COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Principles of Neuroscience I is a 13-week course required for students in the Department of Neuroscience. The course covers the cellular and molecular properties of neurons and glia, including neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, as well as the cell biological aspects of brain function. From the organizational point of view, the course aims to be an interactive experience centered on understanding basic principles of brain cell function that will be used to navigate the course material during paper presentations and group discussions. Ultimately, the course aims to provide students with a toolkit of basic knowledge that will allow them to incorporate new knowledge during the development of their research projects.

Expectations: The course does not follow the traditional college course structure, where exams and homework assignments numerically add to the final grade. Consistent with the goals of graduate education, the class format consists of a combination of formal and informal lectures, daily questions, and student presentations, with a major emphasis placed on interactive class discussions. Feedback, participation, and discussions are important for the learning experience and final evaluation. Moreover, because the basic principles of cellular neuroscience are too numerous and complex to fully cover in class, significant learning outside of the classroom will be expected through provided reading materials, teaching assistants, and the Canvas online discussion forum. In addition to normal course scheduled lectures, the course requires students to attend the weekly Neuroscience Seminar Series and includes lab visits for first-hand learning experiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1- Understand the chemical and electrical principles that lead to neuronal excitability

2- Understand the principles that underlie neurotransmission, and understand how non-neuronal cells support this process

3- Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms the give rise to neurotransmission, and how input leads to short and long-term changes in neuronal function

PREREQUISITES:

A basic understanding of general cellular theory, organelles, and the central dogma of molecular biology (from DNA to RNA to protein), as well as a basic understanding of basic electrical concepts, such as Ohms law (V=IR), ions, batteries, resistors, and capacitors is needed. Students should read and review chapter 7-9 of “Principles of Neuroscience 6th Edition (2021), Kandel ER” available from the Einstein Library prior to the start of the class.

If unsure about your preparedness for the course, please reach out to course instructors who may recommend certain readings to resolve any deficits in knowledge.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Textbooks are provided as additional learning resources:

• Kandel, E., et al. - Principles of Neuroscience 6th Ed. ISBN-10: 1259642232. ISBN-13: 978-1259642234.
• Johnston, D. - Foundations of Cellular Neurophysiology (excitability is well covered). ISBN-10: 0262100533. ISBN-13: 978-0262100533.
• Raman, I. and Ferster, D. - The Annotated Hodgkin and Huxley: A Reader's Guide. ISBN-10: 0691220638. ISBN-13: 978-0691220635.
• Bear, M., Connors, B., and Paradiso, M. - Neuroscience Exploring the Brain 4th Ed. ISBN-10: 0781778174. ISBN-13: 978-0781778176.
• Byrne, J.- From Molecules to Networks: An Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience. ISBN 10: 0123971799. ISBN-13: 978-0123971791.

SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS: Yes

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS:

Attendance and class participation: 25%
Presentations 25%
Final exam 50%.
The Final Exam must be passed to pass the course. However, this is not sufficient. Active participation in class and well-prepared presentations will also be assessed and considered for passing. Students who are not sufficiently participating will be informed by the course leaders to provide them with the opportunity to increase their class participation.

CREDIT HOURS: 6.0