Program Requirement:
The Neuroscience Major is a focused program for students interested in how the nervous system functions. It is highly interdisciplinary and borrows principles and methodologies from a number of fields including: biology, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, mathematics, physics, computer science, and immunology. To ensure that they have the appropriate foundation, students are required to take 29 credits in lower-level courses from physiology, biology, mathematics, computer science, psychology, and ethics. The program offers students a concentrated selection of 15 credits to be taken from one of three areas of current scientific activities in the neurosciences: Cell/Molecular, Neurophysiology/Computation, or Cognition/Behaviour. In addition, students select 21 credits from a wide array of complementary courses to obtain more specialized training in areas of neuroscience that best suit their interests.
Enrolment in the Neuroscience Major is limited to a total of 50 students per year. U0 students seeking admission to this program should consult the neuroscience website for admissions requirements and should have completed the courses listed below or their equivalents.
Program Prerequisites
Students may complete this program with a minimum of 65 or a maximum of 67 credits.
Notes on admission to the Neuroscience Major program: Enrolment in the Neuroscience Major is limited to a total of 50 students per year. U0 students seeking admission to this program should consult the neuroscience website for admissions requirements and should have completed the courses listed below or equivalent.
* Students complete one of MATH 139, MATH 140 OR MATH 150.
** Students complete one of either MATH 141 OR MATH 151.
*** Students complete one of either PHYS 101 OR PHYS 131.
+++ Students complete one of either PHYS 102 OR PHYS 142.
-
BIOL 112
Cell and Molecular Biology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): The cell: ultrastructure, division, chemical constituents and reactions. Bioenergetics: photosynthesis and respiration. Principles of genetics, the molecular basis of inheritance and biotechnology.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 2 hours lecture and 3 hours laboratory
- Labs are held weekly, starting from the second week of term. Attendance at the first lab is mandatory to confirm registration in the course.
- This course serves as an alternative to CEGEP objective code 00XU
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking CEGEP objective 00XU or equivalent;or BIOL 115; or AEBI 122
- Terms
- Instructors
- Joseph Alan Dent, Anne-Marie L'Heureux, Frieder B Schöck
-
CHEM 110
General Chemistry 1
4 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Chemistry: A study of the fundamental principles of atomic structure, radiation and nuclear chemistry, valence theory, coordination chemistry, and the periodic table.
Offered by: Chemistry
- Fall
- Prerequisites/corequisites: College level mathematics and physics or permission of instructor; CHEM 120 is not a prerequisite
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
- Terms
- Instructors
- Pallavi Sirjoosingh, Ashok K Kakkar, Maureen H McKeague, Irina Denisova
-
CHEM 120
General Chemistry 2
4 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Chemistry: A study of the fundamental principles of physical chemistry.
Offered by: Chemistry
- Winter
- Prerequisites/corequisites: College level mathematics and physics, or permission of instructor: CHEM 110 is not a prerequisite
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
- Terms
- Instructors
- Pallavi Sirjoosingh, Samuel Lewis Sewall, Paul W Wiseman, Irina Denisova
-
MATH 139
Calculus 1 with Precalculus
4 Credits*
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Review of trigonometry and other Precalculus topics. Limits, continuity, derivative. Differentiation of elementary functions. Antidifferentiation. Applications.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Fall
- 4 hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial
- Prerequisite: a course in functions
- Restriction: 1) Not open to students who have taken CEGEP objective 00UN or equivalent.2) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 140 or MATH 150. 3) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Students continue in MATH 141
- Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
- Terms
- Instructors
- Hovsep Mazakian, Sidney Trudeau
-
MATH 140
Calculus 1
3 Credits*
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Review of functions and graphs. Limits, continuity, derivative. Differentiation of elementary functions. Antidifferentiation. Applications.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial
- Prerequisite: High School Calculus
- Restriction(s): 1) Not open to students who have taken MATH139 or MATH 150 or CEGEP objective 00UN or equivalent. 2) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122, except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
- Terms
- Instructors
- Sidney Trudeau, Marcin Sabok, Artem Kalmykov
-
MATH 141
Calculus 2
4 Credits**
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): The definite integral. Techniques of integration. Applications. Introduction to sequences and series.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Prerequisites: MATH 139 or MATH 140 or MATH 150.
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken CEGEP objective 00UP or equivalent.
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122,except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
- Terms
- Instructors
- Andrei Zlotchevski, Sidney Trudeau, Hazem A Hassan
- Sidney Trudeau
-
MATH 150
Calculus A
4 Credits*
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Functions, limits and continuity, differentiation, L'Hospital's rule, applications, Taylor polynomials, parametric curves, functions of several variables.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture, 2 hours tutorial
- Students with no prior exposure to vector geometry are advised to take MATH 133 concurrently. Intended for students with high school calculus who have not received six advanced placement credits
- Restriction(s): 1) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 139 or MATH 140 or CEGEP objective 00UN or equivalent. 2) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122,except by permission of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
- MATH 150 and MATH 151 cover the material of MATH 139, MATH 140, MATH 141, MATH 222
-
MATH 151
Calculus B
4 Credits**
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Integration, methods and applications, infinite sequences and series, power series, arc length and curvature, multiple integration.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture; 2 hours tutorial
- Each Tutorial section is enrolment limited
- Prerequisite: MATH 150
- Restriction(s): 1) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 141 or CEGEP objective 00UP or equivalent. 2) Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 122, except by permission of the Department of Mathematic sand Statistics.
-
PHYS 101
Intro Physics - Mechanics
4 Credits***
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physics: An introductory course in physics without calculus, covering mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, and rotational motion), oscillations and waves, sound, light, and wave optics.
Offered by: Physics
- Fall
- 3 hours lectures; 2 hours laboratory; tutorial sessions
- Restriction: Not open to students taking or having taken PHYS 131, CEGEP objective 00UR or equivalent
- Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
-
PHYS 102
Intro Physics-Electromagnetism
4 Credits+++
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physics: Electric field and potential. D.C. circuits and measurements. Capacitance. Magnetic field and induction. Electromagnetic waves and geometrical optics.
Offered by: Physics
- Winter
- 3 hours lectures; 2 hours laboratory; tutorial sessions
- Prerequisite: PHYS 101.
- Corequisite: MATH 139 or higher level calculus course.
- Restriction: Not open to students taking or having taken PHYS 142, CEGEP objective 00UR or equivalent
- Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
-
PHYS 131
Mechanics and Waves
4 Credits***
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physics: The basic laws and principles of Newtonian mechanics; oscillations, waves, and wave optics.
