Integrative Neuroscience: NSC 4354
An in depth analysis of nervous system functions
TTh 9:30-10:45, JO 3.908
Instructor: Dr. Tres Thompson
Office: GR 4.814
Labs: Aging and Memory Research, MP 2.232;
Human Aging and Memory Research, GR 4.302
Phone: 883-4933; e-mail tres@utdallas.edu
Office hours: Tues 11-1 pm; other times by appointment
T.A.: Visha Raman
Office: GR 4.608
Phone/voice mail: 883-2375; e-mail visha@utdallas.edu
Office hours: Thurs 11:30-1:30 p.m.; other times by appointment
Texts: Principles of Neural Science, 4th Ed. (Kandel, Schwartz & Jessell) McGraw Hill.
Neuroscience, 2nd Ed. (Purves et al.) Sinaeur.
Both should be available at Off-Campus Books (Campbell Rd.) & the UTD bookstore.
Course objectives: A course in the neurosciences must take aim at a constantly
moving target. The present course covers three core areas of modern neuroscience:
(1) the cell biological properties of specific types of neurons that suit them to
(and/or limit) the specific tasks they carry out;
(2) the organization of functional neural systems that determine the sensory, behavioral and
cognitive properties of living organisms;
(3) a critical evaluation of the research methods used to assess (1) and (2).
The overall aim is to familiarize you with systems level analyses of the brain and
its function, which when fully developed should take into account all known
neurobiological and psychological data. Since no current framework meets these
comprehensive goals, you will be trained to critically evaluate current and future
theories purporting to do so. Class discussion is strongly encouraged.
Examinations: There will be three (3) multiple choice exams and a cumulative final
exam, each worth 25 points toward your final grade (a total of 100 points from
exams). Material for these exams will be taken from 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. The texts
and any additional assigned readings serve as background material for class discussion,
not as a final voice of authority.
Oral presentations: All students will make an oral presentation of an original
research article published in the neuroscience literature within the last decade.
The articles used must be preapproved by the instructor, and relevant to the topic
being discussed. Presentations will be 10 minutes in length, with up to 5 minutes
allowed for followup questions and further discussion. Each presentation will earn
012 points toward the final grade (the mean of the evaluation of the instructor and
of the average of fellow students' evaluations), rating effective: 1. statement of
the background for the paper; 2. statement of the research question(s); 3. presentation
of research methods used; 4. presentation of research findings; 5. clarity of
take-home message; and 6. clarity of responses to questions/discussion.
Written exam questions: All students will be expected to generate 2 complete
multiple-choice exam questions from the topics covered through mid-October,
including (of course!) multiple answers, and indicating which you consider to
be the correct answer. Up to 4 points per question will be earned.
Grading: Final course grades will be assessed based on the cumulative points earned
on each of the exams and on the oral presentations. More than 80 points are required
to earn a C, more than 90 points to earn a B, and more than 100 points to earn an A.
(Do the math: you can do poorly on 1 exam and still earn an "A" by doing nearly
perfect work on all other exams and assignments; total points possible = 120).
This page last updated 9/10/01 at 11:30 a.m.