I took this course back in winter 2011, when it was first offered.
This course is a VERY in-depth analysis of neuroscience. I cannot stress how detailed this class is, but don't let that deter you from taking it.
The first few weeks of this course build upon your understanding of neuroscience. You will cover topics like resting potential, action potential, synaptic transmission, long term potentiation, passive membrane properties... This part of the course is pretty quantitative as you will deal with quite a bit of math like the nernst equation, capacitance, and formulas for passive membrane properties. This is the easy part of the course and the first and only midterm will test you only on these topics (note the list I mentioned is not everything, there will be many more topics).
The second part of this course is more seminar based. There is A LOT of raeading in this part of the course. It is a mixture of textbook reading and primary papers. Each week you will split up into groups and discuss the primary paper along with another primary paper that relaties directly to the first one. Everyone in the class will have to read the first paper, but different students will be given different related papers to read.
The topics for the discussions are:
1. Axon Guidance
2. Map Refinement (visual system)
3. Sound Localization
4. Addiction (Cocaine addiction and the mesolimbic system)
All topics are very interesting and covered IN DEPTH.
This course is taught by Dr. Gillespie, who is a remarkable professor, but the material is quite difficult at times. She is very willing to answer all questions and explains topics well.
Here is the mark breakdown:
Midterm (20%)
In Class Activities (10%) - This involved answering a few questions based on material from that lecture (it is submitted in class).
Disscussions (15%) - You will have to present two figures from the primary articles you will be discussing in groups. This is not scheduled, but make sure you present two before classes end. If you don't, you will lose marks.
Written Assignments (15%) - You will be given a few questions to answer in about 300-500 words based on your readings. Please be very concise and direct in your writing, they are marked extremely difficultly.
Final Exam (40%) - Difficult, but manageable. It is cumulative and really tests your knowledge of background neuroscience and your understanding of the primary articles.
This course requires a lot of work to do well in.... if you enjoyed Psych 2F03, or 2N03, you should enjoy this course, but the material is more difficult. Please go to class, it is essential to do well in the course. I missed a few lectures and it was not a good idea.
Not a bird course at all, but it really tests your knowledge of neuroscience. Best of luck to all of you who decide to take it! Remember, try not to miss class
