Neuroscience

From the NJIT Department of Biology, the Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience is an exciting program with new courses launched in the Fall of 2018. The program bridges many levels of nervous system organization and function, from single nerve cells to behavior. Students will be introduced to the cell and molecular biology, biophysics, and electrophysiology of nerve cells and synapses. They will learn how these properties give rise to neural circuit and systems function, and how computational and signal processing approaches are used to understand neural coding and information processing in the brain. The fundamental biological and computational principles that govern brain function can then be applied to understand diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and instrumentation.

Who would be suited to take this program? 

As many aspects of neuroscience are rooted in the basic biology of the nervous system, the program is well suited to students with a biology background. However, neuroscience is inherently multidisciplinary in both fundamental and applied approaches. Therefore, students with backgrounds in psychology, computational and mathematical principles of coding and information processing, or engineering applications, are also well matched.   

What are the Required Courses?

What will I learn?

• Cellular Neurophysiology - The nervous system from a functional perspective. The goal is to understand how ion channels and other components of nerve cells give rise to electrical excitability and synaptic function, and how those properties are then used for coding information and higher order function in the nervous system.

• Systems Neuroscience - Neurophysical phenomena from a systems perspective. Basic concepts of cellular neuroscience, such as excitability, impulse conduction, and integration of activity at the cellular, before focusing on network level physiology of the nervous system and its role in the generation of behavior. The basic knowledge to understand neurobiological processes at all levels of complexity.

• Neural Engineering - Understanding how the brain functions using engineering principles. Different instrumentation and signal processing algorithms to study how the brain functions, how to detect different pathologies and new applications for research. Basic overview of neurology, vector populations, neural networks, vision research, functional MRI, functional electrical stimulation, neural prosthetics, and other advanced research topics studying neurology.

• Intro to Comp Neuroscience - The modeling, computational and analysis techniques for single neurons and small neuronal networks. Knowledge of neurobiology, electric circuits and numerical tools for the solution of differential equations.

• Advanced Comp Neuroscience - Modeling and computational analysis of biological neuronal networks.

• Neuropathology - Clinical (pathological) case studies of nervous system dysfunction

• Biology of Addiction - Substance Use Disorder from a biological viewpoint, with aspects of psychological, epidemiological, social and economical factors. Covered are psychopharmacology, structure and function of the nervous system, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, and specific substances of abuse.

• Clinical Physiology & Neurophys - Neurophysiology in human neurological diseases, gastrointestinal tract, pulmonary respiratory system, renal and liver functions, blood and hemodynamic, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function.

• Principles of Neuromuscular Engineering - Neurophysiology, motor control and robotics to study the human motor system. Sensorimotor learning and acquisition of new motor skills are emphasized. Topics include the central nervous system, muscle properties, spinal motor circuitry and dynamics of limb motion.

Why study Neuroscience at NJIT?

In recent years, research into the myriad complexities of the brain and neurophysiology has gained momentum at NJIT across diverse disciplines, including biology, biomedical engineering, mathematical sciences and computing. With the formal inauguration of the university’s Institute for Brain and Neuroscience Research (IBNR) in 2017, the efforts of NJIT researchers to increase basic understanding of the brain that could lead to new healing therapies for related injuries and disease will be more sharply focused and closely coordinated.

Into what industries might holders of this program find employment?

Clinical Research, Biology, Neuroscience, Bioinformatics

Prerequisites

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in biology, computational mathematics, engineering, or psychology.

Related Degree Programs

All courses in this program related entirely to the NJIT MS in Biology

Take Note

Check the course descriptions for more information. Some courses have prerequisites and must be taken in order.

Faculty Advisor: Dirk Bucher