BIO 406 - Neurobiology

This course introduces students to the biology of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior and disease. The course covers topics ranging from neuronal structure and function, communication at the synapse, membrane receptors and intra- and intercellular signaling systems, to the gross organization of the brain. Various diseases and their effects on the brain will also be studied. The laboratory component includes an introduction to the various methods used in neurobiological research and demonstrates principles and concepts presented in lecture. The first part of the course entails structured laboratory experiments to provide experience with neuroanatomical (gross and cellular), neurophysiological and molecular biological approaches to studying neural organization and function. During this portion of the course, students learn to prepare laboratory reports in the style of a scientific research paper. The course concludes with a research project that extends over a period of several weeks culminating in the production of a final research paper. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Lecture
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: BIO 399
Equivalent: NS 406
Offered in Alternate Years, Spring Semester