This course emphasizes the cellular and molecular biology of neurons as a basis for understanding how the nervous system controls behavior. Topics include the structure and function of neurons and glia, synaptic transmission, brain development and regeneration, sensory and motor systems, brain mechanisms of learning and memory, clinical issues, and becoming a neuroscientist. The laboratories will emphasize hands-on experience with techniques used to study the brain in current research including neuroanatomy, neurocytology, neurophysiology, analysis of neuronal gene expression, and observation of living neurons in culture. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Applies to the Molecular/Cell major requirement.
Biology 111 (or Biology 102 and 102L); and Biology 205.
Includes a required corequisite lab, Biology 320L.