BIOL3830: Neurobiology

Abstract

This neuroscience course provides a comprehensive introduction to the mammalian nervous system, with particular emphasis on the structure and function of the human nervous system. The primary goal of modern neuroscience is to understand the higher functions of the nervous system (such as memory, learning, perception, consciousness) in terms of the biology of nerve cells. In the first part of the course the emphasis is on understanding the following topics: neuronal cell structures and functions, glial cell types, how neurons send information by way of action potentials, communication between neurons and other cells at the synapse, and neurotransmitter systems. The second part of the course will consider the structure of the human brain and spinal cord, nervous system development, and one system will then be considered in detail, the auditory system. In the last part of the course the development of connections between neurons and the molecular mechanisms behind learning and memory and repair and regeneration in the nervous system will be considered. Throughout the course relevant clinical information and diseases will be discussed. Particular diseases as well as topics in neuroscience will be considered through reading of relevant scientific articles to expand on topics covered first in lecture.