BIOL 317 - Principles of Neuroscience

Credit(s): 3
3 hours lecture
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 265/BIOL 265A or BIOL 275, BIOL 161/BIOL 161A, and CHEM 161/CHEM 161A.
This course serves as an introduction to the field of neuroscience with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neural function, brain development, cognition, memory, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The focus of the lectures is integrative and multidisciplinary using a molecular, cellular and a systems approach to understand the basic and unique structures and functions of the nervous system. The causes and consequences of neurodegenerative processes, affective disorders, and therapeutic interventions will be discussed and provided as examples of the etiological mechanisms and current trends in the field of neuroscience to approach the complexity of neuropsychiatric disorders. The reading and presentation of original research articles will illustrate the necessary skills to be conversant in the discipline and to critically analyze the scientific literature.