Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (202-0-22)

Instructors

Wei-Chun Wang

Meeting Info

Swift Hall 107: 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.

Prerequisite: BIOL_SCI 201-0 (or passing grade on test for BIOL_SCI 201-0 or score of 5 on Biology AP test) or BIOL_SCI 239-0.

NEUROSCI 202-0 will be offered again Fall 2027 and Winter 2028.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: BIOL_SCI 201-0 (or evidence of placement into BIOL_SCI 239-0 or score of 5 on Biology AP test) or BIOL_SCI 239-0.

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 2027 AND WINTER 2028.

Class Materials (Required)

Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (5th Ed.), ISBN: 9781284286878, $142.00. Copies of this book have been available for as low as $70 on Amazon.

There are limited copies available in the library in the Reserve Section.

Having access to a copy of this book will ensure the best outcome for the class.

Class Materials (Suggested)

none needed

Class Notes

Class Notes
WCAS Distro Area I - Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline

Final will be held during Finals Week on campus.

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
SoC Mathematics, Science, and Technology Distro