I can give you a bit of insight into psych 2F03. However, I have not taken psych 2D03 (now known as psych 2N03) before as it is an antirequisite to 2F03. Given that they are antirequisites there is probably a lot of overlap in the material that is taught. Dr. Ullal was teaching both courses last year when I took 2F03 and he himself said that there was a lot of overlap.
However, I am not sure if the switch in psych 2D03's course code means that there is a signifigant change in the material being taught. The course description is still basically the same.
Psych 2D03 -
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /calen...8/crs_2242.htm
Psych 2N03 -
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /calen...nt/pg1837.html
Psych 2F03 was both interesting and difficult. It is by no means impossible but you have to put in the effort to review the concepts taught in lecture and get clarification on ones that you do not understand.
As in many science based classes if you take the time to review your lecture notes and actually understand the material the night after the lecture or at least during the week of the lecture, studying for the test will be a breeze.
If you don't understand something Dr. Ullal makes it clear that his office door is always open for extra clarification. He seems to really care about his students.
The course material's difficulty doesn't seem to be the problem, but more so the volume of information that is taught.
If I remember correctly the course starts off with the description of some disorders affecting sensory processes and neurological function such as phantom limb. From there the course moves into some basic brain anatomy and then a more in depth description of an Action Potential.
After the basic science of the neuron has been taught more advanced topics are examined such as vesicle recycling, neurotransmitter release and response, disorders caused my improper n/t reuptake, proliferation and types of nerves etc.
The nervous system's structure is also analyzed in terms of signal relay and crossover between upper and lower motor neurons in order to create muscle contraction/feeling of sensation. Lesions of different parts of the nervous system are looked at and the respective out come/disorder is then discussed (i.e. if the lower motor neuron involving muscle contractility is lesioned on the right side what will be the outcome).
The role of certain parts of the brain in the nervous system are also discussed. The course concludes with 4 mini lectures on the Teaching Assitants' research.
Dr Ullal's course breakdown last year was:
20% - Journal article summary/questions (2 at 10% each)
40% - Midterms (2 at 20% each non-cumulative)
40% - Exam (cumulative)
