NSCI2101

This course will provide a broad introduction to the nervous system with an emphasis on the human nervous system. The course will introduce the structure and function of neurons, the major anatomical parts of the nervous system and the main functional systems. Functional systems will be approached through an understanding of the anatomical circuitry. The fundamental concepts of neurochemical communication studied in general terms in the first part of the course will be re-examined relative to specific functional systems later in the course. Although the major focus of the course will be on the normal nervous system, common diseases will be introduced for each main topic. Students will gain an understanding of the nature of many common neurological diseases, which will provide further insight into how the normal nervous system functions. The anatomical substrates of learning/memory, emotions and drug actions will be examined. Through the assigned readings, lectures, and laboratory exercises, students are expected to gain an understanding of the neural circuitry and information processing responsible for the diverse range of human behaviors.

The course requires a weekly laboratory session. Human and animal brains will be studied from the gross to microscopic level. We also will do a number of experiments that will help us better understand the functional systems we are studying.

For each topic covered, we will touch on the limits of our understanding and on the focus of current research. Students will gain an appreciation for how scientific research is conducted and how research has changed and is likely to continue to change our understanding. We will define the ‘scientific method’, which has broad application to problem solving in the modern world, and will see its application in current neuroscience research. We will distinguish between data obtained by controlled experiments from correlational data.

This course is appropriate for all undergraduate students.
Knowledge of fundamental neuroscience will provide students with a better understanding of many biological processes that have an impact on daily life including learning and addiction. Almost everyone will face a difficult medical decision regarding a neurological condition during their lifetime. This course will provide students with an understanding that will help them make better informed decisions. The nervous system integrates most systems of our body, and thus an understanding of the nervous system provides a broad perspective on many bodily functions. Furthermore, this course will teach the scientific method, which can be applied to many problems in life.

Students that plan to do further study in biology, medicine, psychology or education

NSCI 2001 vs. 2101 vs. 5001: The material covered in the three courses is almost identical. NSCI 2101 is taught only in the fall. It is a traditional lecture course that includes a weekly laboratory. NSCI 2001 is taught only in the spring. It does not have a lab, but it has the advantage of the flipped format. Students who take one of these courses will not be allowed to take the other course. NSCI 5001 is a graduate version of NSCI 2101 Human Neuroanatomy with lab and is taught only in the fall. NSCI 2101 and 5001 will share the same assignments, but have different summative assessments (i.e. exams). Exams for NSCI 5001 will, in general, require a greater degree of comprehension and ability to relate between topics. For example, NSCI 2001 exam questions are all multiple choice and may ask students to identify a particular brain structure or choose the best description of the brain structure’s function. In contrast, a NSCI 5001 essay question might ask students to describe the pathway that carries nociceptive information to the brain, identifying the relevant nervous system structures along the pathway.

A-F - A-F Grade Basis

02571

Biological Sciences

No

Every Fall