NEUR 362 - Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience

(1.25 units)

The course examines the fundamental molecular and cellular properties of neurons and other cells of the nervous system. Topics include biochemical properties of ion channels, neurotransmitters, and their receptors; signaling cascades required for genetic regulation at the pre- and post-transcriptional levels of expression; and mechanism of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity (the cellular basis of learning & memory). Other topics include development of the nervous system, neural stem cells, and sensory systems (e.g. vision and touch). The lab portion includes techniques in studying proteins, DNA, and RNA, the use of in vitro and in vivo model systems, bioinfomatics and statistical analysis. Pre-requisites: BIOL 120; NEUR 110 or BIOL 271; CHEM 111 or PHYS 111 C and PHYS 111 L; or(CHEM 260 recommended), or permission of instructor. (Group II)