Neuroscience Minor; Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior

(College of Biological Sciences)

W. Martin Usrey, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Department

Department Office. 196 Briggs Hall; 530-752-0203; http://www.npb.ucdavis.edu

Faculty. http://basc.ucdavis.edu/

Description. This minor allows non-NPB majors to learn about the importance of the nervous system. The large breadth of neuroscience courses available includes molecular and cellular neurobiology, developmental neurobiology, neurobiology of addictive drugs and cell signaling in health and disease. Students who obtain a neuroscience minor will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the neurobiological processes in animals and humans.

Master Advisor. Dr. Hwai-Jong Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., Dr. Lee Miller, Ph.D.

Advising. Biology Academic Success Center (BASC); 1023 Sciences Laboratory Building; 530-752-0410; http://basc.ucdavis.edu/

Neuroscience
Units: 18
NPB 100
Neurobiology (Active)
4
Choose a minimum of 14 units:
14
NPB 100L
Neurobiology Laboratory (Active)
3
NPB 107
Cell Signaling in Health and Disease (Active)
3
NPB 126
Comparative Physiology: Sensory Systems (Active)
3
NPB 161
Developmental Neurobiology (Active)
3
NPB 162
Neural Mechanisms of Behavior (Active)
3
NPB 163
Systems Neuroscience (Active)
4
NPB 164
Mammalian Vision (Active)
4
NPB 165
Neurobiology of Speech Perception (Active)
3
NPB 166
Math Tools for Neuroscience (Active)
4
NPB 167
Computational Neuroscience (Active)
5
NPB 168
Neurobiology of Addictive Drugs (Active)
4
NPB 169
Frontiers in Neurobiology (Active)
3
NPB 171
Physiology of Neuroimmune Interactions (Active)
4
NPB 172
Map Formation in the Brain (Active)
3
NPB 173
Neurobiology of Brain Disorders (Active)
3
Choose one:
3
NPB 124
Comparative Neuroanatomy (Active)
3
PSC 124
Comparative Neuroanatomy (Active)
3
One of the following may be completed to reach the unit requirement:
 
PSC 113
Developmental Psychobiology (Active)
4
PSC 121
Physiological Psychology (Active)
4
PSC 135
Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biological Foundations of the Mind (Active)
4
PSC 137
Neurobiology of Learning & Memory (Active)
4
LIN 175
Biological Basis of Language (Active)
4
PHI 103
Philosophy on Mind (Active)
4
HDE 163
Cognitive Neuropsychology in Adulthood and Aging (Active)
4
Total: 18
Courses in NPB:
NPB 010—Elementary Human Physiology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Introduction to physiology for non-science majors. Includes basic cell physiology and survey of major organ systems and how they function in homeostasis and human health. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 101. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2016 Winter Quarter.
NPB 011—Exercise and Fitness: Principles and Practice (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Human movement from physiological, psychological, sociological, and historical perspectives. Biology and psychology of exercise across the human lifespan. Not open for credit to students who have taken EXB 010 or an upper division Exercise Biology or Neurology, Physiology & Behavior course. (Letter.) GE credit: SE, SL. Effective: 2019 Fall Quarter.
NPB 012—The Human Brain and Disease (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Normal function and diseases of the human brain and nervous system. Diseases discussed include Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, leprosy, amnesia and schizophrenia. Intended for non-science majors. Not open for credit for students who have completed NPB 100, NPB 101, NPB 112, or PSC 121. (Letter.) GE credit: SE, SL. Effective: 1997 Spring Quarter.
NPB 013—Extreme Animal Athletes (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Overview of biomechanics, focusing on animal locomotion. Physical principles underlying traits such as speed, maneuverability, endurance, and precision. Comparisons of animals and human athletes performing similar feats, with animals often outperforming humans by a wide margin. Biomechanical concepts through hands-on exercises, problem sets, and readings from the scientific literature. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SE, SL. Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.
NPB 014—Illusions: Fooling the Brain (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Introduction to perceptual processing in the human nervous system; illusions. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SE, SL. Effective: 2012 Winter Quarter.
NPB 015—The Biology and Physiology of Aging (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Broad examination of age-associated changes in body functions. Includes basic cell physiology, a survey of major organ systems and the age-induced alterations in system function. Some age-associated diseases will also be examined. Intended for non-science majors. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 15V. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2012 Fall Quarter.
NPB 015V—The Biology and Physiology of Aging (4) Active
Web Virtual Lecture—3 hour(s); Web Electronic Discussion—1 hour(s). Broad examination of the biological and physiological basis of aging in animals and plants. Concepts in demographic, evolutionary, genetic, and cell aging. Major human organ systems, age-related alterations in system function, and age-related diseases. Intended for non-science majors. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 15. (Letter.) GE credit: SE, SL. Effective: 2012 Fall Quarter.
