Neurobiology of Biological Clocks and Sleep (324-0-20)
Instructors
Fred W Turek
847/467-6512
Cook Hall, Room 2-141
Xuanyi Lin
Meeting Info
Technological Institute F280: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course is designed to offer the student a comprehensive treatment of the properties and the role of biological clocks in living systems with emphasis on daily (i.e. circadian) sleep and seasonal rhythms. The course will examine the general properties of biological clocks and will analyze how biological clocks are used to time a number of diverse activities at the level of the cell, the organ, as well as the organism. Special emphasis will be placed on the neural basis for the generation of circadian rhythms and on the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. The importance of biological rhythms for human health and disease will be covered in this course. Much of this course will involve the analysis and discussion of classic and recent experiments that have been carried out in the study of biological clocks and the control of the sleep-wake cycle. This class will be taught in person and will not be available on Zoom.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0.
Learning Objectives
To understand how our body changes behaviorally and physiologically on a daily (Circadian rhythms) and seasonal (annual rhythms) basis.
To understand the molecular, cellular, physiological and neural mechanisms underlying these changes.
To understand how the sleep-wake cycle and the internal circadian clock(s) are interconnected to regulate our daily rhythms.
To understand how disruption of sleep and/or circadian rhythms can lead to multiple mental and physical disorders and diseases.
To effectively communicate scientific knowledge about circadian rhythms, sleep and health.
Teaching Method
Lectures and discussion of classic and current research being carried out in the field of sleep and circadian rhythm as well as student presentations of recent scientific articles related to the importance of sleep and rhythm for human health, safety, performance and productivity.
Evaluation Method
Midterm - 25%
Combination of Class Presentations and Term Paper - 35%
Final Exam - 40%
Class Materials (Required)
Readings will be provided via Canvas.
Class Materials (Suggested)
None
Class Notes
Prerequisite: Students must have completed NEUROSCI 202-0 or NEUROSCI 311-0 or BIOL_SCI 302-0.
Class Attributes
Prerequisites apply, see description