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Neurobiology of Sensation and Perception (377-0-20)

Instructors

Marcos L Aranda

Tiffany Marie Schmidt
847/467-4332
Pancoe 1121
Office Hours: Phone or email for appointment

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F281: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Every day we experience our environment by sensing a combination of light (vision), pressure wave (hearing), chemical (taste, smell), and tactile (touch and pain) signals. Our nervous system is able to integrate and react to an ever-changing environment because of the existence of very specialized sensory cells throughout the body that detect external stimuli. Signals are then relayed to the brain where they allow us to perceive, interpret, and respond to sights, sounds, tastes, smells, touch, and pain. This course will provide an in-depth look at five major sensory systems: visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, and somatosensory, including their peripheral receptors and the central pathways leading to perception of the cues mentioned above.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

Learning Objectives

1. To acquire in-depth knowledge of key concepts and neural pathways involved in the sensations of touch, pain, taste, hearing, vision, and olfaction (smell).
2. To develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific evidence presented in published scientific literature the field of sensory neurobiology.
3. To be able to interpret and explain scientific evidence for mechanisms of sensation.
4. To understand the methods commonly used to study sensory systems.
5. To develop the ability to make effective arguments and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Teaching Method

Lecture and Discussion

Evaluation Method

Term Paper, Final Presentation, Article Synopses, Participation.

Class Materials (Required)

None.

Class Materials (Suggested)

This textbook is optional but will only be used as reference material. It is the same book used for NEUROSCI 206-0. Neuroscience, 7th Edition, Eds. Purves, Augustine, Fitzpatrick, Hall, LaMantia, White, ISBN-13: 978-0197616246 ISBN-10: 0197616240 List Price: $164.99


Additional selected readings will be provided.

Class Notes

Prerequisite: Students must have completed NEUROSCI 202-0; or NEUROSCI 311-0; or BIOL_SCI 302-0.

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: At this time, registration is reserved for neuroscience majors or by department consent. Prerequisite: Student must have completed NEUROSCI 202-0, or NEUROSCI 311-0, or BIOL_SCI 302-0.