NPB 017—The Path to Cyborgs: Introduction to Prostheses and Human Machine Interfaces (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Interface of biology and technology. Mind-controlled prosthetic limbs, artificial organs, and implantable devices. Emphasis on basic physiological functions and how they can be replaced by devices. Suitable for majors and non-majors. (Letter.) GE credit: SE, SL. Effective: 2016 Winter Quarter.
NPB 018—Biological Science for Social Justice (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Broad survey of the many ways one can use the biological sciences to better the lives of others and break down barriers that have restricted social mobility. (Letter.) GE credit: DD, SE, SL, SS. Effective: 2018 Spring Quarter.
NPB 068—Biology of Drug Addiction and Abuse (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Broad examination of addictive substances and their use/abuse. Topics include historical perspective, physiological effects, etiology, neurobiology of addiction and the impact of drugs on contemporary society. Intended for non-science majors. Not open for credit to students having completed NPB 168. (Letter.) Effective: 2008 Spring Quarter.
NPB 090A—Lower Division Seminar: Issues in Body Weight Regulation (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Lower division standing. Limited enrollment. Critical examination of issues in body weight regulation through shared readings, discussions, written assignments, debates and oral presentations. Limited enrollment. (Letter.) Effective: 2000 Winter Quarter.
NPB 090B—Human Color Perception (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s); Term Paper. Prerequisite(s): Lower division standing. Class size limited to 15 students with lower division standing. Neural determinants of color appearance, and why we see the world in the way we do. Discussions center around demonstrations of color phenomena and what they tell us about the human brain. (Letter.) Effective: 2008 Spring Quarter.
NPB 090C—Current Issues in Animal Behavior (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Lower division standing. Limited enrollment. The mechanisms and outcomes of sexual selection (mate choice and mate competition). Theory, current models and evidence that supports or refutes the models. (Letter.) Effective: 2003 Winter Quarter.
NPB 090D—Lower Division Seminar: Current Issues in Reproductive Endocrinology (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Lower division standing. The integrative roles of reproductive hormones in mammalian reproduction and health. Current theory and models regarding hormone function and use in reproductive health and contraception, and evidence that supports or refutes the models. (Letter.) Effective: 2002 Fall Quarter.
NPB 090E—Biology of Aging (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Freshman standing. Current theories on the biology of aging covering genetic, biochemical, and physiological aspects. Emphasis on critical evaluation of controversial and contemporary issues. (Letter.) Effective: 2003 Fall Quarter.
NPB 090F—Visual Impairment and Blindness: A World Wide Problem (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Lower division standing. Examination of various abnormalities of the eye and the important geographic and cultural factors that influence the epidemiology of those abnormalities. (Letter.) Effective: 2007 Winter Quarter.
NPB 091C—Research Conference (1) Active
Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 099 (can be concurrent); and Consent of Instructor. Lower division standing in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior or related biological science; NPB 099 required concurrently. Restricted to lower division students. Research findings and methods in neurobiology, physiology, and/or behavior. Presentation and discussion of research by faculty and students. May be repeated for credit. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2003 Fall Quarter.
NPB 092—Internship (1-12) Active
Internship—3-36 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Lower division standing. Work experience off and on campus in all subject areas offered in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Internships supervised by a member of the faculty. May be repeated for credit. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2008 Fall Quarter.
NPB 098—Directed Group Study (1-5) Active
Variable. Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Lower division standing. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2000 Winter Quarter.
NPB 099—Special Study for Undergraduates (1-5) Active
Variable. Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Lower division standing. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 1999 Winter Quarter.
NPB 100—Neurobiology (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 002A; PHY 009A, PHY 009B or PHY 007A, PHY 007B recommended. Brains and nervous systems, neurons and neural circuits. Coordination of movement. Development of nervous systems. Vision, hearing, and feature extraction by the central nervous system. The cell biology of learning and memory. Perception, cognition, and disorders of the brain. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 110B, NPB 112, NPB 160, NPB 161 or NPB 162, or NSC 221 or NSC 222. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SE. Effective: 2018 Spring Quarter.
NPB 100L—Neurobiology Laboratory (3) Active
Lecture—1 hour(s); Laboratory—3 hour(s); Extensive Writing/Discussion. Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 (can be concurrent) or NPB 110B (can be concurrent). Experimental basis of neurobiology principles discussed in course 100. Topics include neurophysiology, sensory systems, motor systems, cellular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and quantitative data analysis and modeling techniques. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2017 Winter Quarter.
NPB 100Q—Quantitative Foundations of Neurobiology (1) Active
Auto Tutorial—1.5 hour(s); Extensive Problem Solving—1.5 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 (can be concurrent). Computational methods and mathematical models used to study phenomena in neurobiology. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, VL. Effective: 2010 Spring Quarter.
