NEUR121 Fundamentals of Neuroscience
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Neuroscience
- I. Course Number and Title
- NEUR121 Fundamentals of Neuroscience
- II. Number of Credits
- 4 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 3750
- IV. Prerequisites
- CHEM121 (C or better) or permission of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Department
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- Lecture-laboratory format to include in-class presentation of content material and participation in hands-on and/or virtual laboratory exercises. Topics are presented in various modes, including but not limited to, traditional lecture style, group and/or individual laboratory exercises, group activities and discussions, and computer simulations.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course introduces students to the structure and function of the nervous system and the neural foundations of behavior. Topics include cellular components of the nervous system; neuroanatomy; neurophysiology; chemical signaling and neuropharmacology; brain development; behavioral genetics; and the neurobiology of movement, perception, homeostasis, emotion, learning, memory, and cognition.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- explain and apply basic principles of scientific reasoning to the study of brain structure and function;
- identify and retrieve neuroscience articles published in the peer-reviewed literature;
- evaluate neuroscience articles published in the peer-reviewed literature;
- describe the methods used by neuroscientists to study the nervous system; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the anatomical organization of the nervous system, electrical and chemical signaling between neurons, and the biological basis of behavior.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- review of scientific reasoning and scientific literacy skills
- neurons and glia
- the action potential
- neurotransmission and neuropharmacology
- neuroanatomy and brain imaging techniques
- brain development
- behavioral genetics
- movement
- perception
- neural regulation of homeostasis
- emotion
- learning and memory
- cognition
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, laboratory exercises and reports, in-class and/or online participation, and/or projects as specified in the individual instructor's course format will be utilized. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as specified in the individual instructor's syllabus.
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Approval/Revision Date: Approved 11/16/2012; New Core 8/2015