Offered by: Physics
- Fall
- 3 hours lectures; 1 hour tutorial, 3 hours laboratory in alternate weeks; tutorial sessions
- Corequisite: MATH 139 or higher level calculus course.
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking PHYS 101, or who have taken CEGEP objective 00UR or equivalent.
- Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
-
PHYS 142
Electromagnetism & Optics
4 Credits+++
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physics: The basic laws of electricity and magnetism; geometrical optics.
Offered by: Physics
- Winter
- 3 hours lectures, 3 hours laboratory in alternate weeks; tutorial sessions
- Prerequisite: PHYS 131.
- Corequisite: MATH 141 or higher level calculus course.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking PHYS 102, or who have taken CEGEP objective 00US or equivalent.
- Laboratory sections have limited enrolment
Core Required Courses (20 credits)
Note: Students who have successfully completed an equivalent of CHEM 212 in CEGEP or elsewhere must replace these credits with a 3-credit elective course to satisfy the total credit requirement for the Neuroscience Major.
-
BIOL 200
Molecular Biology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): The physical and chemical properties of the cell and its components in relation to their structure and function. Topics include: protein structure, enzymes and enzyme kinetics; nucleic acid replication, transcription and translation; the genetic code, mutation, recombination, and regulation of gene expression.
Offered by: Biology
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 112 or equivalent
- Corequisite: CHEM 212 or equivalent, or CHEM 204
- Terms
- Instructors
- Kenneth E M Hastings, Paul Lasko, Shaun Turney, Rodrigo Reyes Lamothe, Serge Champetier
-
CHEM 212
Intro Organic Chemistry 1
4 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Chemistry: A fundamental study of aliphaticcompounds and saturated functional groups including modern concepts of bonding,reaction mechanisms,conformational analysis, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry.
Offered by: Chemistry
- Fall, Summer
- Prerequisite: CHEM 110 and CHEM 120 or equivalent.
- Restriction: Not open to students registered in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Not open to students who have taken or are taking CHEM 211, CHEM 242, or equivalent.
- Each lab section is limited enrolment
- Note: Some CEGEP programs provide equivalency for this course. For more information, please see the Department of Chemistry's Web page (http://www.chemistry.mcgill.ca/advising/outside/equivalent.htm).
- **Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fourth lecture day.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Danielle K Vlaho, Mitchell J Huot, Laura Pavelka, Youla S Tsantrizos, Pallavi Sirjoosingh, Nathan Luedtke
-
NSCI 200
Intro. to Neuroscience 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: An introduction to how nerve cells generate action potentials, communicate with one another at synapses, develop synaptic connections, early brain development, and the construction of specific neural circuits.
Offered by: Physiology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Edward S Ruthazer, David Stellwagen, Aparna Suvrathan
-
NSCI 201
Intro. to Neuroscience 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: An introduction to how the nervous system acquires and integrates information and uses it to produce behaviour.
Offered by: Psychology
- Winter
- Prerequisite: NSCI 200 or PSYC 211 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PSYC 308.
-
NSCI 300
Neuroethics
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: An introduction to ethical issues arising from basic and clinical neuroscience. Overview of therapeutic, diagnostic, and research interventions in mental and neurological disorders, and their implications on society.
Offered by: Physiology
- Winter
- Prerequisite: NSCI 200 and NSCI 201 or permission of instructor
- Restriction: Open to students in the Major Neuroscience Program
-
NSCI 400D1
Neuroscience Seminar
0.5 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: Analysis of current research in neuroscience.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall/Winter
- Prerequisites: NSCI 200, 201, and 300
- Restriction: Open to students in their final year of a B.Sc. Major Neuroscience Program
- Students will demonstrate their understanding of neuroscience by writing critical analyses of selected published papers and research seminars.
-
NSCI 400D2
Neuroscience Seminar
0.5 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: See NSCI 400D1 for course description.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall/Winter
- Prerequisite: NSCI 400D1
- No credit will be given for this course unless both NSCI 400D1 and NSCI 400D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
-
PSYC 311
Human Cognition and the Brain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: The course is an introduction to the field studying how human cognitive processes, such as perception, attention, language, learning and memory, planning and organization, are related to brain processes. The material covered is primarily based on studies of the effects of different brain lesions on cognition and studies of brain activity in relation to cognitive processes with modern functional neuroimaging methods.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall
- 2 lectures; 1 conference
Complementary Courses (45-47 credits)
3 credits from:
-
BIOL 373
Biometry
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Elementary statistical methods in biology. Introduction to the analysis of biological data with emphasis on the assumptions behind statistical tests and models. Use of statistical techniques typically available on computer packages.
Offered by: Biology
- Fall
- 2 hours lecture and 2 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite: MATH 112 or equivalent
- You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
MATH 324
Statistics
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 323 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 357
- You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Tharshanna Nadarajah
- Masoud Asgharian
-
PSYC 305
Statistics for Exper Design
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: An introduction to the design and analysis of experiments, including analysis of variance, planned and post hoc tests and a comparison of anova to correlational analysis.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: PSYC 204 or equivalent
- This course is required of all students who propose to enter an Honours or Major program in Psychology
- You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Carl F Falk
- Milica Miocevic, Jens Kreitewolf
3 credits from:
-
COMP 202
Foundations of Programming
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Introduction to computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, primitive types, methods, conditionals, loops. Introduction to algorithms, data structures (arrays, strings), modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging, exception handling. Selected topics.
Offered by: Computer Science
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite: a CEGEP level mathematics course
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 204, COMP 208, or GEOG 333; not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 206 or COMP 250.
- COMP 202 is intended as a general introductory course, while COMP 204 is intended for students in life sciences, and COMP 208 is intended for students in physical sciences and engineering.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Faten M'hiri
- Faten M'hiri
-
COMP 204
Comp. Programming for Life Sci
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Computer Science (Sci): Computer programming in a high level language: variables, expressions, types, functions, conditionals, loops, objects and classes. Introduction to algorithms, modular software design, libraries, file input/output, debugging. Emphasis on applications in the life sciences.
Offered by: Computer Science
- Prerequisite(s): CEGEP level mathematics course.
- Co-requisite: BIOL 112
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 202, COMP 208, or GEOG 333; not open to students who have taken or are taking COMP 206 or COMP 250.
- Terms
- Instructors
- David C Becerra
- Kaleem Siddiqi
3 credits from:
Note: Students who have successfully completed an equivalent to MATH 222 at CEGEP or elsewhere, must replace these credits with a 3-credit elective course to satisfy the total credit requirement for the Neuroscience Major.
