Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB)

Head of Department: Professor Angel de Blas
Department Office: Room 104, Physiology andNeurobiology Building (Horsebarn Hill #4 Annex)

For major requirements, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog.

225. Biological Rhythms

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: One 200-level course in PNB or consent of instructor. Goldman

Neuroendocrine and environmental factors in the control of biological rhythmicity, especially circadian and annual rhythms. Emphasis on animals.

230. Hormones and Behavior

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: One 200-level course in PNB or consent of instructor. Goldman

Hormones and regulation of behaviors: reproductive, parental, social, and aggressive behaviors, as well as migration, hibernation, learning and memory.

235. Fish Physiology and Endocrinology

Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: One 200-level course in PNB or consent of instructor. Chapple, Chen, Crivello, Renfro

Mechanisms and regulation of basic physiological processes in fish. Mainly teleost fishes of commercial value; also invertebrate physiological processes important to aquaculture.

250. Animal Physiology

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 and either 108 or 110. Open to sophomores or higher. Crivello, Renfro

Physiological mechanisms and regulation in vertebrate animals.

251. Biology of the Brain

Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods. Prerequisites: One 200-level course in PNB or consent of instructor. LoTurco

Brain functions, from molecular and cellular to overall central nervous system organization. Topics of current scientific interest.

252. Physiological Model Systems

Second semester, alternate years. Three credits. Prerequisite: PNB 250, 274/275, or instructor consent. Recommended preparation: undergraduate class in basic comparative animal physiology. Crivello, Renfro

Advanced, in-depth examination of animal comparative physiology.

262. Mammalian Endocrinology

Second semester. Two credits. Two class periods. Prerequisite: One 200-level course in PNB or consent of instructor. Gallo

Functions of hormones in mammalian physiology emphasizing humans.

263WQ. Investigations in Neurobiology

First semester. Three credits. One 1-hour discussion, one 4-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: PNB 250 or PNB 274-275 ; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Moiseff

Experimental investigations in neurobiology. Emphasis on designing and carrying out independent research projects, and on communicating the results.A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

264 - 265. Human Physiology and Anatomy

Both semesters. Four credits each semester. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 122  or 124 or 127Q. Recommended preparation: BIOL 107, PHYS 101 or 122. Open to sophomores or higher. Not open to students who have passed PNB 274-275. These courses must be taken in sequence to obtain credit, and may not be counted toward the Biological Sciences or Physiology and Neurobiology majors. Chapple, Kimball, Moiseff, Nishiyama, Rubio

Fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology for students in medical technology, physical therapy, nursing, and education (Sport Science). A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

274 - 275. Enhanced Human Physiology and Anatomy

Both semesters. Four credits each semester. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 107, CHEM 124 or 127Q. Recommended preparation: PHYS 121, 131, or 141. Not open to students who have passed PNB 264-265. Must be taken in sequence to obtain credit. Open to sophomores or higher. Chapple, Moiseff, Nishiyama, Rubio

Fundamentals of human physiology and anatomy enhanced through  inquiry-based laboratories. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

280. Molecular Neuroanatomy

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PNB 251 or instructor consent. Recommended preparation: MCB 203 or 204. Rubino, Walikonis

Introduction to molecular neurobiology and the anatomy of the brain, and integration of the molecular systems with anatomical structure and function.

281. Molecular Physiology of the Heart

First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: PNB 274-275 and MCB 203 or 204. Recommended preparation: MCB 210. Proenza

Introduction to the molecular basis of cardiac physiology. Electrical excitation and conduction, excitation-contraction coupling, contractile proteins, regulation, pathophysiology. Focus on modern molecular methods and topics of current scientific investigation.

292W. Senior Research Thesis in Physiology and Neurobiology

Either semester. Three credits. Hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Three credits of PNB 299, which may be taken concurrently; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250. Open only with consent of instructor and departmental honors committee. Not limited to honors students. Special research or independent investigation for advanced undergraduates. Involves research and writing a thesis.

293. Foreign Study

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated for credit. Consent of Department Head or Key Advisor required, normally to be granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of Department Head or Key Advisor.

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

295. Variable Topics

Either semester. Three credits. With a change in topic, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

297. Undergraduate Seminar

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated for credit with a change in topic.

298. Special Topics

Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. With a change in content, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

299. Independent Study

Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor and the department honors committee. May be repeated for credit with change in topic. 

Designed for the advanced undergraduate student who desires to pursue a special problem as an introduction to independent investigation.