Cellular Neuroscience Syllabus (NSC-4352)

Instructor: Dr. Michael P. Kilgard
Office: Green 4.504
Office Hours:  Monday 3:30-4:30pm
Office Phone: (972) 883-2339
E-mail Address: kilgard@utdallas.edu

Teaching Assistant: Navzer Engineer
Office: Green 4.512

Meeting time: Tues & Thurs 11:00-12:15
Meeting place: CB 1.124

Required Texts: Principles of Neural Science, 4th ed. (Kandel, Schwartz & Jessell) [K]
Neuroscience, 2nd ed.  (Purves et al.) [P].
Both should be available at Off-Campus Books (Campbell Rd.) & the UTD bookstore.
Recommended text:  Neurons in Action (order from www.sinauer.com)

Course Description

This course will cover the major issues of cellular neuroscience. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular and cellular events underlying neural signaling, synaptic transmission, neural development, and plasticity will be discussed.

Assessment

Exams (90%): There will be two exams (25% each) and a cumulative final exam (40%). Exams will be multiple choice and short answer. Material for these exams will be taken from readings, class lectures and discussion, so attendance is strongly encouraged. The format of the exam questions is designed to be challenging and to encourage integrative thought about the material. Exams will be curved such that the second highest score receives 100%.

Questions (15%): One week before each exam, each student will be expected to generate 5 complete multiple-choice exam questions including multiple answers with the correct answer indicated. Up to 5 points will be earned based on the quality of the questions. Five points is guaranteed if one of your questions is used on an exam. (Note: questions may be somewhat altered.)

Final Grade: A: 105-90, B: 89-80, C: 79-70, Less than 70% is failing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule: K=Kandel, P= Purves

Lecture Reading

Number Assignment

  1. 8/28 Introductory lecture - Neural Perspectives
  2. 8/30 P1 (1-5); K2 - Intro to Neurons
  3. 9/4 K3 - Genes and Behavior
  4. 9/6 K4 - Cytology of Neurons
  5. 9/11 K5 - Protein Sorting
  6. 9/13 No Class
  7. 9/18 P2, K6 - Membrane potential
  8. 9/20 P4, K7 - Membrane potential, con't
  9. 9/25 K8 - Passive Current Flow
  10. 9/27 P3, K9 - Action Potential
  11. 10/2 Catch-up
  12. 10/4 Review for Exam
  13. 10/9 EXAM
  14. 10/11 P5, K10 - Synaptic Release
  15. 10/16 K11 - Neuromuscular Junction
  16. 10/18 K12 - Synaptic Integration
  17. 10/23 K14 - Transmitter Release
  18. 10/25 P6, K15 - Neurotransmitters
  19. 10/30 P7 - Neurotransmitter Receptors and Their Effects
  20. 11/1 K13, P8 - Intracellular Signaling
  21. 11/6 K16 - Myasthenia Gravis and Review for Exam
  22. 11/8 EXAM
  23. 11/13 No Class - Society for Neuroscience
  24. 11/15 No Class - Society for Neuroscience
  25. 11/20 P22 - Early Development
  26. 11/22 - Thanksgiving
  27. 11/27 P23 - Construction of Neural Circuits
  28. 11/29 P24 - Developmental Plasticity
  29. 12/4 P25 - Adult Plasticity and Learning
  30. 12/6 Review for Final
FINAL EXAM - Tuesday 12/11 at  11am

Final Exam Review