-
BIOL 309
Mathematical Models in Biology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Gil Bub, Frederic Guichard
-
MATH 222
Calculus 3
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Taylor series, Taylor's theorem in one and several variables. Review of vector geometry. Partial differentiation, directional derivative. Extreme of functions of 2 or 3 variables. Parametric curves and arc length. Polar and spherical coordinates. Multiple integrals.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Terms
- Instructors
- Brent Pym, Damien Tageddine
Streams
15 credits selected from one of the following streams:
A. Cell and Molecular Stream
9 credits as follows:
-
BIOC 311
Metabolic Biochemistry
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biochemistry: The generation of metabolic energy in higher organisms with an emphasis on its regulation at the molecular, cellular and organ level. Chemical concepts and mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis are also emphasized. Included: selected topics in carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism; complex lipids and biological membranes; hormonal signal transduction.
Offered by: Biochemistry
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maxime Denis, Vincent Giguere, Kalle Gehring, Lawrence Kazak
-
BIOL 202
Basic Genetics
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial per week
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200 or BIOL 219
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking LSCI 204 or BIOL 302.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Nam Sung Moon, Laura Nilson, Daniel J Schoen, David Hipfner, Serge Champetier
-
PHGY 311
Channels, Synapses & Hormones
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses on cellular communication in the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week; 1-3 hours optional lab/demonstration/tutorial arranged for a maximum of 3 afternoons per term
- Prerequisite: PHGY 209 or permission of the instructor.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Ellis Cooper, Per Jesper Sjostrom, Arjun Krishnaswamy, Reza Sharif Naeini
3 credits from:
-
BIOC 212
Molec Mechanisms of Cell Funct
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biochemistry: An introductory course describing the biochemistry and molecular biology of selected key functions of animal cells, including: gene expression; mitochondrial production of metabolic energy; cellular communication with the extra-cellular environment; and regulation of cell division.
Offered by: Biochemistry
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maria Vera Ugalde, Arnim Pause, Dieter Reinhardt, Lawrence Kazak, Katie Cockburn
-
BIOL 201
Cell Biology & Metabolism
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212 or BIOC 212
- Terms
- Instructors
- Gary J Brouhard, Siegfried Hekimi, Huanquan Zheng, Serge Champetier
3 credits from:
-
MIMM 214
Intro Immun: Elem of Immunity
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Microbiology and Immun (Sci): Basic immunology, organs and cells, elements of innate immunity, phagocytes, complement, elements of adaptive immunity, B-cells, T-cells, antigen presenting cells, MHC genes and molecules, antigen processing and presentation, cytokines and chemokines. Emphasis on anatomy and the molecular and cellular players working together as a physiological system to maintain human health.
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology
-
PHAR 300
Drug Action
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Principles of pharmacology and toxicology. Frequently encountered drugs will be used as a focus to illustrate sites and mechanisms of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination and adverse side effects.
Offered by: Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Terms
- Instructors
- Edith Zorychta, Ajitha Thanabalasuriar
B. Neurophysiology/Neural Computation Stream
3 credits as follows:
-
PHGY 311
Channels, Synapses & Hormones
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses on cellular communication in the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week; 1-3 hours optional lab/demonstration/tutorial arranged for a maximum of 3 afternoons per term
- Prerequisite: PHGY 209 or permission of the instructor.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Ellis Cooper, Per Jesper Sjostrom, Arjun Krishnaswamy, Reza Sharif Naeini
3 credits as follows:
-
BIOC 212
Molec Mechanisms of Cell Funct
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biochemistry: An introductory course describing the biochemistry and molecular biology of selected key functions of animal cells, including: gene expression; mitochondrial production of metabolic energy; cellular communication with the extra-cellular environment; and regulation of cell division.
Offered by: Biochemistry
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maria Vera Ugalde, Arnim Pause, Dieter Reinhardt, Lawrence Kazak, Katie Cockburn
-
BIOL 201
Cell Biology & Metabolism
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212 or BIOC 212
- Terms
- Instructors
- Gary J Brouhard, Siegfried Hekimi, Huanquan Zheng, Serge Champetier
3 credits from:
-
BIOL 306
Neural Basis of Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Jon Sakata, Joseph Alan Dent
-
PHGY 314
Integrative Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: In depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of how single neurons and ensembles of neurons encode sensory information, generate movement, and control cognitive functions such as emotion, learning, and memory, during voluntary behaviours.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week
- Prerequisites: PHGY 209
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maurice J Chacron, Amir Shmuel, Melissa A Vollrath, Stephen Lomber, Mark Brandon, Pouya Bashivan, Justine C Cléry
6 credits from:
Note: Students who have successfully completed an equivalent to MATH 222 at CEGEP or elsewhere, must replace these credits with a 3-credit elective course to satisfy the total credit requirement for the Neuroscience Major.
-
ANAT 321
Circuitry of the Human Brain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anatomy & Cell Biology: This course explores the functional organization of the human brain and spinal cord. The course focuses on how neuronal systems are designed to subserve specific motor, sensory, and cognitive operations.
Offered by: Anatomy and Cell Biology
-
BIOL 309
Mathematical Models in Biology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Application of finite difference and differential equations to problems in cell and developmental biology, ecology and physiology. Qualitative, quantitative and graphical techniques are used to analyze mathematical models and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Gil Bub, Frederic Guichard
-
COMP 206
Intro to Software Systems
3 Credits**
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Comprehensive overview of programming in C, use of system calls and libraries, debugging and testing of code; use of developmental tools like make, version control systems.
Offered by: Computer Science
- Terms
- Instructors
- Jacob T Errington
- Joseph P Vybihal
-
COMP 250
Intro to Computer Science
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Mathematical tools (binary numbers, induction,recurrence relations, asymptotic complexity,establishing correctness of programs). Datastructures (arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists,trees, binary trees, binary search trees, heaps,hash tables). Recursive and non-recursivealgorithms (searching and sorting, tree andgraph traversal). Abstract data types. Objectoriented programming in Java (classes andobjects, interfaces, inheritance). Selected topics.
