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)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic neurobiology via evaluation and analysis of neurobiological concepts.
Students will express and exchange scientific ideas using clear and accurate language.
Students will analyze and interpret primary scientific data. Draw conclusions from primary research articles related to neurobiology and support these claims using quantitative and/or qualitative data.
Students will propose appropriate and original experimental methods for answering neurobiological questions.
Students will collaborate with peers to incorporate multiple perspectives while solving biological problems.
Students will recognize ethical and social issues associated with neurobiological research and application.
Students will analyze opposing viewpoints or arguments around the ethics of pain, pain treatment, pain infliction in animals.
Students will evaluate qualitative data (from published experiments) to come up with scientific conclusion and communicate that to each other.
Students will navigate interpersonal communication with respect, maturity, and/or awareness of cultural differences.
Students will evaluate and communicate conclusions based on quantitative or qualitative data.
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
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
