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Any one of the following courses fulfills the Neuroscience ‘Foundational’ course requirement for the ‘Neurobiology’ and ‘MBB’ tracks (‘Computational Neuroscience students must take Neuro 105, 115, or 120).. Additional courses from this category can be used to fulfill the ‘Advanced Neuroscience Elective’ courses requirement.
Neuro 120: Introductory Computational Neuroscience
This course introduces students to abstract models of what and how neurons compute and concrete analyses of real neurons in action. Topics include network models of sensory processing and memory, and techniques to compare these models with real experimental data. This course will emphasize students’ contributions and classroom interactions. Programming projects will be a significant aspect of the course, so programming experience (Python, Matlab) is recommended. Familiarity—but not expertise—with linear algebra and differential equations will be assumed. – Dr. Blum, Q report
Neuro 115: Cellular Basis of Neuronal Function
Biophysical and cell biological approaches to excitability, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. This course includes hands-on component for students to learn patch clamp and extracellular recording techniques. – Drs. Draft and Quast, Q Report
All tutorials are half courses (4 credits) that meet throughout the year and cannot be divided with credit. Only one tutorial may count toward concentration requirements (as an advanced neuroscience course).
These courses are recommended for juniors and capped at 12 students. They provide an opportunity to learn from a professional neuroscientist over an entire year, to explore important research topics that are not covered in depth in other courses, and to become comfortable reading primary scientific literature and analyzing scientific data.
We are offering 5 tutorials this year. You can and should shop multiple tutorials. To enroll in a tutorial:
Neuro 101J: Maps of the Brain: how we organize the world (New Course) – Julien Grimaud
Neuro 101K: Musical Brain – how the brain processes sound and creates music (New Course) – Dr. Erin Diel
Neuro 101F (formerly Neuro 111): The Neurobiology of Learning and Memory – Dr. Joseph Zak, Q report
Neuro 101G: Sex and the Brain – Dr. Tari Tan, Q report
Neuro 101L: The Neurobiology of Sleep and Its Role in Mental Health – Dr. Ed Pace-Schott, Q report
Biomedical Engineering 110: Physiological Systems Analysis
– Dr. Smith, Q Report
Neuro 120: Introductory Computational Neuroscience
This course introduces students to abstract models of what and how neurons compute and concrete analyses of real neurons in action. Topics include network models of sensory processing and memory, and techniques to compare these models with real experimental data. This course will emphasize students’ contributions and classroom interactions. Programming projects will be a significant aspect of the course, so programming experience (Python, Matlab) is recommended. Familiarity—but not expertise—with linear algebra and differential equations will be assumed. – Dr. Blum, Q report
[Neuro 141: The Physics of Sensory Systems in Biology] – Dr. Samuel, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Psychology 1201: Your Brain on Drugs: Psychopharmacology – Dr. Lukas, Q Report
[Psychology 1304: Brain Damage as a Window into the Mind: Cognitive Neuropsychology] – Dr. Caramazza, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Psychology 1309: Essentials of fMRI for Cognitive Neuroscientists – Dr. Konkle, Q report
Psychology 1451: Debugging the brain: Computational Approaches to Mental Dysfunction – This course examines recent work applying computational models to mental disorders. – Dr. Gershman, Q Report
[SCRB 182: Got Brain? Evolution’s Role in Generating and Regenerating the Brain] – Dr. Arlotta, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
[Biomedical Engineering 130: Neural Control of Movement] – Dr. Smith, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Neuro 115: Cellular Basis of Neuronal Function – Biophysical and cell biological approaches to excitability, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. This course includes hands-on component for students to learn patch clamp and extracellular recording techniques. – Drs. Draft and Quast, Q Report
[Neuro 131: Computational Neuroscience] – Dr. Sompolinsky, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Psychology 1202: Modern Neuroanatomy – Dr. Buckner, Q Report
[Psychology 1251: Circuits and Symptoms] – Dr. Buckholtz, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
[Psychology 1303: The Human Brain Then and Now] – Dr. Buckner, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Neuro 1401: Computational Cognitive Neuroscience – teaching students how to simulate brain function with computer programs. Special emphasis will be placed on processes like learning, memory, attention, decision-making, and object perception. – Dr. Gershman, Q Report
Psych 1406: Biological and Artificial Visual Systems: How Humans and Machines Represent the World (New Course) – Dr. Alvarez
[Psychology 1430: Human Memory and Amnesia] – current data and theory concerning human memory and amnesia from cognitive, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological perspectives – Dr. Schacter, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
† Courses taught at Harvard Medical School (HMS, Longwood Campus)
APMTH 226: Neural Computation (New Course) – Dr. Pehlevan
Neurobiology 215A†: The Discipline of Neuroscience – Dr. Goodrich et al, Q Report
Computer Science 280r: Advanced Topics in artificial Intelligence – Dr. Schieber, Q Report
Engineering Sciences 226r: Topics in neural engineering: Learning and memory in Neural Systems – Dr. Smith, Q Report
Neurobiology 209†: Neurobiology of Disease
– Dr. Kravitz, Q Report
This course covers a major disease or disorder of the nervous system each week, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, Mood and Autism Spectrum disorder and others. The course is taught at the Harvard Medical School on Monday (6-8:30 PM) and Wednesday (7-9:30 PM) evenings. The Monday sessions involve patient presentations and “core” lectures describing clinical progression, pathology, and basic science underlying a major disease or disorder. On Wednesdays, students present material from original literature sources, and there is general discussion. The course is for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and MD and MD/PhD students. The recommended prerequisite are: Introductory neurobiology, biochemistry, and genetics/molecular biology. The course is given in alternate years and is listed at the Medical School as NB 713.0.
