PSL446H1S - Fundamentals of Neuroscience: Cellular Aspects of Neural Disorders

Tuesdays - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Lectures will be held in person.

Coordinator:

Dr. Chirag M. Vaswani, PhD

How do we decipher the intricate mechanisms of the brain's response to neurological disorders?

Are you ready to engage in hands-on problem-solving with leading experts?

Description:

Explore advanced topics in neurological disorders and treatments to reinforce and expand your knowledge of cellular and molecular neurophysiology. This year, experience our unique offering for "Advanced Case Study CoffeeChats" (ACSCC), where complex case studies and experimental design challenges will be tackled in collaborative, engaging sessions as a part of the course. Course material is updated yearly to reflect the rapid evolution of ideas in this area, ensuring you stay at the forefront of neurophysiological advancements.

Read more to discover how our ACSCC program will elevate your learning experience.

Course Overview:

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 and how this pertains to specific neurological conditions and/or 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.

Main Themes:

1. Neuroinflammation

2. Neurodegenerative and Demyelinating Disorders

3. Genetic and Developmental Disorders

This course is open to both graduate and senior undergraduate students, however, it is a course that has been primarily designed for graduate students. Undergraduates must therefore have a strong background in life-sciences and are required to meet 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 the department. To facilitate extensive student-instructor interaction, enrollment will be capped. Materials (slides and recommended readings, at the lecturer’s discretion) will also be posted online, in advance of each lecture. Lectures will not be recorded.

Advanced Case Study Coffee Chats (ACSCC)

In this course, we will incorporate an active learning component designed to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. The first two hours will involve a comprehensive lecture delivered by an expert professor in the respective subject. In the final hour, students will participate in “Advanced Case Study CoffeeChats,” a collaborative exercise where mixed groups of undergraduate and graduate students tackle a complex case study or experimental design challenge. This session will culminate in mini round table discussions, allowing each group to present their findings, engage in dialogue, and receive feedback. This format aims to foster teamwork, engage with leading experts, deepen understanding of the topic, and develop practical skills essential for academic and professional growth.

Prerequisites: PSL300H1 / CSB332H1 / CJH332H or permission of instructor

Exclusions: PSL444Y1Y

Evaluation: There will be two midterm tests, a term final, and a participation grade including in-class activity to encourage active learning. Tests are non-cumulative, covering material discussed only since the previous examination. Midterms will be conducted during class times; the end-of-term final will be administered through Arts & Sciences during the official exam periods. Students must complete at least one midterm to be eligible to write the final examination.

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.