TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
2:30pm-3:45pm
TuTh
1462 Clifton Rd 308
Kristen Frenzel. SNT. 41219 TBA.

January 13, 2010- April 26, 2010

Prerequisites: Biology 141 and 142; Chemistry 141 and 142, and completion of or current enrollment in Intro Physics.
Crosslisted: NBB301-000.

Catalog Description: (Same as Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology 301.) Prerequisites: Biology 142; Chemistry 141 and 142. An introduction to cellular and integrative neurobiology. Topics include the electrochemical and biophysical mechanisms for neuronal signaling, synaptic transmission, and the neural bases of behavior and perception.

Semester Details:

The first part of this course will focus on the electrophysiological properties of neurons, a crucial first step for understanding brain function.  We will discuss the generation and propagation of action potentials, neurotransmitter release, and how ion channels and receptors determine the membrane potential and ultimately whether or not the action potential is passed to the next neuron.  Also, we will examine the plasticity of this system and how the synapse is changed by learning.  The second part of this course will expand upon these neuronal properties to investigate the processing of somatosensory and motor information.  There will also be a required review session for one hour each week.  This course fulfills the Column B requirement for the Biology major.

Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. Kandel, et al.. Principles of Neural Science, 4th Edition.
    ISBN: 9780838577011.

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
ExamsThree 1-1/2 hour in-class exams and a comprehensive final.

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.