Offered by: Computer Science
- Terms
- Instructors
- Giulia Alberini
- Giulia Alberini
-
MATH 222
Calculus 3
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Taylor series, Taylor's theorem in one and several variables. Review of vector geometry. Partial differentiation, directional derivative. Extreme of functions of 2 or 3 variables. Parametric curves and arc length. Polar and spherical coordinates. Multiple integrals.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Terms
- Instructors
- Brent Pym, Damien Tageddine
-
MATH 223
Linear Algebra
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Review of matrix algebra, determinants and systems of linear equations. Vector spaces, linear operators and their matrix representations, orthogonality. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of Hermitian matrices. Applications.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 133 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students in Mathematics programs nor to students who have taken or are taking MATH 236, MATH 247 or MATH 251. It is open to students in Faculty Programs
- Terms
- Instructors
- Shereen Elaidi, Hugues Bellemare
- Jeremy Macdonald
C. Cognitive/Behavioural Stream
6 credits as follows:
-
PSYC 213
Cognition
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Where do thoughts come from? What is the nature of thought, and how does it arise in the mind and the brain? Cognition is the study of human information
processing, and we will explore topics such as memory, attention, categorization, decision making, intelligence, philosophy of mind, and the mind-as computer
metaphor.
Offered by: Psychology
- Winter
- 2 lectures, 1 conference
- Prerequisite: One previous course in Psychology.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Brendan T Johns
- Signy A Sheldon
-
PSYC 318
Behavioural Neuroscience 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: The physiological bases of motivational states, with respect to feeding, drinking, sexual behaviour, drug use, and aggression. Physiological bases of learning and memory.
Offered by: Psychology
3 credits from:
-
BIOL 306
Neural Basis of Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Jon Sakata, Joseph Alan Dent
-
PHGY 314
Integrative Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: In depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of how single neurons and ensembles of neurons encode sensory information, generate movement, and control cognitive functions such as emotion, learning, and memory, during voluntary behaviours.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week
- Prerequisites: PHGY 209
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maurice J Chacron, Amir Shmuel, Melissa A Vollrath, Stephen Lomber, Mark Brandon, Pouya Bashivan, Justine C Cléry
6 credits from:
-
ANAT 321
Circuitry of the Human Brain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anatomy & Cell Biology: This course explores the functional organization of the human brain and spinal cord. The course focuses on how neuronal systems are designed to subserve specific motor, sensory, and cognitive operations.
Offered by: Anatomy and Cell Biology
-
PSYC 302
Pain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: An introduction to pain research and theory, with emphasis on the interactions of psychological, cultural and physiological factors in pain perception. The role of these factors in clinical pain and its management by pharmacological and non-pharmacological means will be discussed.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall
- 3 lectures
- Prerequisite: any of the following: NSCI 201, PSYC 211, PSYC 212 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken PSYC 505.
-
PSYC 317
Genes and Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Focuses on current techniques employed to study which genes influence behaviour, and how they do so.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 342
Hormones & Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: The role of hormones in organization of CNS function, as effectors of behaviour, in expression of behaviours and in mental illness.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
Other Complementary Courses
21-23 credits chosen as follows:
3-16 credits from:
-
BIOL 301
Cell and Molecular Laboratory
4 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): An introduction to biology research and communication with a focus on cell and
molecular biology. Through conducting a series of project-based experiments and writing a final report, molecular and synthetic biology techniques such as gene cloning, manipulation, protein isolation and characterization and how
research is conducted, analyzed and communicated will be addressed. In addition, an
introduction to bioinformatics methods and their role in analysis will be provided.
Offered by: Biology
- Fall or Winter
- 1 hour lecture and one 6-hour laboratory
- Prerequisites: BIOL 200, BIOL 201 (or ANAT 212/BIOC 212); or BIOL 219
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIOC 300, or BIOC 220 and BIOC 320. Requires departmental approval.
- For approval email maxime.leroux [at] mcgill.ca. Specify your ID number as well as the term and two lab day preferences.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Arnold L Hayer, Maxime Leroux, Paul M Harrison, Huanquan Zheng
- Huanquan Zheng, Maxime Leroux, Paul M Harrison, Arnold L Hayer
-
BIOL 389
Laboratory in Neurobiology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Methods of neurobiological research, including extracellular and intracellular recordings, electrical stimulation, and the study of neuro-behavioural problems.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Joseph Alan Dent, Alanna J Watt, Michael Hendricks, Tomoko Oyama
-
NSCI 410D1
Independent Research 1
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: Independent laboratory research in neuroscience.
Offered by: Biology
-
-
NSCI 420D1
Independent Research 2
4.5 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: Independent laboratory research in neuroscience.
Offered by: Biology
- Prerequisites: NSCI 200 and NSCI 201
- Restrictions: Only open to students registered in the B.Sc. Neuroscience Major. Not open to students who have taken or are taking NSCI 410.
- Students must register for both NSCI 420D1 and NSCI 420D2.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both NSCI 420D1 and NSCI 420D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.
-
NSCI 420D2
Independent Research 2
4.5 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neuroscience: See NSCI 420D1 for course description.
Offered by: Biology
- Prerequisite: NSCI 420D1
- Restrictions: Only open to students registered in the B.Sc. Neuroscience Major. Not open to students who have taken or are taking NSCI 410.
- No credit will be given for this course unless both NSCI 420D1 and NSCI 420D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
5-20 of the credits should be taken from the following lists. At least 15 of the 21-23 credits must be at the 400- or 500-level, which could include the above NSCI 410D1/NSCID2 or NSCI 420D1/NSCI 420D2 research courses:
200- and 300-level courses:
* Students take either BIOL 201 OR BIOC 212, but not both.
** Students take either COMP 206 or COMP 250, but not both.
-
ANAT 321
Circuitry of the Human Brain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Anatomy & Cell Biology: This course explores the functional organization of the human brain and spinal cord. The course focuses on how neuronal systems are designed to subserve specific motor, sensory, and cognitive operations.
Offered by: Anatomy and Cell Biology
-
BIOC 212
Molec Mechanisms of Cell Funct
3 Credits*
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biochemistry: An introductory course describing the biochemistry and molecular biology of selected key functions of animal cells, including: gene expression; mitochondrial production of metabolic energy; cellular communication with the extra-cellular environment; and regulation of cell division.
Offered by: Biochemistry
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maria Vera Ugalde, Arnim Pause, Dieter Reinhardt, Lawrence Kazak, Katie Cockburn
-
BIOC 311
Metabolic Biochemistry
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biochemistry: The generation of metabolic energy in higher organisms with an emphasis on its regulation at the molecular, cellular and organ level. Chemical concepts and mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis are also emphasized. Included: selected topics in carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism; complex lipids and biological membranes; hormonal signal transduction.
