Ph.D Course Descriptions
Proseminars
HCS 6302 Issues in
Behavioral and Brain Sciences - Part I (3 semester hours) Doctoral proseminar on current theory
and research in Cognition and Neuroscience, Communication Sciences and
Disorders, and Psychological Sciences. Pass/Fail only. (Open only to HCS
doctoral students) (3-0) Y
HCS 6303 Issues in Behavioral and
Brain Sciences - Part II
(3 semester hours) Continuation of the doctoral proseminar
on current theory and research in Cognition and Neuroscience, Communication
Sciences and Disorders, and Psychological Sciences. Pass/Fail
only. (Open only to HCS doctoral students) (3-0) Y
Research Methods Courses
HCS 6312 (ACN 6312, PSYC 6312) Research
Methods in Behavioral and Brain Sciences - Part I (3 semester hours) Applying, understanding, and
interpreting various statistical techniques in behavioral science context. Participants have
the opportunity to learn appropriate statistical details for basic descriptive
and inferential statistics, the interrelationships among techniques, and
computer skills required for data analyses. Students without the
necessary background knowledge of basic statistics and experimental design will
be required to take PSY 3392 before registering for HCS 6312. (3-0) Y
HCS 6313 (ACN 6313, PSYC 6313) Research Methods in Behavioral and Brain
Sciences - Part II (3 semester hours) Topics in general linear modeling
including regression analysis correlation, simple analysis of variance,
factorial analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, between and within
subject designs, and multiple regression. Prerequisite: ACN/HCS/PSYC 6312. (3-0) Y
HCS 6314 Instrumentation (3 semester hours) Basic principles of electricity,
signal processing, instrumentation, and laboratory safety. (3-0) R
HCS 6316 (ACN 6316, PSYC 6316) Research Methods in Behavioral and Brain
Sciences - Part III (3 semester hours) Applying, understanding, and
interpreting various advanced multivariate statistical techniques in brain and behavioral
science contexts. Includes
principle component analyses, simple and multiple correspondence analyses,
partial least square regression, discriminant analyses, and structural equation
modeling.
(3-0) R
HCS 6319 (ACN 6319,
PSYC 6319) Scientific Writing (3 semester hours) Scientific writing of
articles for publication. (3-0) Y
HCS 6399 (ACN 6399, PSYC 6399) Research Ethics and Scientific Integrity (3
semester hours) An interactive, intensive course designed to cover critical
issues related to human subjects, animal welfare, research design,
accountability of scientific actions and fraud. Course designed for
individuals intending research careers in academia or industry. (3-0) Y
HCS 7310 Advanced Research Methods (3 semester hours) Advanced methods of inquiry
and analysis unique to Cognition and Neuroscience, Communication Sciences and
Disorders, or Psychological Sciences. Prerequisite: HCS 6313. (May be repeated for credit.) (3-0) Y
HCS 7312 Applied Research Design:
Growth Modeling (3 semester
hours) Practical application and interpretation of individual growth
modeling, an analytic strategy for analyzing longitudinal data. Introduction of
basic concepts underlying the models, describing computer programs for
conducting analyses, and interpreting results. Students will be required to
complete weekly assignments. Permission of the instructor is required. (3-0) R
HCS 7315 Grant Writing for Researchers (3 semester hours) Identifying
funding sources appropriate to research needs, formulating a research plan,
generating specific aims and a methodological design to address those aims,
presentation of preliminary results to show the feasibility of the proposed
work, and use of appropriate reference citations. Prerequisite: Permission of
instructor. (3-0 ) Y
Cognition and Neuroscience
HCS 5314 (ACN 5314) Cognitive and Neural
Modeling Lab (3 semester hours)
Auto-associative, associative, competitive learning, recurrent, and
back-propagation artificial neural network architectures in a
"hands-on" micro-computer laboratory environment using special
simulation software. Applications
to perceptual, cognitive, computational, and neuroscience modeling problems. Prerequisites:
Linear Algebra and Computer Programming Experience is recommended but not
required. (3-0) T
HCS 6310 (ACN 6310) Fundamentals of Functional Brain Imaging (3 semester
hours) This course covers topics such as principles of tracer techniques, neuroimaging instrumentation,
fundamentals of SPECT, PET, and fMRI, brain physiology
(perfusion, metabolism, and receptor function), image processing and analysis,
critical evaluation of the functional neuroimaging literature, and
safety issues. (3-0) Y
HCS 6322 (ACN 6322) Computational Models of Language Understanding (3
semester hours) Probabilistic methods for natural language understanding. Use of the MATLAB computer language
for instantiating specific knowledge-based computational theories of natural
language understanding. Prerequisites: Computer programming
experience is recommended but not required. (3-0) T
HCS 6330 (ACN 6330, PSYC 6330) Cognitive Science (3 semester hours)
Cognitive, computational, and neural processing approaches to understanding
perception, memory, thought, language and emotion. (3-0) Y
HCS 6332 (ACN 6332, PSYC 6332)
Perception (3 semester hours)
Psychophysical, neurophysiological, and computational foundations of
sensation and perception. Basic
senses of vision, audition, chemoreception, and tactile processing, with
emphasis on understanding the processes that take us from neurons to perception
and action.
