NSCI2001: Human Neuroanatomy (without a lab)

The vertebrate nervous system is possibly the most complex, highly evolved biological system. The functional unit of the nervous system is the nerve cell or neuron, and the human nervous system has approximately 10,000 unique types of neurons. Most neurons have a wire-like process, the axon. Neurons carry information to other cells via their axons and communicate with those cells via a transfer of chemicals at synapses. The connections among neurons are organized into functional systems. Disease affecting a small number of cells can affect the function of many parts of the nervous system. 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 class activities, students are expected to gain an understanding of the neural circuitry and information processing responsible for the diverse range of human behaviors. 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. Course Goals: Knowledge of fundamental neuroscience will provide students with a better understanding of many biological processes that impact daily life including learning and addiction. Almost everyone will face making a difficult medical decision regarding a neurological condition during their lifetime. 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 will find this course particularly valuable. Students from all disciplines will have an equal chance of obtaining an 'A' grade. 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 lav 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.

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