BIOS 414/514 Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of the functioning of the nervous system. Topics include morphology, excitable properties of neurons, mathematical modeling, synaptic function, molecular biology, signal transduction, gene expression, and neuronal development. 4 lec

Text used is From Molecules to Networks, by John H. Byrne and James L. Roberts, Elsevier Academic Press, 2004.

Grading Basis Four (non-cumulative) exams each worth 25%. (BIOS 414).

To earn graduate credit (BIOS 514), students must complete four short papers (approximately 5 pages in length). Students should approach faculty for a list of topics. One paper is due at the time of each exam. The papers will count for 20% of the final grade and each exam will count for 20% of the final grade.

Sample Schedule:

DATE TITLE CHAPTER INSTRUCTOR

9/5/06 Introduction/General Morphology of Neurons and Glia 1 Colvin

9/7/06 Cable Properties of Neurons I 4 Holmes

9/8/06 Cable Properties of Neurons II 4 Holmes

9/11/06 Computer Lab 4 Holmes

9/12/06 Ionic Basis of Resting/Action Potentials 5 Holmes

9/14/06 Ionic Basis continued 5 Holmes

9/15/06 Ionic Basis continued 5 Holmes

9/18/06 Voltage Gated Channels, Electrical Properties I 7 Holmes

9/19/06 Voltage Gated Channels, Electrical Properties II 7 Holmes

9/21/06 Computer Lab 7 Holmes

9/22/06 Computer Lab 7 Holmes

9/25/06 Exam II (9/5-9/22) Holmes

9/26/06 Organelles and Their Function 2 Colvin

9/28/06 Organelles continued 2 Colvin

9/29/06 Voltage Gated Channels, Molecular Biology I 6 Colvin

10/02/06 Voltage Gated Channels, Molecular Biology II 6 Colvin

10/03/06 Synaptic Release of Neurotransmitters I 8 Holmes

10/05/06 Synaptic Release of Neurotransmitters II 8 Holmes

10/06/06 Neurotransmitters and Neurohormones 9,10 Colvin

10/09/06 Neurotransmitter Receptors I 11 Colvin

10/10/06 Neurotransmitter Receptors II 11 Colvin

10/12/06 Exam II (9/26-10/10) Colvin

10/13/06 Facilitated Diffusion and Primary and

Secondary Active Transport of Ions I Rakowski

10/16/06 Facilitated Diffusion and Primary and

Secondary Active Transport of Ions II Rakowski

10/17/06 Signal Transduction I 12 Colvin

10/19/06 Signal Transduction II 12 Colvin

10/20/06 Gene Regulation in the Nervous System I 13 Colvin

10/23/06 Gene Regulation in the Nervous System II 13 Colvin

10/24/06 Mathematical Modeling I 14 Holmes

10/26/06 Mathematical Modeling II 14 Holmes

10/27/06 Information Processing I 16 Holmes

10/30/06 Information Processing II 17 Holmes

10/31/06 Gap Junctions 15 Colvin

11/02/06 Exam III (10/13-10/30) Colvin

11/03/06 Synaptic Plasticity/Learning and Memory I 18 Colvin

11/06/06 Synaptic Plasticity/Learning and Memory II 18 Colvin

11/07/06 Growth, Survival, and Differentiation of Neurons I Colvin

11/09/06 Growth, Survival, and Differentiation of Neurons II Colvin

11/10/06 Veterans’s Day - NO CLASSES

11/13/06 Diseases of the Nervous System I Colvin

11/14/06 Diseases of the Nervous System II Colvin

Exam IV (11/03-11/14) during the final exam period for this course