BIONB 2220

Neurobiology and Behavior II: Introduction to Neuroscience

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

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.

When Offered Spring, Summer.

Permission Note Priority given to: students studying Neurobiology and Behavior. Not open to: first-year students.
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.

Distribution Category (OPHLS-AG, BIO-AS, PBS-AS)

Comments May be taken independently of BIONB 2210. Four credit option required of students in Neurobiology and Behavior program of study.

• Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and principles in neuroscience through writing, speaking, and problem solving.
• Link neuroscience concepts to observations and experiments using the scientific method.
• Categorize the functions of the major components of the central and peripheral nervous system to the extent they are known.
• Apply the laws of chemistry and physics to understanding mechanisms of neural activity.
• Assess how mechanisms of animal and human neural function at multiple scales, from molecules and molecular interactions to interaction 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.
• Interpret modern views of how the nervous system changes with experience, and how it is disrupted by injury and disease.
• Interpret modern views of how the brain generates complex cognitive function including communication, emotions, sleep and cognition.

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