NPB 101—Systemic Physiology (5) Active
Lecture—5 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 002A; (CHE 002B or CHE 002BH); PHY 001B or PHY 007C strongly recommended. Systemic physiology with emphasis on aspects of human physiology. Functions of major organ systems, with the structure of those systems described as a basis for understanding the functions. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 110C. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2019 Winter Quarter.
NPB 101D—Systemic Physiology Discussion (1.5) Active
Discussion—1.5 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 (can be concurrent); Consent of Instructor. Discussion and problem solving related to fundamental principles of systemic physiology as presented in course 101. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 101L—Systemic Physiology Laboratory (3) Active
Laboratory—3 hour(s); Discussion—2 hour(s); Term Paper. Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 or NPB 110C. Selected experiments to illustrate functional characteristics of organ systems discussed in course 101. (Letter.) Effective: 2017 Winter Quarter.
NPB 102—Animal Behavior (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (BIS 001A, BIS 001B, BIS 001C) or (BIS 002A, BIS 002B, BIS 002C). Basic principles of behavioral organization in vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Underlying physiological and ethological mechanisms. The evolution of behavior, with special emphasis on behavior under natural conditions. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 155. (Former NPB 155.). (Letter.) GE credit: SL. Effective: 2008 Fall Quarter.
NPB 102Q—Quantitative Topics in Animal Behavior (1) Active
Auto Tutorial—1.5 hour(s); Extensive Problem Solving—1.5 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): MAT 016B; NPB 102 (can be concurrent). Study of the quantitative concepts and exemplar models used in animal behavior. (Letter.) Effective: 2009 Spring Quarter.
NPB 103—Cellular Physiology/Neurobiology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (BIS 103 or BIS 105); BIS 104; PHY 007C recommended. Cellular physiology with emphasis on membrane transport processes and neuronal physiology. Fundamental physical-chemical and biological mechanisms of membrane transport will be considered in relation to cytoplasmic homeostasis, communication between cells,and the cellular mechanisms of sensory and motor transduction. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 100B. (Former NPB 100B.). (Letter.) Effective: 2008 Spring Quarter.
NPB 104L—Cellular Physiology/Neurobiology Laboratory (4) Active
Lecture—1 hour(s); Laboratory—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s); Term Paper/Discussion. Prerequisite(s): NPB 101L; (BIS 103 or BIS 105). Experiments in the physical and chemical processes of cells and tissues. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 105—Introduction to Computer Models (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Lecture/Lab—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): CHE 002C; PHY 007C; (NPB 100 or NPB 101); MAT 016C; Or the equivalent to MAT 016C. Introduction to the ideas, mathematical techniques and computer tools required for developing models of cellular processes in physiology and neurobiology. Applications include membrane transport, ionic channels, action potentials, Ca2+ oscillations, respiration, and muscle contraction. (Letter.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 106—Experiments in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior: Design and Execution (3) Active
Laboratory—7.5 hour(s); Discussion—0.5 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 110A or NPB 100 or NPB 101 or NPB 102); NPB 199; and Consent of Instructor. Design and execution of experiments in neurobiology, physiology, and/or behavior. Students choose and design a project in consultation with the sponsoring faculty member. May be repeated once for credit to complete the project, with consent of instructor. May be repeated up to 1 Time(s). (P/NP grading only.) GE credit: OL, QL, VL, WE. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 107—Cell Signaling in Health and Disease (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 102 or BIS 105. Basics of cell signaling pathways, their disruption in disease, and their current utility and future potential as therapeutic targets. Focus is on signaling pathways specific to nervous, endocrine and immune systems, and those fundamental to all cells. (Letter.) GE credit: SL. Effective: 2009 Winter Quarter.
NPB 108Y—Animal Behavior Laboratory (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Web Electronic Discussion—12 hour(s). Hybrid course, consisting of limited in-person lectures and the rest laboratory exercises. The laboratory exercises will be online, and will require students to view and score videos of animal behavior in order to test behavioral hypotheses. (Letter.) Effective: 2016 Summer Session 2.
NPB 109—Kinesiology—Analysis and Control of Human Movement (4) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): PHY 007A; PHY 007B; NPB 101 or NPB 110C recommended; CHA 101 and CHA 101L (same as EXB 106 and EXB 106L) or equivalent recommended. Functional anatomy, motor control, and biomechanics of human movement understood in the context of body structures, basic principles of physics, and functional characteristics of muscle. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2018 Spring Quarter.
NPB 110A—Foundations 1: From Molecules to Individuals (5) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (BIS 002A, BIS 002B); (CHE 002B or CHE 003A); PHY 007A and PHY 007B recommended; BIS 002C recommended. Pass One restricted to majors in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. Major concepts in cell biology with special emphasis on connections between cell biology and behavior. Includes: cellular metabolism, cellular sensing and signaling, membrane structure-function, molecular switches, electrical and chemical signaling, endocrine signaling, cell cycle and differentiation, cytoskeleton, and integrative examples. Credit limited to 3 units for students who have taken BIS 104. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 110B—Foundations 2: Neurobiology (5) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 110A C- or better; PHY 007A and PHY 007B recommended. Open to declared NPB majors only. Core concepts of neurobiology including single-neuron biophysics, synapses and transmitters, neuronal development, motor systems, central pattern generation, neuronal circuits, intracellular signal transduction, sensory processing, multisensory integration, autonomic nervous system, neuromodulation, learning and memory, and higher cognition and disease. Credit limited to 2 units for students who have taken NPB 100. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2017 Winter Quarter.