(3-0) R
HCS 6333 (ACN 6333, PSYC 6333) Memory (3 semester hours) Research and theory on the
acquisition, representation and retrieval of information by the mind/brain. Includes information processing and
neuropsychological perspectives. (3-0) T
HCS 6334 (ACN 6334) Attention (3 semester hours) Theory and evidence on the
study of attention especially in human vision and audition. Includes perceptual learning,
information processing, and neuropsychological approaches. (3-0) R
HCS 6336 Principles of Developmental Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Molecular and cellular events underlying neuronal differentiation, axon
guidance, synapse formation, neurotrophic factors, and neural
death, with special emphasis on activity-dependent plasticity and its role in
generating and maintaining the extraordinary precision of connections found in
the nervous system. Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor or two of the
following: HCS 6340, HCS 6346, HCS 6344 (3-0) T
HCS 6340 (ACN 6340) Cellular Neuroscience (3
semester hours) Basic neural biology and physiology and principles of
synaptic transmission.
(3-0) Y
HCS 6343 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (3 semester hours) Current
research and theory on modifications in the central nervous system that
contribute to the processes of learning and memory. Includes an overview of different forms of learning as
assessed in model systems, with extensive review of anatomical, cellular, and
molecular changes underlying neuronal and behavioral plasticity. Prerequisite: HCS
6346 (3-0) T
HCS 6344 (ACN 6344,
PSYC 6344) Functional Human Neuroanatomy
(3 semester hours) Function of each major brain system as
related to the organization and synaptic connections of their principal nuclei. Function of each
system related to the neurological disorders associated with disease or lesions
at specific locations. (3-0) T
HCS 6346 (ACN 6346, PSYC 6346) Systems Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Integrative systems level study of the nervous system. Aspects of neural mechanisms and
circuitry underlying regulation of motor behaviors, sensory and perceptual
processing, biological homeostasis, and higher cognitive functions. (3-0) Y
HCS 6347 (ACN 6347) Intelligent Systems Analysis (3 semester hours)
Mathematical tools for investigating the asymptotic behavior of both deterministic
and stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems for the purposes of building
computational models in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and artificial
intelligence. Topics include: artificial neural network architectures, Lyapunov stability theory, nonlinear
optimization theory, stochastic approximation theory, and the Gibbs Sampler.
Prerequisites: HCS 6348 (or equivalent) or consent of instructor. (3-0) T
HCS 6348 (ACN 6348) Neural Net
Mathematics (3 semester hours)
Vector calculus and vector calculus-based probability theory with
artificial neural network modeling applications. Intended to provide mathematics
preparation for HCS 6347 and HCS 6349. Prerequisites: (1)
Linear algebra, multivariable calculus, STAT 5351, and HCS 5314, or (2) consent
of instructor. (3-0) T
HCS 6349 (ACN 6349) Intelligent Systems Design (3 semester hours) Mathematical
tools for the design and evaluation of artificially intelligent deterministic
and stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems for the purposes of building computational
models in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence.
