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Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (202-0-22)

Instructors

Wei-Chun Wang

Meeting Info

Tech Institute Lecture Room 4: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

NEUROSCI 202-0 introduces students to the cellular and molecular processes that allow the nervous system communicate electrochemical signals.

Course content is divided into three sections. The first section of class focuses on the ionic and molecular basis of generating electric signals in neurons. The second section of class focuses on electrical and chemical communication between neurons, how these connections are adjusted, and how they develop. The final section of class focuses on simple circuits that illustrate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that allow us to taste, smell, see, hear, feel and move.

Prerequisites: Must be a neuroscience major, and BIOL_SCI 201-0.

NEUROSCI 202-0 will be offered again Fall 2024 and Winter 2025.

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, 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 research techniques and recent advances in the field. Class time will also be used to solve problems and to answer questions.

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 discussions of recent research. The exams are cumulative, but each will strongly emphasize the most recent material.

NEUROSCI 202-0 WILL BE OFFERED DURING FALL 2024 AND WINTER 2025.

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: At this time, registration is reserved for neuroscience majors or by department consent. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 201-0 and must be a neuroscience major.