NPB 110C—Foundations 3: Physiology (5) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 110A C- or better; PHY 007A; PHY 007B and PHY 007C recommended. Open to declared NPB majors only. Focuses on the structure, function, and interactions of human and other animal organ systems in homeostasis and reproduction, and the response to perturbations of homeostasis; neural and endocrine signaling; skeletal muscle and movement; cardiovascular and respiratory systems; renal, digestive, immune, and reproductive physiology. Credit limited to two units for students who have taken NPB 101. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2019 Winter Quarter.
NPB 111L—Advanced Systemic Physiology Laboratory (4) Active
Lecture—1 hour(s); Discussion—2 hour(s); Laboratory—6 hour(s); Term Paper. Prerequisite(s): NPB 101L. Selected comprehensive experiments in the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular, respiratory, and neuromuscular systems. Emphasis on conceptual and methodological approaches in demonstrating the physiology of organ systems. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 113—Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal Physiology (4) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 110C or NPB 101); CHE 008B, PHY 007B and PHY 007C recommended. An intense and advanced presentation of concepts in cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal physiology including discussion of acid-base balance. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 114—Gastrointestinal Physiology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 110C or NPB 101); BIS 105 or BIS 103 recommended, BIS 105 preferred. Gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology. Digestion, secretion, absorption, motility, comparative physiology and pathology. Strong emphasis on neural and hormonal regulation and on cellular mechanisms of secretion and absorption. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 116—Stress Physiology in Health and Disease (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 002A C- or better; or Consent of Instructor. Adaptive and maladaptive physiological responses to acute and chronic stress in mammals, with emphasis on humans. Role of endocrine and autonomic nervous system in stress response. Prenatal and postnatal effects of stress on cognitive and affective development. Wellness interventions. (Letter.) Effective: 2019 Winter Quarter.
NPB 117—Avian Physiology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (BIS 002A, BIS 002B); CHE 002B; NPB 101 or NPB 110C strongly recommended. Physiology of the various systems of birds with emphasis on digestion, respiration, excretion, and endocrine systems. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Spring Quarter.
NPB 121—Physiology of Reproduction (4) Active
Lecture/Discussion—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 or NPB 110C or ANS 100. Physiological mechanisms related to reproduction, breeding efficiency and fertility, with special reference to domestic animals. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SL. Effective: 2018 Spring Quarter.
NPB 121L—Physiology of Reproduction Laboratory (1) Active
Laboratory—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 121 (can be concurrent). Experiments on the reproductive systems of domestic animals including male and female gametes. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 122—Developmental Endocrinology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101. Restricted to upper division standing. Hormonal control of development, maturation and senescence from the cellular to organismal level, with emphasis on the human. Prenatal and neonatal life, childhood and adolescence, adulthood and pregnancy, as well as the endocrinology of aging. (Letter.) Effective: 2003 Spring Quarter.
NPB 123—Comparative Vertebrate Organology (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Laboratory—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (BIS 001A, BIS 001B) or (BIS 002A, BIS 002B). Functional anatomy of major organ systems in vertebrates. Each system examined from cellular to gross level in fish, birds, and mammals. Emphasis on how differentiated cell types are integrated into tissues and organs to perform diverse physiological functions. (Same course as APC 100.) (Letter.) Effective: 2008 Winter Quarter.
NPB 124—Comparative Neuroanatomy (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 or NPB 100 or NPB 110B or PSC 121. Overview of the neuroanatomy in mammalian vertebrates, focusing on the cerebral cortex and experimental techniques. Examine changes or modifications to neural structures as a result of morphological or behavioral specializations. (Same course as PSC 124.) (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.
NPB 124L—Comparative Neuroanatomy Laboratory (2) Active
Laboratory—6 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 124 (can be concurrent). Pass One restricted to PSC and NPB majors; must be concurrently enrolled in NPB 124. Comparative neuroanatomy laboratory illustrating modern neuroanatomical techniques in determining neural connections within the mammalian brain. Includes experimentation and presentation of results. (Same course as PSC 124L.) (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.
