NEURO 1000 · 3 credits · Dr. Erik Garcia · 100% online (async) · Summer 2026 · no exams — quizzes only

Superheroes, Zombies, Cyborgs & Droids

An intro to neuroscience that uses superheroes, villains, zombies, and cyborgs as models to learn how the nervous system really works — then asks whether these characters could walk among us. Built from Carter's The Human Brain Book (3rd ed). Five weeks, ~20 short quizzes, and one creative final project where you design your own neuroscience superhero.

New here? Recommended path: ① read the Study Guide for the week → ② drill Flashcards → ③ test on Practice Quizzes → ④ skim the Cheat Sheet → ⑤ take the Canvas reading + concept quiz.

Quick start

★ Five-week schedule (Summer 2026)

Async online. Reading quizzes come from the book; concept quizzes come from the lectures. Both are short (4–5 questions).

WkDateTopicReading (Human Brain Book)
1May 26Intro · What is Neuroscience?pp 6–13
1May 28Neuroanatomypp 15–35, 50–69
2Jun 1Brain function & the nervous systempp 36–49, 70–73
2Jun 3Senses — Vision & Hearingpp 78–92, 100–108
2Jun 5Senses — Touch & Painpp 78–92, 100–108
3Jun 8Muscle Controlpp 110–122
3Jun 10Fear & Bravery · Mind Controlpp 126–141
3Jun 12Altering Perception & Memorypp 154–164, 172–174
4Jun 15Zombies — "no minds, maybe muscles"
4Jun 17Neural basis of Morality & Consciousnesspp 138–141, 176–192
4Jun 19Futuristic Brain–Computer Interfacespp 203, 216–219
5Jun 22–26Final project work · due Jun 25 · video showcase Jun 26

How the grade works (500 pts, no exams)

Reading quizzes ~10 = 100 pts (2 attempts, averaged, 30 min each, from the book) · Concept quizzes ~10 = 100 pts (after each lecture) · Discussion board posts = 200 pts (write original — no AI) · Final paper + video = 100 pts. A ≥ 93% · B ≥ 83% · C ≥ 73%. Late work −10%/day, zero after 10 days. Contact: ejgarcia@unomaha.edu (Allwine Hall 419D).

⚡ The Final Project — design a neuroscience superhero

Invent a hero, villain, cyborg, or droid with 3 special abilities grounded in real neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, hormones, receptors). Explain how each mechanism produces the power, introduce an arch-nemesis who can manipulate those abilities, and write the final battle. 3–4 page paper + a 4–5 min video. You may use AI to illustrate your character, but the writing must be your own. The Final Project guide walks you through each piece.