Topics include Markov Random Field probability representations and asymptotic
mathematical statistical theory for parameter estimation, model selection, and
hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: HCS 6347 or consent of instructor. (3-0) T
HCS 6351 (ACN
6351) Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience (3 semester hours) Data analysis techniques
relevant to neuroscience. Topics may
include: fourier/wavelet analysis, differential
equations, and statistical data analysis methods. May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite: ACN/HCS 6312 or consent of instructor (3-0) R
HCS 6355 (ACN 6355, PSYC 6355) Judgment and Decision Making (3 semester
hours) This course examines human inferences, judgments, decisions, and the
processes by which we arrive at them. It will focus on the fact that our social
judgments are not based on the laws of probability and chance, but on other
cognitive processes that may have serious shortcomings in important inferential
and decision-making tasks. We will also see that these processes, while
ecologically efficient, systematic and often predictable, are imperfect in
today’s data-rich environment. (3-0) T
HCS 6363 (ACN
6363) Text Comprehension Seminar (3 semester hours) Current readings in the
field of text comprehension and memory. May be repeated for credit with
instructor’s permission. (3-0) T
HCS 6372 (ACN 6372) The
Neuroscience of Pain (3 semester hours A systems-oriented
course covering the anatomical and physiologic basis of pain. The course
emphasizes the similarities and differences between the different forms of pain
and describes the basic features of neural processing of pain signals in the
spinal cord and brain, the anatomy and the function of the descending systems
that can control transmission of pain signals, and peripheral and central
sensitization. The physiological and molecular basis for treatment of pain is
discussed.(3-0) Y
HCS 6373 (ACN 6373) Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring I (3 semester hours) The anatomical and physiological basis for the
use of electrophysiological techniques in intraoperative neurophysiologic
monitoring and in diagnosis of disorders affecting the nervous system. (3-0) Y
HCS 6374 (ACN 6374) Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring II (3 semester hours)
The use of recordings of neuro-electric brain
potentials and their interpretation for diagnostic purposes and for intraoperative monitoring.
Prerequisite: HCS 6373 (ACN 6373) (3-0) Y
HCS 7309 (COMD 7309) Neural Correlates
of Human Cognition: Lesion-Deficit Models (3 semester hours) A framework of
how the correlation of brain lesions with behavioral deficits provides a key
map associating cognitive functions with specific brain regions in humans.
These findings provide a key model to combine with the findings of functional
neuroimaging (fMRI, PET) in understanding how humans think. The areas of
cognition to be covered include language, episodic memory, semantic memory, working
memory, aspects of visuospatial functions, and
higher-order motor planning. Cognitive deficits in patients (e.g., amnesia,
aphasia, etc.) will be explained within this framework. (3-0)
HCS 7315 Statistical Analysis of Brain Imaging Data (3 semester hours)
Covers analysis of brain imaging data obtained from diverse techniques such as
PET, SPECT, fMRI, or EEG. Includes "standard
analyses" with packages such as SPM02 or AFNI as well as pattern analyses
approaches (e.g., partial least squares regression, correspondence, discriminant, and principal
component analyses). (3-0) R
HCS 7329 Functional Brain Imaging Practica (3 semester hours)
Application of learned skills to short research projects in a small group
format. Projects include: 1) acquisition of new data in SPECT, PET or fMRI in association with
ongoing funded research; 2) mentored analysis of existing data sets; and 3)
experimental design projects with a full experimental protocol, including
informed consent procedures, acquisition parameters and data analysis plans.
