The purpose of this course is to give graduate students an overview and grounding in the fundamentals of neuroscience. The main emphasis is on the cellular and molecular aspects of neurological disorders. 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.
The course is primarily lecture-based and is open to both graduate and senior undergraduate students. However, it is a rigorous course that has been primarily designed for graduate students. Undergraduates must therefore have a strong background in life-sciences and meet course prerequisites to enroll. To facilitate extensive student-instructor interaction, enrollment will be capped.
Evaluation:
There will be a total of two midterm tests (15% each) and a term final (20%). Tests are non-cumulative, covering material discussed only since the previous examination. Midterms will be conducted during class hours; the end-of-term test will be administered through Arts & Sciences during the official exam period. 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 overall grade.
Optional Texts:
Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., Jessell, T. M., Siegelbaum, S. A., & Hudspeth, A. J. (Eds.). (2021). Principles of Neural Science (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
