Syllabus

Principles of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology

NRSC 588, Fall 2008

Psychology, Room 304

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:50 a.m.

(home)

 

Course listings:            NRSC588 (cross-listed as: CBA588, MCB588, BIOC588, INSC588, PSIO588)

 

Semester offered:         Fall

 

Number of units:           4

 

Course Content: The course offers a comprehensive introduction into the cellular and molecular biology of nervous system function, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating neuronal excitation, synaptic transmission and ultimately behavior. The covered material ranges from classical studies to the current state of knowledge. For many topics, research papers will be assigned for presentation and in-depth discussion. All parts of the course provide an overview of standard techniques and approaches analyzing neuronal gene function in vitro and in vivo. The following topics are considered in substantial detail: a) passive electrical properties of neurons; b) function of voltage-gated ion channels (active electrical properties of neurons); c) pre- and postsynaptic components of synaptic transmission; d) molecular components underlying synaptic plasticity; e) molecular and cellular techniques in neuroscience. The course assumes a well-founded standard background in molecular and cellular biology.

 

Course Objective:

- To acquaint you with the cellular and molecular principles of neuronal communication.

- To acquaint you with the major methods (tools) of neurobiology and the knowledge to apply them.

- To foster your "critical thinking" skills.

- To leave you with understandings that will persist beyond the end of the semester.

 

Course Coordinator:

Konrad E. Zinsmaier, Ph.D. (Neurobiology), Gould-Simpson 627, phone 626-1343, email kez@neurobio.arizona.edu

 

Instructors:

Rick Levine , Ph.D. (Neurobiology), Gould-Simpson 427, phone 621-6654, email rbl@neurobio.arizona.edu

Linda L. Restifo , Ph.D. (Neurobiology), Gould-Simpson 423, phone 621-9821, email llr@neurobio.arizona.edu

 

Office hours: ÒElectronic Open-Door" policy. Contact any of us by email and we will try to answer promptly.

 

Prerequisites:

Course work that is ordinarily prerequisite to enrollment:

- general and organic chemistry (CHEM 103b, 104b, 241 a-b, 243b, 245b)

- introductory physics (PHYS 102b)

- cell biology (MCB 410a-b)

- biochemistry (BIOC 462a-b)

For questions on course prerequisites, consult program office (1548 E. Drachman St., phone: 520-621-8380) or Konrad Zinsmaier (kez@neurobio.arizona.edu) before enrolling.

 

Suggested Textbook:

Principles of Neural Science by Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell (4th ed., 2000)

 

Additional references:

From Neuron to Brain by Nicholls, Martin, Wallace, Fuchs (2001)

Fundamental Neuroscience (2nd) by Zigmond, Bloom, Landis, Roberts, Squire (2003)

Neuroscience by Purves, Augustine, Fitzpatrick, Katz, LaMantia, McNamara (1997)

Introduction to Molecular Neurobiology by Hall

Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons by Fain

Development of the Nervous System by Sanes, Reh, Harris (2000)

 

Organization of sessions: lectures, problem sets and research paper discussions:            

  • Each session usually includes a 45-60 minute long lecture followed by problems sets and/or presentation and discussion of selected research publications. Lectures will be posted on the course website in advance.
  • For some topics, a set of problems will be handed out after some lectures; written responses to problem sets will be due the following week and ordinarily will be discussed in the following class period.
  • For some topics, selected research publications (assigned readings) will be assigned to 1-2 students to be presented in class with the goal of critically discussing the presented scientific study.
  • Assigned readings and additional readings will be posted on the course website in advance of each session.
  • Active participation in lectures, problem sets, class discussion is required for all students.  

Examinations and grades:

Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.

The final course grade is determined as follows:

 

% of final grade

1) Written examination (3):

60 %

2) Written problem sets:

20 %

3) Participation (discussion section):

20 %

Absence:

Attendance is required for all sessions except for:

- Special circumstances that have been excused prior to the absence by the instructor or are otherwise certified and/or documented.

- All holidays or special events observed by organized religions will be honored for those students who show affiliation with that particular religion.

- Absences pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean's designee) will be honored.

 

Cheating and Plagiarism:

University of Arizona Student Code of Conduct and other policies apply: http://dos.web.arizona.edu/uapolicies/.

 

Disability:

Students who are registered with the Disability Resource Center must submit appropriate documentation to the instructor if they are requesting reasonable accommodations (see http://drc.arizona.edu/learn/index.html).

 

The information in this course syllabus, other than the grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the course coordinators.
For further information, please contact Konrad Zinsmaier (kez@neurobio.arizona.edu).