developmental, structural, functional, computational, and pathophysiological aspects of the nervous system, while bearing in mind that nervous systems are embodied and are situated in complex, dynamic environments.

The neuroscience curriculum at Bates is structured so that students can appreciate how multiple levels of analysis and multiple scholarly frameworks are needed to understand the complexities of human and non-human animal behavior. At the cellular and molecular level, students engage with invertebrate animal models and cell cultures to learn how individual neurons process and produce electrochemical signals to support inter-cellular communication. Using rodent models at a bodily systems level, students learn how neurons interact to form circuits through which animals take in sensory information and produce motoric and other output that is adaptive for the animal in its environment. At the cognitive level, students study human perception, thought, and emotion by looking at the structure and function of human brains in neurotypical and atypical states. Here, students consider the consequences of neuroanatomical and neurochemical changes for human behavior as well as the effects that environmental variables may have on brain structure and function. At the computational level, students synthesize top-down and bottom-up strategies in an effort to explain how the brain works, using multidisciplinary techniques to develop, simulate, and analyze multi-scale models of neural function. At a cultural level, students consider how parameters of the human brain are shaped by social norms and institutions and how the brain, in turn, influences the formation, acquisition, and preservation of culture.

The neuroscience program fosters an active, learning-by-doing approach, as students conduct meaningful and innovative research at several points in their academic career, beginning in laboratory sections as supplementation to classroom learning and culminating with rigorous, independent research during the senior capstone experience. Importantly, however, another key goal of the neuroscience curriculum at Bates is to deepen capacity for a critical examination of the historical, political, and ethical contexts in which neuroscience operates such that students probe what it means to be a responsible consumer and producer of neuroscientific knowledge. By interrogating how neuroscience is done, for whom, by whom, for what purpose, and with what consequences, students come to reflect upon their own habits of mind, value systems, and politics of participation.

While progressing through the neuroscience curriculum at Bates, students can expect to achieve the following learning goals:

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Neuroscience | Bates College

Drs. Kaustuv Saha, Habibeh Khoshbouei & colleagues publish in May 3, 2018 Journal of Neuropharmacology

Colon-Perez LM, Pino JA, Saha K, Pompilus M, Kaplitz S, Choudhury N, Jagnarine DA, Geste JR, Levin BA, Wilks I, Setlow B, Bruijnzeel AW, Khoshbouei H, Torres GE, Febo M: []

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Department of Neuroscience College of Medicine ...

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field of study that employs the tools and perspectives of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science and philosophy to achieve a better understanding of brain function, behavior, and the higher order cognitive processes that we collectively refer to as mind. Whereas psychology has been traditionally defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, the multidisciplinary approach of neuroscience is a comprehensive examination of the nervous system that extends from the molecular, through the cellular, to the behavioral level.

Research questions commonly studied in the field of neuroscience seek to understand the biological mechanisms for such complex phenomena as sensation and perception, learning and memory, cognition, emotion, and consciousness. In addition, neuroscientists seek to understand the organic nature of brain abnormalities that produce cognitive and affective pathologies seen in mental disorders such as schizophrenia, mania and depression, and degenerative diseases associated with aging. The tools and techniques used by the modern day neuroscientist are truly multidisciplinary in scope, involving procedures, assays and measurements taken from the fields of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, physiology, pharmacology, chemistry and biochemistry, physics, mathematics and computer modeling, behavioral and developmental psychology. The Neuroscience major at Rhodes makes it all the more apparent to students that the conventional boundaries that have often separated seemingly incompatible disciplines from one another evaporate when we are presented with new intellectual challenges.

The Neuroscience major is designed to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the methodological challenges and conceptual issues that lie at the heart of efforts to understand the function of the nervous system and its role in behavior. This program will provide students with an opportunity to explore brain function using multiple approaches from interdisciplinary perspectives and thus will prepare them to pursue postgraduate work in a variety of fields where knowledge of the brain and behavior are required. The major will also provide excellent training for future physicians, teachers, health care workers, and biotechnicians. Majors might also enter the legal profession and biotechnology-related businesses.

Students will enhance their understanding of neuroscience through course work and research experience. Course work will provide students with a thorough understanding of the biological bases of behavior, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropharmacology. Learning may be enhanced by developing research skills in a variety of settings ranging from course laboratory experiences to independent research projects, offered at Rhodes or at off-campus locations such as St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.

When declaring a major in Neuroscience, students must submit an essay inwhich they articulate their educational goals. The essay should be fourparagraphs, with one paragraph dedicated to each of the questions below(question 3 has two parts).

1.In your opinion, what are the defining characteristics of the disciplineof Neuroscience?2. How do the requirements for the Neuroscience major complement yourprogram of liberal arts study and support your career or life goals?3. As a Neuroscience major, how will you (a) build on your strengths and (b)address your weaknesses?

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Neuroscience | Rhodes College