All projects are reviewed in a biweekly group meeting to facilitate learning
across groups. (3-0) R
HCS 7330 (ACN 7330) Advanced Functional Brain Imaging (3 semester hours)
Exploration of topics such as neuroimaging detection systems, experimental
design, statistical techniques in image analysis, reviews of pertinent
literature using functional brain imaging to illuminate various
cognitive/perceptual processes, such as language, memory, hearing, and vision
and clinical applications of functional neuroimaging. (3-0) R
HCS 7333 (ACN 7335) Computational
Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Construction of biologically realistic simulations of neurons and small neural
circuits using state-of-the-art simulation software. Students will
construct simulations that shed light on the neural basis of higher functions
such as visual contrast enhancement, perceptual oscillation, sensory
localization, and motor pattern generation. (3-0) R
HCS 7334 Affective Neuroscience (3 semester hours) The current state of
studies and theories of the biological basis of emotion and affective
behaviors. The interactions of emotional processes with other brain functions
will be discussed. Topics covered may include anxiety, depression, stress, and
fear as well as hedonically positive emotional states. Prerequisite: ACN/HCS
6346. (3-0) R
HCS 7337 Advanced Neuroscience Lab
Methods (3 semester hours) An
intensive hands on focus upon widely used neuroscience laboratory methods, with
particular emphases on neurophysiological, neurochemical, and biobehavioral approaches. Prerequisites: HCS 6346 and HCS
7343 or instructor's permission. (3-0) R
HCS 7343 (ACN 7343) Neuropharmacology (3 semester hours) Biology of neurotransmission in
the central nervous system. Includes ionotropic and
metabotropic coupling of all known classes of receptors to both their cellular
and systemic effects. Clinical efficacy, side effects, and other
issues related to drug use and abuse are covered. Prerequisite: Consent of
Instructor or either: HCS 6340 or HCS 6346. (3-0) T
HCS 7351 Aging and the Nervous System (3 semester hours) Critical evaluation of research
and theory concerning the impact of aging on neuronal function. Cognitive dysfunctions, dementias, and
underlying neuropathologies, as well as neurophysiological
and neurochemical changes that accompany normal aging. (3-0) R
HCS 7335 Seminar in Auditory Cortical Processing (3 semester hours) Basic
principles of neural information processing with special emphasis on the
central nervous system processes underlying hearing and speech perception. May be repeated for credit. (3-0)
T
HCS 7372 Seminar in Cognition and Neuroscience (3 semester hours)
Selected topics and current research in cognition and neuroscience. (May be repeated for credit.) (3-0) R
Communication Sciences and Disorders
HCS 6339 (ACN 6339, PSYC 6339)
Psycholinguistics (3 semester
hours) Classic and current research in psycholinguistics. Includes concepts from linguistics,
the biological bases of speech and language processing, and child language
acquisition. Hands-on exercises include labs on speech perception,
language acquisition, and language comprehension. (3-0) R
HCS 6367 (ACN
6367, PSYC 6367) Speech Perception (3 semester hours) Current topics and
theories in speech perception. Topics include the acoustic
correlates of speech sounds and the problem of invariance, the perception of
speech under adverse conditions, the effects of hearing impairment, and models
of speech perception. (3-0) T
HCS 6368 (ACN 6368, PSYC 6368) Language Development (3
semester hours) Advanced study of normal oral language development. Focus on research in
child language and recent theories of language acquisition. Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor. (3-0) Y
HCS 6379 Neurological Basis of Language Development (3 semester hours)
Study of the developing brain and how it relates to the acquisition and
development of language throughout the lifespan. (3-0) R
HCS 6391 Seminar on Preliteracy Development (3 semester hours)
Selected topics and current research in preliteracy development (May be
repeated for credit). (3-0)
R
HCS 6392 Seminar in Theories of
Language Acquisition (3
semester hours) A survey and critical exploration of current theories of
language acquisition and more general theories of cognitive development that
have been applied to language development. (3-0)
R
HCS 7352 Seminar in Language Impairments in Children (3 semester hours) Advanced study of language
impairments in children emphasizing research issues related to these diverse
clinical populations. Topics may include SLI, SCI, SELD, hearing loss, and Autism Spectrum Disorders
among others. May
be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: COMD 6307 or HCS 6368 and
COMD 7378 or consent of instructor. (3-0)
T
HCS 7367 (ACN 7367) Speech Perception
Laboratory (3 semester hours)
Introduction to the field of speech processing by computer, with primary
application to research techniques in the study of speech perception. (0-9) T
HCS 7379 (COMD 7379) Current Research in Autism (3 semester hours) Exploration
of research and theories related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the
implications the disability has on an individual’s learning, behavior and
ability to process information. Topics may include: diagnostic classification, the evaluation process, current theoretical
models, intervention models, research on potential causes and treatments,
provisions for service delivery and areas of impairment. (3-0) Y
HCS 7V71 Topics in Communication
Sciences and Disorders (1-6
semester hours) Selected topics and current research in communication sciences
and disorders.
