Instructor: Dr. Michael P. Kilgard
Office: Green 4.504
Office Hours: Mondays 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Office Phone: (972) 883-2339
E-mail Address: kilgard@utdallas.edu
Texts: Principles of Neural Science (Kandel, Schwartz & Jessell)
[K] - Required
Neuroscience (Purves et al.) [P] - Recommended
Both should be available at Off-Campus Books (Campbell Rd.) & the
UTD bookstore.
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 (70%): There will be a midterm exam (30%) 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. 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 highest score receives 100%.
Presentations and Discussion (30%): Students will present primary research articles selected from References at the end of each chapter.
Schedule: K=Kandel, P= Purves
Date Topic Reading
8-23 Introductory lecture
K2,3
8/30 Cell Biology
K4 [P1 pages1-5]
9/6 Cell Biology
K5
9/13 Membrane Potential
K6,7 [P2]
9/20 Passive Electrical Properties
K8 [P3,4]
9/27 Action Potential
K9
10/4 Review
10/11 Midterm Exam
10/18 Synaptic Release and Integration K10-12 [P5]
10/25 Neurotransmitters and Modulation
of Synaptic
Transmission
K13-15 [P6]
11/1 Development
K52-55 [P20, 21]
11/8 - SFN meeting
11/15 Plasticity
K56,63 [P22, 23]
11/22 -Thanksgiving
11/29 Review
12/6 Final Exam