BIONB 2220

Neurobiology and Behavior II: Introduction to Neuroscience

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2016-2017.

An introduction to neuroscience: the structure and function of the nervous system of humans and other animals. Topics include the cellular and molecular basis for cell signaling, the functions of neurons in communication and in decision making; neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, sensory systems, motor systems, neural development, learning and memory, and other complex brain functions. The course will emphasize how the nervous system is built during development, how it changes with experiences during life, how it functions in normal behavior, and how it is disrupted by injury and disease. Discussion sections will include a dissection of a preserved sheep brain. BioNB2220 website

When Offered Spring, summer.

Permission Note Priority is given to students studying neurobiology and behavior.  Not open to freshmen.  May be taken independently of BIONB 2210. Enrollment limited to 15 students per 4 credit disc.
Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: one year of college level biology for majors (comparative physiology and/or cell and developmental biology are recommended) and one year of chemistry.
Forbidden Overlaps Forbidden Overlap: Students may receive credit for only one course in the following group: BIONB 2220, COGST 2230, PSYCH 2230.

Distribution Category (OPHLS-AG, PBS-AS)
Satisfies Requirement Four-credit option required of students in neurobiology and behavior program of study.

Comments Three credits with no discussion section; 4 credits with one disc per week with problem sets and writing assignments.

• Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and principles in neuroscience through writing, speaking, and problem solving.
• Use the scientific method to link neuroscience concepts to observations and experiments.
• Explain the functions of the major components of the central and peripheral nervous system to the extent they are known.
• Demonstrate how the laws of chemistry and physics apply to mechanisms of neural activity.
• Explain mechanisms of animal and human neural function at multiple scales, from molecules and molecular interactions to interactions of neural circuits and brain pathways.
• Explain how information is encoded by neurons and neural circuits: describe how perceptions are represented, stored, and recalled for later use in decision making and control of behavior.
• Explain modern views of how the nervous system it changes with experience, and how it is disrupted by injury and disease.
• Describe how the brain generates complex cognitive functions including communication, emotions, sleep and cognition.

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