Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (202-0-20)
Instructors
David McLean
847/467-1696
2135 Cook Hall
Meeting Info
Tech Institute Lecture Room 5: Mon, Wed, Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
NEUROSCI 202-0 introduces students to the cellular and molecular processes that allow the nervous system to produce behavior, with a focus on how electrochemical signals are generated, communicated, and integrated to transform different sensations into appropriate actions. We all want to know how the mind works in health and what happens when things go wrong in disease. However, first we need to start with the fundamentals, which this course will provide. Learning about neuroscience is like learning a new language, which will require the introduction of new words and the memorization of terminology. Students will be expected to increase their vocabulary so that they can begin to appreciate and discuss neuroscience concepts and research in an informed manner. This is not a survey course, rather it is designed to provide a solid foundation for subsequent coursework that delves more deeply into various topics in neuroscience.
Prerequisites: Must be a neuroscience major, and BIOL_SC 201-0.
Course content is divided into three sections. The first third focuses on the ionic and molecular basis of generating electric signals in neurons. The second third focuses on electrical and chemical communication between neurons, how these connections are adjusted, and how they develop. The final third focuses on simple circuits that illustrate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that allow us to taste, smell, see, hear, feel and move.
NEUROSCI 202-0 will be offered again Fall 2023 and Winter 2024.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisites: Must be a neuroscience major, and BIOL_SC 201-0.
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire a deep understanding of:
1) Fundamental neurobiological principles arising from studies of the nervous system at the cellular and molecular level.
2) History and recent developments in neuroscience research.
3) Methods used to study the nervous system, including specific experimental techniques relevant to cellular and molecular neuroscience, the design, analysis and interpretation of experiments using specific techniques, and the strengths and limitations of those techniques.
4) Ethical issues raised by the growing body of information generated by neuroscience research, including the use of animals.
Teaching Method
The primary method of instruction will be lecture. Lectures will assume a working knowledge of the general concepts covered in the assigned chapters, and then expand upon them, principally by focusing on the techniques and recent advances in the field. Class time will also be used to solve problems and to answer questions. The idea is that the lectures will not only provide new information, but also allow students to discover and remedy misconceptions prior to the exams.
Evaluation Method
The overall grade in this course will be based on percentage of the points earned across all assignments, which include quizzes, exams, and online discussion posts. The two lowest quiz grades will be dropped. Research papers will be critiqued in online discussion parts. There will be three exams. Each exam covers material from lecture and from the assigned readings. The exams are cumulative, but each will strongly emphasize the most recent material.
NEUROSCI 202-0 WILL BE OFFERED DURING FALL 2023 AND WINTER 2024.
Class Materials (Required)
Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (4th Ed.), ISBN: 9780781778176, List Price: $129.99.
Class Materials (Suggested)
none needed
Class Notes
Class Notes
WCAS Distro Area I - Natural Sciences
Lectures will be taught in person and will be recorded.
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Distro Area
Department Majors Only
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 201-0 and must be a neuroscience major.