Course Description
Structural organization, cell biology, physiology, development, and integration of the nervous system. This course integrates individual nervous system cells into neural systems for motivation, locomotion, perception, and learning.
Athena Title
Neurobiology
Pre or Corequisite
BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1108-1108L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will gain a broad understanding of the functioning of the vertebrate nervous system, from the level of cells to circuits. Specifically, they will demonstrate a knowledge of: 1. The overall gross anatomy of the central nervous system, and the effect of lesions of afferent and efferent pathways at various levels. 2. The way in which electrical signaling in neurons is accomplished. 3. The way in which signals are propagated from neurons to targets, and the signaling pathways used by target cells in response to different neurotransmitters. 4. How the vertebrate nervous system develops. 5. The sensory transductory mechanisms used for touch, proprioception, taste, olfaction, hearing, and vision, and how these senses project back to the central nervous systems. How the principals of convergence, divergence, lateral inhibition and centrifugal inhibition are implemented in each sensory modality. 6. The circuits that allow the generation of coordinated motor behavior at the spinal, hindbrain, cortical, and subcortical levels. 7. The elemental, cellular mechanisms that may be responsible for learning and memory. Evaluation of the student will be through lecture examinations and written case presentations. Lecture examinations will evaluate the student's ability to memorize factual information through answering multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and essay questions. Integration of the materials presented in lecture with current topics in this area is evaluated through group projects. These group projects evaluate the student's ability to read, comprehend, and critique professional literature, prepare a written evaluation of these topics, and review and critique other students' writings. The group project provides students with an opportunity to communicate basic neuroscience principles to a peer audience, as well as receive feedback regarding their critical thinking and written, as well as oral, communication skills.
Topical Outline
The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary. I. Introduction A. Orientation to neuroscience B. Gross anatomy of the CNS 1. Regional structure of the brain 2. Descending (efferent) motor pathways 3. Ascending (afferent) sensory pathways C. Brain Imaging II. Cell Biology of Neurons A. Cells of the nervous system B. Vesicular Transport III. Physiology of Nerve Cells A. Movement of materials through membranes - diffusion, carriers, pumps, and channels B. The resting potential C. The action potential D. Conduction of the action potential – passive electrical properties of the neuron and myelination E. Interaction of channels to shape the action potential F. Ion channels - molecular mechanisms IV. Synaptic transmission and neurochemistry A. Electrical and Chemical synapses B. Quantal release of neurotransmitter C. Molecular mechanisms D. Second messenger systems E. Neurotransmitters V. Development of the Nervous System A. Embryogenesis through neurulation; neural induction B. Cell Migration C. Neuronal differentiation D. Axon Elongation E. Synaptogenesis and synapse pruning F. Cell Death G. Modification of neural circuits by activity VI. Introduction to Sensory and Somatosensory systems A. Introduction to sensory systems B. Cutaneous sensation C. Pain D. Chemical sense VII. Higher sensory systems A. Audition B. Vision VIII. Motor Systems and Regulatory Processes A. The Motor Unit B. Muscle Sense C. Spinal Motor Reflexes D. Descending Control of Spinal Motor Circuits E. Modulation of movement - Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum IX. Complex Brain Function A. Emotions B. Learning and Memory C. Sex and the Brain X. Special Topics
Syllabus