NPB 126—Comparative Physiology: Sensory Systems (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 101. Basic physiological mechanisms involved in sensory systems. Comparative approach to considerations of mechanosensitive systems (audition, lateral lines, touch, echolocation, equilibrium), chemosensitive systems (olfaction, taste, pheromones), photosensitive systems (vision, infrared detection, UV detection), electroreception, and pain. Emphasis on receptors. (Letter.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 128—Comparative Physiology: Endrocrinology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101. Comparison of physiological functions in the animal kingdom: animal hormones and their functions. (Letter.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 130—Physiology of the Endocrine Glands (4) Review all entries Historical
Lecture—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 110C or NPB 101. Advanced presentation of concepts in endocrinology with emphasis on the role of hormones in reproduction, metabolism, and disease. (Letter.) GE credit: VL. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 130—Physiology of the Endocrine Glands (4) Review all entries Active
Lecture—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (ANS 100 or NPB 101 or NPB 110C). Advanced presentation of concepts in endocrinology with emphasis on the role of hormones in reproduction, metabolism, and disease. (Letter.) GE credit: VL. Effective: 2020 Winter Quarter.
NPB 132—Nature vs. Nurture: Physiological Interactions Among Genes, Nutrients and Health (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 001A or BIS 002A; or Consent of Instructor. Biochemical, physiological, genetic, and nutritional causes of important medical problems such as obesity, anorexia, heart disease and diabetes. One unit of credit allowed to students who have completed NPB 131. (Letter.) Effective: 2008 Fall Quarter.
NPB 133—Genes and the Brain (4) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 110B or NPB 100; or Consent of Instructor. BIS 101 recommended. Genetic contributions to brain evolution, development and disorders. Topics include evolution of genomic programs of neurodevelopment and the role of genetics in autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.
NPB 134—General Immunology for Physiologists (3) Active
Lecture—2 hour(s); Lecture/Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 C- or better or NPB 110C C- or better; or Consent of Instructor. Immunology for undergrads interested in physiology aimed at understanding the physiological role of immune responses. Illustrated with examples of human diseases including diabetes, allergies and asthma, and emerging diseases such as Ebola and Zika. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2017 Fall Quarter.
NPB 139—Frontiers in Physiology (3) Active
Lecture—2 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100; NPB 101; NPB 102 (can be concurrent). Lectures by leading authorities and discussion of the latest research in newly emerging areas in physiology. Offered every fourth year. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SE. Effective: 2010 Fall Quarter.
NPB 140—Principles of Environmental Physiology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 or NPB 110C; BIS 102 recommended. Physiological aspects of interactions of organisms and environmental, cellular, system, and organismal levels. Emphasis on regulatory responses/mechanisms to thermal, pressure, gravity and light environmental variables. Not open for credit to students who have completed NPB 148. (Former NPB 148.). (Letter.) GE credit: WE. Effective: 2018 Fall Quarter.
NPB 141—Physiological Adaptation of Marine Organisms (3) Active
Lecture—2 hour(s); Laboratory—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Upper division standing; residence at Bodega Marine Laboratory required. Students must submit application available at http://www.bml.ucdavis.edu. Physiological adaptation to the environment among organisms in marine and estuarine habitats. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, VL, WE. Effective: 2006 Summer Session 1.
NPB 141P—Physiological Adaptation of Marine Organisms/Advanced Laboratory Topics (5) Active
Laboratory—12 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 141 (can be concurrent); Residence at Bodega Marine Laboratory required; NPB 141 required concurrently. Students must submit application available at http://www.bml.ucdavis.edu. Training in scientific research from hypothesis to publication, including methods of library research. Research related to a topic covered in course 141. (Letter.) GE credit: VL, WE. Effective: 2006 Spring Quarter.
NPB 142—Environmental Endocrinology: Mechanisms for Life Cycles (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 002A; BIS 002B; BIS 002C. Effects of environmental factors on endocrine responses that affect vertebrate life history and fitness. Introduction to finite state machine theory and allostasis in life histories and coping strategies. Focus on life history stages including non-breeding, hibernation, reproduction, migration and moult. (Letter.) GE credit: SE, WE. Effective: 2015 Winter Quarter.
NPB 150—Advanced Animal Behavior (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Laboratory—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 102 or PSC 101; or Consent of Instructor. Advanced integrative survey of biological principles of behavioral organization, emphasizing historical roots, current research directions, conceptual issues and controversies. Laboratory exercises on the description and analysis of the behavior of captive and free-living animals. (Same course as PSC 122.) (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 152—Hormones and Behavior (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 101 or NPB 110C); (NPB 102 or PSC 101). Endocrine physiology with an emphasis on the principles of behavior. Fundamental relationships between hormones and various behaviors engaged in by the organism during its lifetime. Role of hormones in behavioral homeostasis, social behavior, reproductive behavior, parental behavior, adaptation to stress. (Same course as PSC 123.) (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 157—Advanced Physiology of Animal/Human Disease (3) Active
Lecture—1 hour(s); Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 101 B+ or better or NPB 110C B+ or better; Consent of Instructor. Limited to 35 students initially. Centers on fundamental mechanisms and pathophysiological basis for animal and human diseases. Course is case-based and uses animal and human diseases to help exemplify the physiological consequences of organ dysfunction. (Same course as HPH 157. ) (Letter.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 159—Frontiers in Behavior (3) Active
Lecture—2 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 100, NPB 101, NPB 102) or (NPB 110A, NPB 110B, NPB 110C). Lectures by leading authorities and discussion of the latest research in newly emerging areas in behavioral biology. Offered every fourth year. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SE. Effective: 2019 Spring Quarter.
