Amherst College's interest in Neuroscience began in 1973, when the college was the first institution to offer an undergraduate major in the field. Majors take courses from a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and psychology.
Reports, announcements, correspondence, and various course materials documenting the establishment and ongoing administration of the academic program in neuroscience at Amherst College, 1971-2011, as well as instruction in certain lower-level biology courses. Includes initial reports proposing neuroscience as an academic major in the early 1970s, and a follow-up report on the state of the department in 1979. Course materials include syllabi, laboratory assignments for Biology 35 (Neurobiology), as well as lower-level courses Biology 12 ("Introductory Biology"), 18 ("Adaptation and the Organism") and 26 ("Physiology").
This collection is organized into five series:
Generally, the records are open for research. Access to portions of the records is restricted to Neuroscience faculty for 50 years. These folders are noted in the finding aid and on the folders. In addition, particularly fragile items may be restricted for preservation purposes.
Requests for permission to publish material from the records should be directed to the Archives and Special Collections. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:
[Identification of item], in Amherst College Dept. of Neuroscience Records [Box #], Amherst College Archives and Special Collections, Amherst College Library.
Transferred by Prof. Stephen A. George from his office, October 2012.
The files were organized into series and restricted material was identified.
Consists of reports prepared in the 1970s concerning the establishment of an academic major in neuroscience at Amherst and also within the Five College consortium. Also, brochures about the Neuroscience program prepared for prospective majors.
Consists of correspondence, event announcements, budget and other records documenting the administration of the department.
Portions restricted; see folders.
Includes announcements and other information regarding special topic colloquia offered in the department.
Consists of syllabi and laboratory assignments for Biology 35 (Neurobiology).
Consists of syllabi, laboratory assignments and examinations for Biology 12 ("Introductory Biology"), 18 ("Adaptation and the Organism") and 26 ("Physiology").