Course Description
Builds upon the Principles of Neurophysiology course. Higher cognitive functions, integration across body systems, and the plastic nature of the mammalian nervous system will be explored. Students will analyze the genetic, molecular, cognitive, and behavioral bases of multiple neurological disorders and explore scientific literature related to mechanisms and treatments.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Analysis of the scientific literature in order to evaluate current questions, hypotheses, and controversies associated with select neurological disorders.
Athena Title
Adv Neurophys and Disease
Undergraduate Prerequisite
VPHY 4400/6400 or CBIO 3800 or PSYC 4130 or PSYC 4130E
Graduate Prerequisite
VPHY 4400/6400 or VPHY 8400 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: (1) analyze the mammalian nervous system with respect to higher cognitive functions, plasticity, and integration with other body systems; (2) apply core concepts of neurophysiology to evaluate disease, other perturbations to normal function, mechanisms of homeostasis, and interventions; and (3) develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in the context of nervous system function and dysfunction.
Topical Outline
Advanced topics in neurophysiology: • Integration between the nervous system and other organ systems, such as the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, endocrine systems, the immune system, and the gut-brain axis • Plasticity of the nervous system: development, learning and memory, aging, degeneration, regeneration, and repair • Higher cognitive functions, such as emotion, control of mood, motivation and reward, motor control/planning, learning and memory, speech and language, and executive function Application of core concepts of neurophysiology, and the advanced topics above, to explore nervous system dysfunction, homeostatic mechanisms, and treatments related to: • Neurogenetic disease • Childhood disorders • Degenerative disorders • Proteopathies • Motor system dysfunction • Trauma and lesions • Brain & spinal cord injury • Cerebrovascular dysfunction • Seizure disorders • Cancers of the nervous system • Psychiatric disorders • Sleep disorders • Addiction • Infections • Immune system disorders Specific disorders explored will vary by semester, but they will typically include some of the following: epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression/bipolar disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, prion-based disease, aphasias, autism spectrum disorder, and disorders of neural development.
Syllabus