NPB 161—Developmental Neurobiology (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 101 or NPB 110B. Issues, theoretical concepts, and methodologies in developmental neurobiology. Topics include prenatal and postnatal differentiation of neurons, and plasticity in the mature and aging brain. Integration of neurochemical, structural, physiological and behavioral perspectives. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 162—Neural Mechanisms of Behavior (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 101 or NPB 110B. Relationship between brain and behavior. Identification and analysis of the relevant neural circuits involved. Examples of systems to be considered are birdsong, locomotion, echolocation. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 163—Systems Neuroscience (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Lecture/Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 110B; Or equivalent basic neuroscience training with consent of instructor. Concepts and techniques in systems neuroscience: e.g., measuring and manipulating neural activity, structure of neocortex, sensory processing, motor control, storage of information, neural codes, neural mechanisms underlying cognitive functions. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 164—Mammalian Vision (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 110B or PSC 101. Structure and function of the mammalian visual system, from the formation of images on the retina through visually guided behavior and perception. Emphasis on biological mechanisms underlying vision. (Letter.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 165—Neurobiology of Speech Perception (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 110B or NPB 100 or NPB 101; or Consent of Instructor. Interdisciplinary approach to speech perception with emphasis on functional neuroanatomy and behavior. Topics include auditory processing in time and space, intelligibility in noisy environments, visual speech, evolution of vocal communication, models of speech perception, development, and hearing impairment. (Letter.) GE credit: SL. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 166—Math Tools for Neuroscience (4) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 100 or NPB 110B); (MAT 016A, MAT 016B, MAT 016C) or (MAT 017A, MAT 017B, MAT 017C) or (MAT 021A, MAT 021B, MAT 021C); or Consent of Instructor. Introduction to mathematics techniques used in neuroscience. Applications to neuroscience of differential equations, linear algebra, Fourier transforms, correlation and convolution, and probability theory. (Letter.) GE credit: QL. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 167—Computational Neuroscience (5) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s); Lecture/Lab—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): (NPB 100 or NPB 110B); (MAT 016A, MAT 016B, MAT 016C) or (MAT 017A, MAT 017B, MAT 017C) or (MAT 021A, MAT 021B, MAT 021C); or Consent of Instructor. PHY 007A, PHY 007B or equivalent recommended. Mathematical models and data analysis techniques used to describe computations performed by nervous systems. Lecture topics include single neuron biophysics, neural coding, network dynamics, memory, plasticity, and learning. Lab topics include programming mathematical models and data analysis techniques in MATLAB. (Letter.) GE credit: QL, SE. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 168—Neurobiology of Addictive Drugs (4) Active
Lecture/Discussion—4 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 110B or NPB 110C or NPB 101; Or equivalents. Neurobiological basis for the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs with addictive potential, including opiates (morphine, heroin, methadone), amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, marijuana (cannabinoids), alcohol, caffeine, and mind-altering drugs such as LSD and antidepressants. (Letter.) GE credit: SL, VL. Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 169—Frontiers in Neurobiology (3) Active
Lecture—2 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100; NPB 101; NPB 102 (can be concurrent). Lectures by leading authorities and discussion of the latest research in newly emerging areas in neurobiology. Offered every fourth year. (Letter.) GE credit: QL. Effective: 2010 Fall Quarter.
NPB 171—Physiology of Neuroimmune Interactions (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Lecture/Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): BIS 002A; (NPB 012 (can be concurrent) or NPB 100 (can be concurrent) or NPB 110B (can be concurrent)); or Consent of Instructor. Completion of PMI 126 or MMI 188 recommended prior to this course. Explores the complex interactions of the nervous and immune systems, and examine how the systems function together to serve homeostasis, behavior, and disease (such as Alzheimer's, autism, and multiple sclerosis). (Letter.) GE credit: SL. Effective: 2017 Fall Quarter.
NPB 172—Map Formation in the Brain (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 C- or better or NPB 110B C- or better; or equivalent basic neuroscience training with consent of instructor. Topographic map connection is a fundamental principle for establishing neural network in the brain. This course will provide comprehensive understanding of the current concepts of map formation in various sensory and motor nervous systems. (Letter.) GE credit: SE. Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 173—Neurobiology of Brain Disorders (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 110B or NPB 100; or Consent of Instructor. Examination of brain disorders from a basic science perspective to gain insights into the mechanisms of their action. Genetic, molecular, cellular, circuit, and environmental basis of a variety of brain disorders. How insights about underlying mechanisms may lead to the development of improved therapies. (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Spring Quarter.