Offered by: Biochemistry
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maxime Denis, Vincent Giguere, Kalle Gehring, Lawrence Kazak
-
BIOL 201
Cell Biology & Metabolism
3 Credits*
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): This course introduces the student to our modern understanding of cells and how they work. Major topics to be covered include: photosynthesis, energy metabolism and metabolic integration; plasma membrane including secretion, endocytosis and contact mediated interactions between cells; cytoskeleton including cell and organelle movement; the nervous system; hormone signaling; the cell cycle.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking ANAT 212 or BIOC 212
- Terms
- Instructors
- Gary J Brouhard, Siegfried Hekimi, Huanquan Zheng, Serge Champetier
-
BIOL 202
Basic Genetics
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Introduction to basic principles, and to modern advances, problems and applications in the genetics of higher and lower organisms with examples representative of the biological sciences.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 3 hours lecture, 1 hour optional tutorial per week
- Prerequisite: BIOL 200 or BIOL 219
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking LSCI 204 or BIOL 302.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Nam Sung Moon, Laura Nilson, Daniel J Schoen, David Hipfner, Serge Champetier
-
BIOL 300
Molecular Biology of the Gene
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): A survey of current knowledge and approaches in the area of regulation of gene expression, post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and signal transduction.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Frieder B Schöck, Nam Sung Moon
-
BIOL 306
Neural Basis of Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Neural mechanisms of animal behaviour; neuroethology; cellular neurophysiology, integrative networks within nervous systems; neural control of movement; processing of sensory information.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Jon Sakata, Joseph Alan Dent
-
BIOL 307
Behavioural Ecology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): How an organism’s behaviour relates to its physical, biological, and social environment, using evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Emphasis is on general principles, covering topics such feeding, predator avoidance, aggression, reproduction, social behaviour, communication and cognition.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- In some weeks, lecture will be replaced by interactive discussion periods, practical exercises, or student presentations
- Prerequisites: BIOL 215 and BIOL 216 (or equivalents), or permission of the instructor
- Terms
- Instructors
- Mélanie Guigueno, Jon Sakata, Simon M Reader
-
BIOL 320
Evolution of Brain & Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Functional and comparative approach to neuroanatomy, examining how species changes in brain organization contribute to evolutionary changes in behaviour.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of conference (mandatory)
- Prerequisite: NSCI 201 or BIOL 306
- Terms
- Instructors
- Sarah Woolley, Jon Sakata
-
CHEM 222
Intro Organic Chemistry 2
4 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Chemistry: Modern spectroscopic techniques for structure determination. The chemistry of alcohols, ethers, carbonyl compounds, and amines, with special attention to mechanistic aspects. Special topics.
Offered by: Chemistry
- Winter, Summer
- Prerequisite: CHEM 212 or CHEM 242 or equivalent.
- Restriction: Not open to Chemistry or Biochemistry students. Not open to students who have taken or are taking CHEM 234 or CHEM252.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Danielle K Vlaho, Mitchell J Huot, Pallavi Sirjoosingh, Nicolas Moitessier, Nathan Luedtke
-
COMP 206
Intro to Software Systems
3 Credits**
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Comprehensive overview of programming in C, use of system calls and libraries, debugging and testing of code; use of developmental tools like make, version control systems.
Offered by: Computer Science
- Terms
- Instructors
- Jacob T Errington
- Joseph P Vybihal
-
COMP 250
Intro to Computer Science
3 Credits**
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Mathematical tools (binary numbers, induction,recurrence relations, asymptotic complexity,establishing correctness of programs). Datastructures (arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists,trees, binary trees, binary search trees, heaps,hash tables). Recursive and non-recursivealgorithms (searching and sorting, tree andgraph traversal). Abstract data types. Objectoriented programming in Java (classes andobjects, interfaces, inheritance). Selected topics.
Offered by: Computer Science
- Terms
- Instructors
- Giulia Alberini
- Giulia Alberini
-
MATH 223
Linear Algebra
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Review of matrix algebra, determinants and systems of linear equations. Vector spaces, linear operators and their matrix representations, orthogonality. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of Hermitian matrices. Applications.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 133 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students in Mathematics programs nor to students who have taken or are taking MATH 236, MATH 247 or MATH 251. It is open to students in Faculty Programs
- Terms
- Instructors
- Shereen Elaidi, Hugues Bellemare
- Jeremy Macdonald
-
MATH 315
Ordinary Differential Eqns
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): First order ordinary differential equations including elementary numerical methods. Linear differential equations. Laplace transforms. Series solutions.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Terms
- Instructors
- Courtney Paquette
- Niky Kamran
-
MATH 323
Probability
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Sample space, events, conditional probability, independence of events, Bayes' Theorem. Basic combinatorial probability, random variables, discrete and continuous univariate and multivariate distributions. Independence of random variables. Inequalities, weak law of large numbers, central limit theorem.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Prerequisites: MATH 141 or equivalent.
- Restriction: Intended for students in Science, Engineering and related disciplines, who have had differential and integral calculus
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 356
- Terms
- Instructors
- Alia Sajjad
- Tharshanna Nadarajah
-
MATH 324
Statistics
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): Sampling distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, contingency tables, nonparametric inference, regression, Bayesian inference.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
- Fall and Winter
- Prerequisite: MATH 323 or equivalent
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken or are taking MATH 357
- You may not be able to receive credit for this course and other statistic courses. Be sure to check the Course Overlap section under Faculty Degree Requirements in the Arts or Science section of the Calendar.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Tharshanna Nadarajah
- Masoud Asgharian
-
MIMM 214
Intro Immun: Elem of Immunity
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Microbiology and Immun (Sci): Basic immunology, organs and cells, elements of innate immunity, phagocytes, complement, elements of adaptive immunity, B-cells, T-cells, antigen presenting cells, MHC genes and molecules, antigen processing and presentation, cytokines and chemokines. Emphasis on anatomy and the molecular and cellular players working together as a physiological system to maintain human health.
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology
-
MIMM 314
Intermediate Immunology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Microbiology and Immun (Sci): An intermediate-level immunology course covering the cellular and molecular basis of lymphocyte development and activation in immune responses in health and disease.
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology
- Winter
- 3 hours of lecture
- Prerequisite: MIMM 214
- Terms
- Instructors
- Ciriaco Piccirillo, Irah King, Heather Melichar
-
NEUR 310
Cellular Neurobiology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neurology and Neurosurgery: A survey of the functional organization of nerve cells, signalling in the nervous system, and principles of neural development. Topics include cell polarity, neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, receptors and second messengers, cell lineage, guidance of axon outgrowth, and nerve regeneration. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of neurons at the molecular level.
Offered by: Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Terms
- Instructors
- Jean-Francois Cloutier, David S Ragsdale, Timothy E Kennedy, Alyson Elise Fournier, Wayne Steven Sossin, Edward S Ruthazer, Jerome Fortin
-
PHAR 300
Drug Action
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Principles of pharmacology and toxicology. Frequently encountered drugs will be used as a focus to illustrate sites and mechanisms of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination and adverse side effects.
