BIOL 362 - Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

(1.25 units)

This course examines the fundamental molecular and cellular properties of neurons and other cells of the nervous system. Topics include the 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 will include techniques in studying proteins, DNA, and RNA, the use of in vitro and in vivo model systems, bioinformatics and statistical analysis.
Prerequisites: BIOL 120; NEUR 250 or BIOL 271; CHEM 111 or PHYS 111; or permission of instructor.