The purpose of this Graduate course is to give graduate students an overview and grounding in the fundamentals of neuroscience. This course designation is for the first half of a year-long lecture series whose main emphasis is on the cellular and molecular aspects of brain function. Graduate students may also take the second half of the course under the PSL1446H designation if they would like to continue. The lecturers, all experts in their respective topics, are drawn from the different university departments and associated research institutes. Each year the course is updated to reflect the rapid evolution of ideas in neuroscience. The course is administered through the Department of Physiology and the Toronto Western Research Institute. This course is open to both graduate and senior undergraduate students. To facilitate extensive student-instructor interaction, enrollment will be capped.
Evaluation:
There will be a total of two midterm tests (15% each) and there will be one final exam (20%). Tests and final exam are non-cumulative, covering material only since the previous test. Tests will be conducted during class hours. In addition, class time will be set aside for each student to present an oral critique of a relevant paper (35%). Participation will account for 15% of the grade.
Optional Texts:
Principles of Neuroscience, 4th edition, E.R. Kandel, V.H. Schwartz, T.M. Jessell, 2000.
Elements of Molecular Nuerobiology, 2nd edition, C.U.M. Smith. John Wily and Sons, 1996.