Offered by: Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Terms
- Instructors
- Edith Zorychta, Ajitha Thanabalasuriar
-
PHGY 210
Mammalian Physiology 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: Physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and renal systems.
Offered by: Physiology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Melissa A Vollrath, Tomoko Takano, Anne-Marie Lauzon, John H White, Céline Aguer
-
PHGY 311
Channels, Synapses & Hormones
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: In-depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses on cellular communication in the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week; 1-3 hours optional lab/demonstration/tutorial arranged for a maximum of 3 afternoons per term
- Prerequisite: PHGY 209 or permission of the instructor.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Ellis Cooper, Per Jesper Sjostrom, Arjun Krishnaswamy, Reza Sharif Naeini
-
PHGY 314
Integrative Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: In depth presentation of experimental results and hypotheses underlying our current understanding of how single neurons and ensembles of neurons encode sensory information, generate movement, and control cognitive functions such as emotion, learning, and memory, during voluntary behaviours.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours of lectures per week
- Prerequisites: PHGY 209
- Terms
- Instructors
- Maurice J Chacron, Amir Shmuel, Melissa A Vollrath, Stephen Lomber, Mark Brandon, Pouya Bashivan, Justine C Cléry
-
PSYC 213
Cognition
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Where do thoughts come from? What is the nature of thought, and how does it arise in the mind and the brain? Cognition is the study of human information
processing, and we will explore topics such as memory, attention, categorization, decision making, intelligence, philosophy of mind, and the mind-as computer
metaphor.
Offered by: Psychology
- Winter
- 2 lectures, 1 conference
- Prerequisite: One previous course in Psychology.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Brendan T Johns
- Signy A Sheldon
-
PSYC 302
Pain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: An introduction to pain research and theory, with emphasis on the interactions of psychological, cultural and physiological factors in pain perception. The role of these factors in clinical pain and its management by pharmacological and non-pharmacological means will be discussed.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall
- 3 lectures
- Prerequisite: any of the following: NSCI 201, PSYC 211, PSYC 212 or permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who are taking or have taken PSYC 505.
-
PSYC 315
Computational Psychology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Application of computational methods to the simulation of psychological phenomena. Comparison of natural and artificial intelligence. Symbolic and neural network techniques. Methods for evaluating simulations.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall
- Prerequisite: 15 credits in any of Psychology, Cognitive Science, Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science, or Neuroscience.
- Restriction: Not open to U0 or U1 students.
-
PSYC 317
Genes and Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Focuses on current techniques employed to study which genes influence behaviour, and how they do so.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 318
Behavioural Neuroscience 2
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: The physiological bases of motivational states, with respect to feeding, drinking, sexual behaviour, drug use, and aggression. Physiological bases of learning and memory.
Offered by: Psychology
-
PSYC 319
Computational Models-Cognition
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Introduction to the purpose, design, and role of computational modeling in the cognitive sciences. Domains examined will include memory, categorization, and language. Focus will be on computational models to attain a better theoretical understanding of human behaviour. New trends, including the use of big data and machine learning.
Offered by: Psychology
- Restrictions: U2 or above. Restricted to students in Psychology, Linguistics and Cognitive Science.
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 342
Hormones & Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: The role of hormones in organization of CNS function, as effectors of behaviour, in expression of behaviours and in mental illness.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
400- and 500-level courses:
-
BIOL 414
Invert Brain Circuits & Behav
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Exploration of the neural and molecular mechanisms that drive animal behaviour, with a focus on invertebrates, including the principles of neural circuits and behaviour.
Offered by: Biology
- Prerequisites: BIOL 306 or permission of instructor, COMP 202 or equivalent (any coding experience or permission of the instructor).
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
BIOL 506
Neurobiology of Learning
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Exploration of the neurobiological basis of learning, from molecules to circuits, focusing on the synaptic, cellular and circuit-level processes that support learning, in the context of different brain regions and forms of learning.
Offered by: Biology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Aparna Suvrathan, Per Jesper Sjostrom, Wayne Steven Sossin, Edward S Ruthazer, Michael Hendricks, Blake Richards, Yang Zhou
-
BIOL 530
Advances in Neuroethology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Neural mechanisms underlying behaviour in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.
Offered by: Biology
-
BIOL 532
Developmental Neurobiology Sem
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Discussions of all aspects of nervous system development including pattern formation, cell lineage, pathfinding and targeting by growing axons, and neural regeneration. The basis for these discussions will be recent research papers and other assigned readings.
Offered by: Biology
- Winter
- 1 hour lecture, 2 hours seminar
- Prerequisites: BIOL 303 or BIOL 306 or permission of instructor
- Terms
- Instructors
- Donald Van Meyel, Artur Kania, Alyson Elise Fournier, Jean-Francois Cloutier, Edward S Ruthazer
-
BIOL 580
Genet Approaches to Neur Syst
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): This course will focus on recent research employing genetic-based methods to examine the functional and structural properties of the nervous system. The focus will be on approaches for studying neural circuits and behavior in a range of model organisms. Topics will include recent technological advances, such as optogenetics for modifying and controlling neuronal activity, and animal models of neurological diseases. Students will critically analyze the application of these methods to current research through in-class discussion of primary literature, student presentations, and written assignments.
Offered by: Biology
- Prerequisite(s): BIOL 306 or permission of the instructors.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Alanna J Watt, Michael Hendricks
-
BIOL 588
Advances in Mol/Cell Neurobiol
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biology (Sci): Discussion of fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying the general features of cellular neurobiology. An advanced course based on lectures and on a critical review of primary research papers.
Offered by: Biology
- Fall
- 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours seminar
- Prerequisite: BIOL 300 and BIOL 306 or permission
- Terms
- Instructors
- Kenneth E M Hastings, Corina Nagy, Peter Scott McPherson, Jean-Francois Poulin, Yang Zhou
-
BMDE 519
Biomedical Signals & Systems
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Biomedical Engineering: An introduction to the theoretical framework, experimental techniques and analysis procedures available for the quantitative analysis of physiological systems and signals. Lectures plus laboratory work using the Biomedical Engineering computer system. Topics include: amplitude and frequency structure of signals, filtering, sampling, correlation functions, time and frequency-domain descriptions of systems.