There are many ways to study Neuro abroad. Please talk to Ryan or Laura to get started planning. We regularly have students study both during the term and in the summer all over the world.
Trento, Italy (1 MBB course)
Oxford, England (1 Intermediate Biology course)
Tokyo, Japan (1 Advanced Neuro course)
Many students also create their own summer neuroscience program through grants from OCS (including non-credit internships, like the Weissman Fellowship). Check out more here!
Note: all MBB 980 courses in the catalog count for the MBB seminar requirement.
The following list of classes count as modeling/analysis electives for students on the Computational Neuroscience Track. Additional courses may be petitioned for approval.
APMTH 50: Intro to Applied Mathematics, Q report
APMTH 104: Complex Analysis and Series Expansions, Q report
APMTH 105: Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Q report
APMTH 107: Graph Theory and Combinatorics, Q report
APMTH 108: Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, Q report
APMTH 111 : Intro Scientific Computing, Q report
APMTH 120: Applied Linear Algebra and Big Data, Q report
APMTH 231 : Decision Theory, Q report
APMTH 232 : Learning, Estimation, and Control of Dynamical Systems (New Course)
[CS 108: Intelligent Systems: Design and Ethical Challenges] – not offered 2019-20
CS 109: Intro to Data Science, Q report
CS 121: Intro to Theoretical Computer Science, Q report
CS 124: Data Structures and Algorithms, Q report
[CS 125: Algorithms and Complexity] – not offered 2019-20
CS 143: Computer Networks, Q report
CS 181: Machine Learning, Q report
[CS 182: Artificial Intelligence] – not offered 2019-20
ENG-SCI/APM 115: Mathematical Modeling, Q report
ENG-SCI/APM 121: Intro to Optimization, Q report
ENG-SCI 155: Systems and Control, Q report
[ENG-SCI/APM 158: Feedback Control of Dynamical Systems] – not offered 2019-20
MCB 111: Mathematics in Biology, Q report
MCB 112: Biological Data Analysis, Q report
MCB 198: Advanced Math Techniques for Modern Biology, Q report
[MCB 199: Statistical Thermodynamics and Quantitative Biology] – not offered 2019-20
[Psych 2030: Bayesian Data Analysis] – not offered 2019-20
Stat 111: Theoretical Inference, Q report
Stat 115: Introduction to Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Q report (New Course)
Stat 117: Data Analysis in Modern Biostatistics, Q report (New Course)
Stat 121: Data Science, Q report
Stat 131: Time Series & Prediction, Q report
Stat 139: Linear Models, Q report
Stat 149: Generalized Linear Models, Q report
Stat 171: Intro to Stochastic Processes, Q report
Stat 220: Bayesian Data Analysis, Q report
[Computer Science 182: Artificial Intelligence]- Dr. Rush, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
[Computer Science 108: Intelligent Systems] – Dr. Grosz, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Computer Science 181: Machine Learning – Dr. Doshi-Velez Q Report
Computer Science 189: Autonomous Robots – Dr. Nagpal, Q Report
Economics 1057: Game Theory and Social Behavior – Drs. Yoeli and Hoffman, Q Report
Economics 980Z: Behavioral Finance – Dr. Stein, Q report
Economics 1030: Psychology & Economics – Drs. Strzalecki and Shleifer, Q Report
[Economics 1036: Psychology & Economics of Beliefs – Dr. Rabin, Q report]- not offered 2019-20
Note: Education courses are offered at the graduate level, but are open to undergrads.