NPB 190C—Research Conference (1) Active
Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 199 (can be concurrent); and Consent of Instructor. Upper division standing in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior or related biological science; NPB 199 required concurrently. Research findings and methods in neurobiology, physiology, and/or behavior. Presentation and discussion of research by faculty and students. May be repeated for credit. May be repeated for credit. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 1999 Spring Quarter.
NPB 192—Internship (1-12) Active
Internship—3-36 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Completion of 84 units. Work experience off and on campus in all subject areas offered in neurobiology, physiology, & behavior. May be repeated for credit. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2008 Fall Quarter.
NPB 194HA—Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior–Honors (1) Active
Laboratory—12 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Senior standing; minimum 3.500 GPA in courses counted toward major; approval by the master advisor. Honors project in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Laboratory research on a specific question. The project is developed with the sponsoring faculty member and approved by the student’s Honors Thesis Committee. Honors thesis to be submitted upon completion of the project. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 194HB—Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior–Honors (4) Active
Laboratory—12 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Senior standing; minimum 3.500 GPA in courses counted toward major; approval by the master advisor. Honors project in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Laboratory research on a specific question. The project is developed with the sponsoring faculty member and approved by the student’s Honors Thesis Committee. Honors thesis to be submitted upon completion of the project. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2003 Spring Quarter.
NPB 194HC—Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior–Honors (2) Active
Laboratory—12 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Senior standing; minimum 3.500 GPA in courses counted toward major; approval by the master advisor. Honors project in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Laboratory research on a specific question. The project is developed with the sponsoring faculty member and approved by the student’s Honors Thesis Committee. Honors thesis to be submitted upon completion of the project. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 197T—Tutoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (1-5) Active
Discussion—2-6 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Upper division standing. Assisting the instructor by tutoring students in one of the Department's regular courses. May be repeated for credit. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 2008 Fall Quarter.
NPB 198—Directed Group Study (1-5) Active
Variable. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 199—Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates (1-5) Active
Variable. Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. (P/NP grading only.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 211—Advanced Topics in Neuroimaging (3) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s); Laboratory—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): PSC 210; or Consent of Instructor. Restricted to 16 students. Critical presentation and discussion of the most influential advanced issues in neuroimaging, emphasizing fMRI design/analysis and the integration of fMRI with EEG/MEG. May be repeated for credit Course may be repeated when topics differ. (Same course as NSC 211 and PSC 211.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 212—Light and Fluorescence Microscopy (3) Active
Lecture—2 hour(s); Laboratory—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Restricted to maximum 16 students. Theory and practical application of light and fluorescence microscopy in the biological sciences. Laboratory component will focus on an optics bench, where we build simple compound and confocal microscopes on an optical rail. (Letter.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 217—Advanced Avian Physiology (1) Active
Project (Term Project)—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 117; and Consent of Instructor. Graduate standing; NPB 117 required concurrently. Study in depth of a topic in avian physiology through development of a lecture with associated instructional materials such as lesson plan, readings, presentation, and evaluation aids. (Letter.) Effective: 2009 Summer Session 1.
NPB 221—Cellular Neuroscience (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Discussion—1.5 hour(s). Advanced course on cellular and subcellular organization of the nervous system. Membrane channels, sensory transduction, synaptic transmission and cellular aspects of development and learning. (Letter.) Effective: 2015 Winter Quarter.
NPB 222—Systems Neuroscience (5) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Integrative and information-processing aspects of nervous system organization. Topics include sensory systems, motor function, sensorimotor integration, the limbic system, and the neurobiology of learning and memory. (Same course as NSC 222.) (Letter.) Effective: 2002 Winter Quarter.
NPB 245—Computational Models of Cellular Signaling (3) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Computational and mathematical techniques in modeling of regulatory and signaling phenomena in neurobiology and cell physiology, focusing on linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equation models. Applications include ion channel kinetics, electrical activity, signal transduction, calcium oscillations, and simple neural circuits. (Letter.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 247—Topics in Functional Neurogenomics (2) Active
Lecture—1 hour(s); Discussion—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or consent of instructor. The theory, methods and principles of functional neurogenomics with emphasis on the relationship to molecular mechanisms involved in development and disease of the nervous system. (Same course as NSC 247.) (Letter.) Effective: 2003 Spring Quarter.
NPB 261A—Topics in Vision: Eyes and Retinal Mechanisms (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 112; Or the equivalent; graduate standing. Structure and function of the visual system, with emphasis on the eye and retina, including optics, anatomy, transduction, retinal synapses, adaptation, and parallel processing. (Same course as NSC 261A and MCP 261A.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2004 Winter Quarter.