Offered by: Biomedical Engineering
- (3-0-6)
- Prerequisites: Satisfactory standing in U3 Honours Physiology; or U3 Major in Physics-Physiology; or U3 Major Physiology-Mathematics; or permission of instructor
-
COMP 546
Computational Perception
4 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Computer Science (Sci): Computational models of visual perception and audition. Vision problems include stereopsis, motion, focus, perspective, color. Audition problems include source localization and recognition. Emphasis on physics of image formation, sensory signal processing, neural pathways and computation, psychophysical methods.
Offered by: Computer Science
- 3 hours
- Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken COMP 646.
-
MATH 437
Mathematical Meth in Biology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Mathematics & Statistics (Sci): The formulation and treatment of realistic mathematical models describing biological phenomena through qualitative and quantitative mathematical techniques (e.g. local and global stability theory, bifurcation analysis and phase plane analysis) and numerical simulation. Concrete and detailed examples will be drawn from molecular and cellular biology and mammalian physiology.
Offered by: Mathematics and Statistics
-
MIMM 414
Advanced Immunology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Microbiology and Immun (Sci): An advanced course serving as a logical extension of MIMM 314. The course will integrate molecular, cellular and biochemical events involved in the ontogeny of the lymphoid system and its activation in the immune response. The course will provide the student with an up-to-date understanding of a rapidly moving field.
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology
- Fall
- 3 hour lecture
- Prerequisite: MIMM 314
-
MIMM 509
Inflammatory Processes
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Microbiology and Immun (Sci): This course concentrates on the non-specific aspects of the immune response, an area which is not adequately covered by the other immunology courses presented at the university. Interactions between guest researchers (from McGill and other universities) and students will be furthered.
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology
- Winter
- 3 hours of seminar
- Corequisite: PHGY 513 or MIMM 414
- This course will be given in conjunction with the Division of Experimental Medicine
- Prerequisite: MIMM 314
- Terms
- Instructors
- Joyce Rauch, Giovanni (John) Di Battista
-
NEUR 502
Bas&Clin Aspects of Neuroimmu
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neurology and Neurosurgery: The role of inflammation in physiological function of the nervous system, as well as in a broad range of neurological diseases where inflammation can act as a
contributing factor to the development of pathology or promote recovery, including fundamentals of neuroimmunology to molecular/cellular aspects of
neuroinflammation underlying the pathology seen in clinical conditions.
Offered by: Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Terms
- Instructors
- Ji Zhang, Jack P Antel, Nicolas Cermakian, Jo Anne Stratton
-
NEUR 503
Computational Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neurology and Neurosurgery: A survey of computational methods commonly used to model brain function, including mathematical modeling to describe the relationship between neuronal activity and perception, action, and cognition. Mathematical basis for vision, motor
control and attention. Data relevant to brain processes and models explaining these data, using engineering, statistics and artificial intelligence.
Offered by: Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Winter
- Basic neuroanatomy/neurophysiology, some mathematics (linear algebra calculus, probability/statistics) or consent of instructor.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken NEUR 603.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Christopher C Pack, Per Jesper Sjostrom, Daniel E Guitton, Curtis L Baker, Bratislav Misic, Erik P Cook, Maurice J Chacron, Mark Brandon, Suresh Krishna, Pouya Bashivan
-
NEUR 507
Topics in Radionuclide Imaging
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neurology and Neurosurgery: The course deals with neuroreceptor and oncologic imaging and imaging of cerebral bloodflow and metabolism. The role of radiochemistry and physics will be demonstrated in the context of clinical and research applications. Understanding how radiochemistry and physics intermingle with the medical aspects of radiotracer development will result in a deeper insight into the complex pathways of tracer design and the methods necessary to properly interpret the data obtained.
Offered by: Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Terms
- Instructors
- Alexey Kostikov, Pedro Rosa, Jean-Paul Soucy, Alexander Thiel, Udunna Anazodo, Pablo M Rusjan
-
NEUR 550
Free Radical Biomedicine
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Neurology and Neurosurgery: An interdisciplinary course on the biochemistry and cellular/molecular biology of free radicals, transition metals, oxidative stress and antioxidants and their roles in health and disease.
Offered by: Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PHAR 562
Neuropharmacology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Topics in pharmacology with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms of drug-action and cellular targets in the nervous system.
Offered by: Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Fall
- Prerequisite: PHAR 301 or with permission of instructor.
- Restriction: Open to U3 students in the minor, major or honours program in Pharmacology, or with permission of instructor.
-
PHGY 425
Analyzing Physiological Sys.
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: An introduction to quantitative analysis of physiological data, both to the mode of thinking and to a set of tools that allows accurate predictions of biological systems. Examples will range from oscillating genetic networks to understanding higher brain function. Modelling and data analysis through examples and exercises will be emphasized.
Offered by: Physiology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Erik P Cook, Mladen I Glavinovic, Curtis L Baker, Pouya Bashivan
-
PHGY 451
Advanced Neurophysiology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: Topics of current interest in neurophysiology including the development of neurons and synapses, physiology of ionic channels, presynaptic and postsynaptic events in synaptic transmission and neuronal interactions in CNS function.
Offered by: Physiology
- Fall
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite: PHGY 311 or equivalent
- Restriction: Departmental approval required
- Terms
- Instructors
- Ellis Cooper, Charles W Bourque, Maurice J Chacron, Aparna Suvrathan
-
PHGY 513
Translational Immunology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: Advanced key concepts in immunology as they relate to health and disease, including infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases and autoimmunity, and cancer immunology.
Offered by: Physiology
- Winter
- 3 hours lectures
- Prerequisite: MIMM 314 or PHGY 313 or permission of the instructor
- Terms
- Instructors
- Daniela Quail, Marcel A Behr, Joyce Rauch, Jack P Antel, Nicole F Bernard, Erwin Schurr, Brian Ward, Jörg H Fritz, Anastasia Nijnik, Judith N Mandl
-
PHGY 520
Ion Channels
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: A discussion of the principal theories and interesting new developments in the study of ion channels. Based on a textbook, computer exercises and critical reading and presentation of research papers. Topics include: Properties of voltage-and ligand-gated channels, single channel analysis, structure and function of ion channels.
Offered by: Physiology
- Winter
- Offered in even numbered years
- 1 1/2 hour lecture, 1 1/2 hour seminar
- Prerequisite: PHGY 311
- Priority to Graduate and Honours students; others by permission of instructors.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Reza Sharif Naeini, David S Ragsdale, Alvin Shrier, John W Hanrahan, Philippe Seguela, Derek Bowie
-
PHGY 524
Chronobiology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: An introduction to the field of chronobiology. The aim is to provide basic instruction on different
types of biological rhythms, with particular focus on circadian rhythms.