[EDU AH125: Science-Driven Innovation in the Early Childhood Ecosystem] – Dr. Shinkiff – not offered 2019-20
Edu H115: Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, and Education – Dr. Pollack
EDU H126: Typical and Atypical Neurodevelopment – Drs. Nelson and Gaab
EDU H250: Developmental Psychology – Dr. Harris
[Edu H510A: Machine Learning and Human Learning] – Dr. Fadel – not offered 2019-20
HistSci 170: Broken Brains – Dr. Harrington, Q report
[Hist Sci 178: History of Psychotherapies] – Dr. Lunbeck, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
[Gen Ed 1040 (formerly CB 34) Madness and Medicine: Themes in the History of Psychiatry] – Dr. Harrington, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
[Hist Sci 176V: Mind and Brain: Themes in the History of Neuroscience] – Dr. Prkachin – not offered 2019-20
Hist Sci 177V: The Sciences of Memory, Lies, and Pain – Dr. Prkachin, Q report
[Human Evolutionary Biology 1310: Hormones and Behavior] – Dr. Hooven, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
Human Evolutionary Biology 1418: Endocrinology and Behavior: Research Seminar – Dr. Lipson, Q Report
Human Evolutionary Biology 1600: Evolution of Complex Traits – Dr. Ruvolo, Q Report
Human Evolutionary Biology 1330: Primate Social Behavior – Drs. Schamberg & Webb, Q Report
Human Evolutionary Biology 1339: The Human Brain in the Animal Kingdom (New Course) – Dr. Hecht
Linguistics 83: Language, Structure, and Cognition – Dr. Davidson, Q Report
Linguistics 132: Psychosemantics (New Course) – Dr. Davdison, Q report
[Linguistics 160 / Psychology 1605: Psychology of Language – Drs. Snedeker & Chierchia, Q Report] – not offered in ’19-20
[Philosophy 158A: Inference and Memory: Proseminar – Dr. Siegel, Q report] – not offered in ’19-20
Philosophy 156: Philosophy of Mind – Dr. Chen, Q Report
Psych 1 (formerly SLS-20): Intro to Psychological Science – Dr. Gilbert (Fall), Q Report
Psychology 14: Cognitive Neuroscience – Drs. Schacter, Phelps, Q Report
Psychology 18: Abnormal Psychology – Dr. Buckholtz, Q Report
Psychology 980JK: Mood Disorders – Dr. Roberts, Q report
Psychology 980K: Growing Up & Growing Old: Cognitive Changes in Childhood and Aging – Dr. Zaitchik-Samet, Q Report
Psychology 1305: Evolutionary Psychology – Dr. Krasnow, Q Report
Psychology 1702: The Emotional Mind – Dr. Somerville, Q Report
Psychology 1750: Free Will, Responsibility, and Law – Dr. Greene, Q Report
[Psychology 1863: Social Factors in Psychopathology – Dr. Hooley, Q Report]- not offered in ’19-20
______
Note: Grad level Psychology courses (2000 level) may be petitioned for MBB elective credit (email Dr. Draft or Dr. Magnotti prior to enrolling)
Psych 1 (formerly SLS-20): Intro to Psychological Science – Dr. Mitchell (Spring), Q Repor
Psychology 16: Developmental Psych – Dr. Snedecker, Q Report
GenEd 1046 (formerly Psych 1002): Evolving Morality] – Dr. Greene, Q Report
Psychology 1355: The Adolescent Brain – Dr. Somerville, Q Report
[Psychology 1358: Cognitive and neural aspects of object and action knowledge] – Dr. Caramazza, Q Report – not offered 2019-20
[Psychology 1611: Dev. Disabilities] – Dr. Gaab – not offered 2019-20
Psychology 1654: What infants know, how children learn (New Course) – Dr. Spelke
Psychology 1801: Anxiety Disorders – Dr. McNally, Q report
Psychology 1861: Developmental Psychopathology – Dr. Weisz, Q Report
______
Note: Grad level Psychology courses (2000 level) may be petitioned for MBB elective credit (email Dr. Draft or Dr. Magnotti prior to enrolling)
GenEd 1058 (formerly SCRB 60): Tech Ethics: AI, Biotech and the Future of Human Nature – Drs. Sandel and Melton, Q Report
Gen Ed 1064 (formerly SCRB 187): Brains, Identity, and Moral Agency – Dr. Hyman, Q Report
Neuro 91. Laboratory Research
Ryan W. Draft and Members of the Department
This course is taken twice to obtain credit for independent laboratory research during the 6th, 7th, or 8th semester. Research work should be directed by a member of the Neuroscience concentration standing committee or an appropriate Harvard affiliated faculty member in another department or institution. All students must submit registration materials for Neuro 91 at the time of enrollment.
Neuro 91 Registration Form – To be completed by registration deadline to enroll in Neuro 91.
Neuro 99. Honors Thesis Tutorial
Ryan W. Draft and Members of the Department
For students writing a thesis in Neuroscience. This course is ordinarily taken in the last semester of enrollment. The Head Tutor must approve a thesis proposal prior to enrolling in Neuro 99.
Neuro 99 Registration Form (serves as either form) – To be completed by the registration deadline to enroll in Neuro 99 and/or submit your senior thesis abstract at the beginning of your 8th (final) semester.
Final written report instructions/forms for 91 students and thesis writers (see accordion below):
** Email the report to 1) your PI and 2) James Poolner (jp@mcb.harvard.edu) by the listed deadline **
Potential Thesis Writer Enrolled in 91 or 99
Non-Thesis Writer Enrolled in 91 or 99
Combined Thesis Proposal and 91 Final Report
Due: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 @5 PM
Neuro 91 Final Report
Due: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 @5 PM
See Thesis Guidelines
Fall: Intro Rough Draft. Mon, Dec 9, 2019 @5 PM
Spring: Final Thesis. Fri, March 13, 2020 @5 PM