NPB 261B—Topics in Vision: Systems, Psychophysics, Computational Models (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. NPB 261A recommended. Functions of the central visual pathways and their underlying mechanisms. Recent research on aspects of anatomy, biochemistry, electrophysiology, psychophysics, development, and genetics of the visual system. (Same course as NSC 261B and MCP 261B.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2004 Winter Quarter.
NPB 261C—Topics in Vision: Clinical Vision Science (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 261A; NPB 261B; or Consent of Instructor. Causes and mechanistic bases of major blinding diseases. Recent research on aspects of anatomy, biochemistry, electrophysiology, psychophysics, development, and genetics of the visual system related to disease. (Same course as NSC 261C and MCP 261C.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2005 Spring Quarter.
NPB 263—Modeling in Systems Neuroscience (4) Active
Lecture—3 hour(s); Lecture/Lab—1 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Modeling as a tool in systems neuroscience. Mathematical techniques will be introduced and used to explore advanced topics in echolocation, sound localization, electroreception, communications, and motor systems. Other topics include transforms, modeling assumptions, scales and linearity. (Letter.) Effective: 1997 Winter Quarter.
NPB 267—Computational Neuroscience (5) Active
Lecture—4 hour(s); Lecture/Lab—3 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): One course in general Neuroscience at the level of NPB 100 or NPB 110B; one year college-level Calculus at the level of MAT 016A, MAT 016B, MAT 016C or higher; one year Physics at the level of PHY 007A, PHY 007B, PHY 007C recommended; or Consent of Instructor. Mathematical models and data analysis techniques used to describe computations performed by nervous systems. Lecture topics include single-neuron biophysics, neural coding, network dynamics, memory, plasticity, and learning. Lab topics include programming mathematical models and data analysis techniques in MATLAB. (Same course as NSC 267.) (Letter.) Effective: 2018 Winter Quarter.
NPB 270—How to Write a Fundable Grant Proposal in the Biomedical Sciences (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. Restricted to members of the Neuroscience and BMCDB graduate groups; graduate students in other biomedical programs may enroll with instructor permission. Teaches the do’s and don’ts of writing grants in the biomedical sciences and the mechanisms of the review process. May be repeated for credit. (Same course as NSC 270. ) (Letter.) Effective: 2016 Spring Quarter.
NPB 271A—Core Concepts & Methods in Learning, Memory, and Plasticity (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing or Consent of Instructor. Core concepts and methods used in studies of learning, memory and plasticity. Behavioral paradigms and measurement approaches in human and animal studies of learning and plasticity, as well as a consideration of the functional, anatomical and neuronal mechanisms underlying brain plasticity. (Same course as PSC 271A, NSC 271A.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2019 Fall Quarter.
NPB 271B—Core Concepts & Methods in Learning, Memory, & Plasticity (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 271A or NSC 271A or PSC 271A. Core concepts and detailed survey methods used in studies of learning, memory and plasticity, from the cellular and molecular level to the level of neural circuits. Areas of learning, memory, and plasticity research where recent progress has been made in linking across these levels of analysis. (Same course as PSC 271B, NSC 271B.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2020 Winter Quarter.
NPB 271C—Translational Approaches to Learning, Memory, & Plasticity Disorders (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 271B or NSC 271B or PSC 271B. Neurological disorders, the effect of these disorders on learning, memory and plasticity, approved therapeutic options and current research designed to improve understanding and treatment of these diseases: (i) the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and existing therapies, (ii) mechanistic studies in humans and animal models, and (iii) molecular pathways involved in the disease and approaches for drug discovery. (Same course as PSC 271C, NSC 271C.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2020 Spring Quarter.
NPB 285—Literature in Visual Neuroscience (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). May be repeated for credit. (Same course as NSC 285.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2008 Fall Quarter.
NPB 287A—Topics in Theoretical Neuroscience (2) Active
Lecture/Discussion—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. In-depth exploration of topics in theoretical neuroscience. Topic varies each year. Fall quarter (287A): foundational material from books and review articles. Spring quarter (287B): continuation of year's topic through readings of seminal articles from the primary literature. May be repeated for credit. (Same course as NSC 287A.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2017 Spring Quarter.
NPB 287B—Topics in Theoretical Neuroscience (2) Active
Seminar—2 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): Consent of Instructor. In-depth exploration of topics in theoretical neuroscience. Topic varies each year. Fall quarter (287A): foundational material from books and review articles. Spring quarter (287B): continuation of year's topic through readings of seminal articles from the primary literature. May be repeated for credit. (Same course as NSC 287B.) (S/U grading only.) Effective: 2009 Spring Quarter.
NPB 291—Auditory Neuroscience (1) Active
Seminar—0.5 hour(s); Discussion—0.5 hour(s). Prerequisite(s): NPB 100 or NPB 112 or NSC 222; Or the equivalent. Exploration of various important aspects of auditory physiology, behavior and psychophysics through review of original literature. New topic each quarter. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (S/U grading only.) Effective: 1998 Spring Quarter.