Offered by: Physiology
- Terms
- Instructors
- Nicolas Cermakian, Daniel Bernard, Kai-Florian Storch
-
PHGY 556
Topics in Systems Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Physiology: Topics of current interest in systems neurophysiology and behavioural neuroscience including: the neural representation of sensory information and motor behaviours, models of sensory motor integration, and the computational analysis of problems in motor control and perception. Students will be expected to present and critically discuss journal articles in class.
Offered by: Physiology
- Winter
- Restriction: Permission of the instructor required.
- Restriction: Not open to students who have taken PHGY 456
- Terms
- Instructors
- Daniel E Guitton, Erik P Cook
-
PSYC 410
Sp Topics in Neuropsychology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Developments in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychiatry via readings from primary sources. Topics include the neural bases of memory, emotion, social cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases. Integrating knowledge from studies in clinical populations and functional neuroimaging studies.
Offered by: Psychology
-
PSYC 427
Sensorimotor Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: A systematic examination of the sensorimotor system, drawing on models and data from both behavioural and physiological studies. Topics include: cortical motor areas, cerebellum, basal ganglia, spinal mechanisms, motor unit properties and force production, prioception, muscle properties.
Offered by: Psychology
-
PSYC 433
Cognitive Science
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: The multi-disciplinary study of cognitive science, exploring the computer metaphor of the mind as an information-processing system. Focus on levels of analysis, symbolic modeling, Turing machines, neural networks, as applied to topics such as reasoning, vision, decision-making, and consciousness.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 443
Affective Neuroscience
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Focus on the neurobiology of emotion, the links between emotion and cognition, and the role of experience and individual differences in emotional states associated with psychopathology.
Offered by: Psychology
- Prerequisite: PSYC211 or NSCI201 or BIOL306 or PSYC318 or permission of instructor
-
PSYC 444
Sleep Mechanisms and Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: This course covers basic biological mechanisms, possible functions and behavioural aspects of sleep. Additional topics include: disorders of sleep, their effects on behaviour and cognition, and treatment approaches; as well as medical, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and drugs, that affect sleep.
Offered by: Psychology
-
PSYC 470
Memory and Brain
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Memory systems are studied with an emphasis on the neural computations that occur at various stages of the processing stream, focusing on the hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, cerebellum and cortex. The data reviewed is obtained from human, non-human primates and rodents, with single unit recording, neuroimaging and brain damaged subjects.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 502
Psychoneuroendocrinology
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: This advanced seminar course offers an in-depth introduction to current topics in
psychoneuroendocrinology. Students will read and discuss original scientific literature from human and animal research interrogating the mechanisms by which hormones act in the brain to influence behaviour in health and disease. Students will gain a refined understanding of key concepts in psychoneuroendocrinology, such as negative feedback control and the key neuroendocrine axes and their role in behavioural control. They will apply this knowledge to critically evaluate original scientific literature and generate hypothesis-driven research questions from the scientific literature.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall Please note that a B- in the prerequisite course(s) is recommended.
- Prerequisite: One of PSYC 311, PSYC 318, PSYC 342, NSCI 201, or permission of the instructor.
-
PSYC 506
Cognitive Neuroscience of Attn
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: An introduction to cognitive properties and neural mechanisms of human attention. The material will include an overview of the history of attention research, contemporary theories of attention, the varieties of attention, behavioral and neuroimaging experimental methods, the nature of attentional dysfunctions, and the links between attention and other cognitive functions including memory and consciousness.
Offered by: Psychology
- Fall
- Prerequisites: PSYC 213 and PSYC 311, and one of PSYC 305 OR BIOL 373, or permission of instructor.
- Restrictions: Open only to Psychology, Cognitive Science and Neuroscience students. Not open to students who have taken PSYC 365.
-
PSYC 513
Human Decision-Making
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Interdisciplinary study of decision-making, covering contemporary approaches to understanding how humans compute values and make choices. Measurement of and techniques for assessing variables such as risk and uncertainty, utilities and preferences, reinforcement learning, heuristics and biases, and self-control. Emphasis on quantitative models of decision-making.
Offered by: Psychology
- Prerequisite(s): PSYC 212 or PSYC 213 and U3 standing; or permission of instructor
- Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken PSYC 562 in Winter 2017.
-
PSYC 514
Neurobiology of Memory
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Advances in the understanding of the neurobiological bases of fundamental memory
processes, such as memory consolidation maintenance, retrieval, and forgetting. The
contribution of their dysregulation to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative
diseases. Consideration of findings from a variety of species, spanning insects to humans.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 522
Neurochemistry and Behaviour
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Anatomical, biochemical and physiological aspects of neurotransmitter systems in the brain, current theories of the function of these systems in normal and abnormal behaviour, and the actions of psychotropic drugs.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 526
Advances in Visual Perception
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: We examine in detail the structure of the visual system, and its function as reflected in the perceptual abilities and behaviour of the organism. Parallels are also drawn with other sensory systems to demonstrate general principles of sensory coding.
Offered by: Psychology
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYC 529
Music Cognition
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychology: Interdisciplinary study of music cognition, with an emphasis on psychological, computational, and neuroscientific approaches. Focuses on listeners' response to sound, including perception, attention, memory, motor control, skilled performance, and emotional response.
Offered by: Psychology
-
PSYT 455
Neurochemistry
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychiatry: Covers biochemical mechanisms underlying central nervous system function. Introduces basic neuroanatomy, CNS cell types and morphology, neuronal excitability, chemically mediated transmission, glial function. Biochemistry of specific neurotransmitters, endocrine effects on brain, brain energy metabolism and cerebral ischemia (stroke). With examples, where relevant, of biochemical processes disrupted in human CNS disease.
Offered by: Psychiatry
- Terms
- This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Instructors
- There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year
-
PSYT 500
Adv: Neur of Mtl Disorders
3 Credits
Offered in the:
- Fall
- Winter
- Summer
Psychiatry: Current theories on the neurobiological basis of most well known mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, dementia). Methods and strategies in research on genetic, physiological and biochemical factors in mental illness will be discussed. Discussion will also focus on the rationale for present treatment approaches and on promising new approaches.
Offered by: Psychiatry
- Winter
- 3 hours
- Prerequisite (Undergraduate): BIOC 212 and BIOC 311, or BIOC 312, or BIOL 200 and BIOL 201, or PHGY 311, or PSYC 308 and an upper-level biological science course with permission of the instructors, or equivalent. Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology is required.
- Restriction: Open to U3 and graduate students only.
- Restriction: Graduate Studies: strongly recommended for M.Sc. students in Psychiatry.
- Terms
- Instructors
- Tak Pan Wong, Lalit K Srivastava