PSL445H1F - Neuroscience - Cellular & Molecular

Tuesdays - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Coordinator:  Dr. J. Gillis

Description:  The purpose of this course is to give undergraduate students an overview and grounding in the fundamentals of neuroscience. The main emphasis is on the cellular and molecular aspects of brain function. 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, 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 have the required pre-requisites. This is an AE indicator course and may be added during your enrolment start date using ROSI/ACORN, but will appear with an interim status (INT) until reviewed by department. To facilitate extensive student-instructor interaction, enrollment will be capped.

Prerequisites:  PSL300H1 / CSB332H1 / CJH322H or permission of instructor

Exclusions: PSL444Y1Y

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.

Duration:  Tuesdays, 5:00-8:00 pm and (one or two) Thursdays 5:00-8:00 pm



Texts: (Texts are optional)

  • Principles of Neuroscience, 4th edition, E.R. Kandel, V.H. Schwartz, T.M. Jessell, 2000.
  • Elements of Molecular Neurobiology, 2nd Edition, by C.U.M. Smith, John Wily and sons, 1996.

Associated Links:
For more information contact:
Dr. J. Gillis - jesse.gillis@utoronto.ca