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Neuroscience of Brain Disorders (360-0-20)

Instructors

Valerie Kilman
847/491-3086
Hogan 2-160

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G15: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Disease, disordered function, and individual difference in the brain can have effects ranging from subtle to devastating. In this course, students will learn about common human brain conditions, their cellular and molecular causes, and treatments. We will cover a variety of developmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and atypy. 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 also be addressed. Class format will consist of two one-hour lectures plus a 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

Prerequisites: Students must have completed NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0. Strongly 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

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: Students must have completed NEUROSCI 202-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0: NEUROSCI 311-0 and NEUROSCI 206-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0. Strongly 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.