Courses:

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The goals of this course are to provide a systematic introduction to the mammalian nervous system, emphasizing the structural and functional organization of the human brain, and to expose students to the field of neuroscience as well as some of the neuroscientists at MIT.

Overview

This course begins with the study of nerve cells: their structure, the propagation of nerve impulses and transfer of information between nerve cells, the effect of drugs on this process, and the development of nerve cells into the brain and spinal cord. We then move to the sensory systems such as hearing, vision and touch and discuss how physical energy such as light is converted into neural signals, where these signals travel in the brain and how they are processed. Next we study the control of voluntary movement. Finally, we cover the neurochemical bases of brain diseases and those systems which control sleep and consciousness, learning and memory.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course, although we do presuppose high school-level biology and chemistry.

Lectures

Since the lectures comprise the major body of knowledge upon which you will be examined, attending lecture is imperative.

Text

Bear, Mark F., Barry W. Connors, and Michael A. Paradiso. Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 2nd ed. Baltimore, Md.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001. ISBN: 0683305964.

It will be assumed by the lecturers that you have read the assigned readings before class, and you will be examined on material covered in the reading assignments. Warning: the reading assignments are substantial; do not put them off until just prior to an exam!

Recitations

Each student will be assigned to a weekly recitation section led by one teaching assistant. These sections are mandatory: weekly writing assignments (see below) are due each week during recitation, and participation in oral discussions will be evaluated to fulfill the CI-M requirement.

Communications and Writing Requirement

You will be required to turn in weekly writing assignments and participate in oral discussions during recitation section. Weekly writing assignments, as listed in the syllabus, are to be typed answers to review questions found at the end of book chapters. Answers must be written in complete sentences, and will be evaluated for both accuracy and writing skill. Answers to review questions will be discussed during recitation the same week they are due. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED! Students will receive graded writing assignments one week after they are turned in; after which they will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their answers for full credit. Revisions are due on the day of the exam, and will only be accepted if all of the original assignments were turned in and represented a good faith effort on the part of the student.

Exams and Grades