Neuroscience of Brain Disorders (360-0-20)
Instructors
Valerie Kilman
847/491-3086
Hogan 2-160
Meeting Info
Technological Institute M152: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Overview of class
As for any other organ, disease and disordered function of the brain can have effects ranging from subtle to devastating. In this course, students will learn about common human brain disorders, their cellular and molecular causes, and treatments. We will cover a variety of developmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and other disorders. Students will synthesize this information to identify common mechanisms underlying brain diseases. We will discuss how the causes of brain disease were discovered and what we don't yet know. Ethical questions in neural medicine will be addressed. Class format will consist of lectures two-hour lecture once a week plus a second weekly session consisting of student reading and discussion of primary research articles. No textbook, all readings from the literature. A major goal is to develop the skills to read and critique current research in the field.
Registration Requirements
Lectures (typically MW). Discussions on Fridays.
Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0: NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0. Recommend review of basic genetics and molecular biology.
Learning Objectives
A. Define the biological basis of a variety of brain disorders
B. Synthesize material to identify common features, mechanisms, and modulators of diverse brain diseases
C. Link basic research, transnational science, and clinical trials and understand the limits of current treatments
D. Critically evaluate the evidence for and against competing hypotheses regarding brain disorders
E. Read, present, and interpret current primary literature relating to a variety of brain disorders
F. Develop an understanding of major ethical issues pertaining to brain disorders and their treatment
Evaluation Method
3 study quizzes, 2 midterms and 1 final.
Class Materials (Required)
No textbook. All review and primary literature materials will be made available.
Class Materials (Suggested)
none
Class Notes
Lectures (typically MW). Discussions on Fridays.
Prerequisites: NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0: NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0. Recommend review of basic genetics and molecular biology.
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisites: Students must have completed NEUROSCI 202-0 & NEUROSCI 206-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0 & NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.