(May be repeated
for credit.) ([1-6]-0) R
Psychological Sciences
HCS 6327 (PSYC 6327) Personality (3 semester hours)
Survey of cognitive, analytic, and learning theory approaches to study of
personality. Emphasis on intensive exploration of selected
concepts and related research (3-0) R
HCS 6331 (ACN 6331, PSYC 6331) Cognitive Development (3 semester hours) Survey of cognitive development theories
and research in a variety of domains including perception, memory, language,
and intelligence. (3-0) Y
HCS 6350 (PSYC 6350) Social Development (3 semester hours)
Foundations of social and personality development. Includes survey of psychodynamic,
social learning, behavior genetic, family systems, and social-cognitive
approaches to the study of attachment, parenting, aggression, peer
relationships, sex typing, and other contemporary issues. (3-0) Y
HCS 6357 (PSYC 6357, HDCD 6319) The Developing Child: Infants and Toddlers
(3 semester hours) Relevant developmental theories and processes as well as
skills acquired in motor, sensory-perception, cognitive, and social domains
from the prenatal period through two years of age. (3-0) Y
HCS 6359 (PSYC 6320, HDCD 6320) The Developing Child: Toddler and Preschool
Years (Two to Five Years) (3 semester hours) Relevant developmental
theories and processes as well as skills acquired in motor, sensory-perceptual,
cognitive, and social domains from 2 to 5 years. (3-0) Y
HCS 6376 (PSYC 6376) Social
Psychology (3
semester hours) Overview of the social bases of behavior.
Topics may include social cognition and self justification, biases in
judgment, attitudes and persuasion, conformity, compliance, group dynamics,
prejudice and stereotyping, interpersonal attraction and relationships,
aggression and altruism, cultural diversity, and applications relevant to these
aspects of the human experience. Special attention to research paradigms of interest to
students developing their own empirical work. (3-0) Y
HCS 6395 (ACN 6395, PSYC 6395) Cognitive Psychology (3 semester
hours) Theory and research on perception, learning, thinking,
psycholinguistics, and memory. Prerequisites: PSY 3361 (or CGS
3361) or equivalent. (3-0) Y
HCS 7311 Family Psychology (3 semester hours) Theory and research on
family systems, including topics related to family interactions and
relationships within the family. (3-0) R
HCS 7355 Seminar in Psychological Sciences (1-6 semester hours) Selected topics
of current research in social or cognitive development. (May be repeated for credit.) (3-0) R
HCS 7376 (HDCD 6385, PSYC 6335) Child Psychopathology (3
semester hours) Major classes of childhood psychopathology manifested
during infancy through adolescence. Normal personality development as a basis for identifying
psychopathology. Issues
of etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and social policy. (3-0) R
HCS 7382 Health Psychology (3 semester hours) This course examines
current theory and research concerning the social, cognitive, behavioral, and
biological processes that shape our experiences of physical health. The
importance of these concepts for health behaviors, psychosomatics, and
psychological adjustment to illness will be discussed. (3-0) T
Other Courses
HCS 7380 Practicum in
Communication Sciences (3 semester hours) Supervised research or practice-based
activities in applied contexts or evaluation and therapeutic management of
communication disorders. Weekly conference may be required. Pass/Fail only.
(May be repeated for credit) (3-0) S
HCS 7V98 Directed Individual Study in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1-9
semester hours) Individualized program of study which may include
reading, research, implementation of clinical strategies, and/or other designated
activities. (May be repeated for credit) ([1-9]-0) S
HCS 8V50 Doctoral Readings and Research Seminar (1-6 semester hours) Seminar
for advanced doctoral students on current issues and research in Behavioral and
Brain Sciences. (May be repeated for credit) ([1-6]-0) S
HCS 8V80 Research in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1-9 semester hours)
Supervised research
experience. (May be
repeated for credit.) ([1-9]-0) S
HCS 8V99 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) (May be repeated for
credit.) ([1-9]-0) S