NSCI  201 The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience
T/Th 10:00am - 11:50am Kettering 278
 
Date
Topic
Instructor
Readings
9/3 Course Introduction 
Elements of Nervous System		 Thornton 
Bianchi		 Ch 1 & Ch 2 &  p155-158, 160-162 
on reserve: Brodal Ch 3
9/8 PNS:Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves, 
Brainstem and Cranial nerves		 Bianchi Ch 7
9/10 CNS:Forebrain Organization: Thalamus 
Basal Forebrain, Isocortex		 Bianchi Ch 7
9/15 Somatosensory Bianchi Ch 12
9/17 Motor Bianchi Ch 13 &  14
9/22 Hypothalamus, Limbic  Bianchi Ch 15 & p437-440
9/24 EXAM I 
DNA/RNA/proteins		 Thornton tba
9/29 Neurophysiology 
Resting Potential 		 Borroni Ch 3
10/1 Action Potential 
Axonal Conduction 		 Borroni Ch4 
sample problems
10/6 Intercellular Communication 
Neuropharmacology		 Borroni Ch 5
10/8 Receptors Borroni Ch 6
10/13 Epilepsy  Borroni p 463-464
10/15 EXAM II  
Intro to Sensory Systems		 Thornton  
 no readings
10/17-25 FALL BREAK
10/27 Chemical Senses Borroni Ch 8
10/29 Visual System I Thornton Ch 9; The Colorblind Painter (on reserve)
11/3 Visual System II Thornton Ch 10
11/5 Audition Bianchi Ch 11
11/10 Endocrine System/ Experimental Design Thornton p403-412; Epidemiology (on reserve)
11/12 EXAM III  
Reproduction		 Thornton tba
11/17 Homeostasis Thornton tba
11/19 Sleep/Circadian Rhythms Thornton Ch 17
11/24 Learning and Memory Borroni Ch 19 & 20
11/26 Free Day Thanksgiving
12/1 Emotion Borroni Ch 16
12/3 Language & Communication Bianchi p578-601
12/8 Developmental Neurobiology Bianchi tba
12/10 Mental Disorders Thornton p419-430
12/15- 12/17  reading period 
Fri  12/18 EXAM IV    9:00AM
 
I. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
     This course was developed with two goals in mind:  first, to offer a course that provides prospective neuroscience majors with the knowledge they need for further study of the neurosciences; and second,  to offer a course that would interest non-majors and inform them about the important discoveries taking place in this interesting area of science. Accordingly, the first 2 parts of the course focus on basic concepts and facts in core areas of neuroscience (neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology).  The last 2 parts of the course deal  with the neurobiology of sensory systems and of behavior.

II.  RESOURCE BOOKS
    A.  Text: Bear, M.F., Connors, B.W. & Paradiso, M, A.  (1996)  Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Williams and Wilkins.

    B.  Supplementary Readings:  We have arranged to have copies of a small number of supplementary readings on closed reserve in Kettering Science Library for your use.  Because of the number of students enrolled in the course relative to the number of copies of these papers, we ask that you use the materials strictly in accordance with the rules of the closed reserve system.    If you find that it is inconvenient  to read this material in the science library, we encourage you to make personal copies.
    Additional readings may be put on Reserve later in the semester. If so, they will be announced in class.

    C. Syllabus (http://borroni.neuro.oberlin.edu/NSCI201/) and course related links (http://www.oberlin.edu/~nsbp - Online Resources) can be found on the web.

III.  LECTURES
     Because the lectures cover much of what we see as important in this course, and because you will be examined on this material, attending lectures is important.  We encourage you to ask questions in class.
 

IV.  EXAMS
    Listed below are the course's exams and the date on which they will be given.  The nature of the exams will be discussed in class, and a review session will be held before each exam at a time to be announced in class. Each exam will count for approximately 1/4 of your final grade. NOTE: As each exam is 50 minutes and each class is 100 minutes there will be class after each exam.
EXAM I: Thursday Sept 24 (in class; 1st hour)
EXAM II: Thursday Oct 15 (in class; 1st hour)
EXAM III:  Thursday Nov 12 (in class; 1st hour)
EXAM IV:    Friday Dec 18 (room tba; 1hr)

V.  OFFICE HOURS AND APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Bianchi's office is in Sperry 
Rm 207. 
Office hours: 
Weds & Thurs 1:00pm-2:00 pm 
or by appointment. 
 

    email lynne.bianchi@oberlin.edu 

 Mr. Borroni's office is in Kettering Rm 117. 
Office hours: 
Mon & Thurs 1:00 pm-2:00 pm 
or by appointment. 
 

    email fborroni@oberlin.edu 

 Ms. Thornton's office is in Sperry 
Rm 105. 
Office hours: 
Mon 2:00pm-3:00pm 
Weds 10:00 am-10:50 pm 
or by appointment. 

    email jan.thornton@oberlin.edu 
 
 
VI.   TUTORS
    Some students may find that mastering the facts and concepts in this course is difficult.    If you are having trouble with the course, see the instructors.  We are prepared to help any student and can recommend an appropriate tutor.