Neurobiology BIOL 31500 Spring 2008
		Instructor - Jean Hardwick
		Office - CNS 168
		Phone - 274-3213
		Email - jhardwick@ithaca.edu

Office Hours:	M 9-10:00, F 12:00-1:00, or by appointment
Lectures:	MWF 11:00-11:50, CNS 115
Discussion:	W 12:00-12:50, CNS 115
Textbook:	Neuroscience, Purves, et al (2007) 4th edition .
	Additional materials, such as papers, will be available on WebCT.
	Schedule Discussion Papers

Goals of this course:

1. To gain a general understanding of the organization and function of the nervous system.
2. To understand the cellular and molecular events that control neuronal function
3. To understand how disruptions in these components lead to disease and impairment of neuronal function
4. To develop your ability to read and understand current research in neuroscience
5. To develop your ability to communicate current research in neuroscience through oral and written formats

Grading:

Exams: 20% each

There will be three hour exams, as indicated on the syllabus. These exams will be given on Wednesdays to allow plenty of time from both the regular lecture hour and the discussion hour for the exam. I will try to schedule a review session during the week prior to the exams. These exams will test your general understanding of the material presented in lectures, as outlined in goals 1-3 above.

Discussion participation: 20%

During the discussion sections we will be going over primary literature papers and current topics in neuroscience (goals 4 and 5 above). Each student will be expected to help lead the discussion of one research paper during the semester (you will work in groups of two- three for this). Each discussion topic will cover a current research paper. Those students not presenting are still expected to read the papers prior to the class and come prepared to discuss them. You are expected to come to class with two questions regarding the papers assigned for that week. One question can be related to the methods, but at least one question should be more general (i.e. related to background material, interpretation, or future directions). The goal is to discuss how current neuroscience research is done and to then put that research into context within society and its applications. Thus, your grade for this portion will be based on your paper presentation AND your general participation in class discussions. The oral presentations will be graded on scale of 25 points, with each individual graded on both their individual performance and the performance of the group as a whole. The expectations used for grading are outlined in the evaluation sheets that will be provided in class. There is also a short assignment early in the semester that will be included in this portion of your grade. Class participation will be monitored in each discussion section.

Final Exam: 20%

The final exam will be a take home exam that will be handed out in class and due on Thursday, May 8th at 1:30 pm.

Attendance:

I do not take attendance in lecture. However, exams are based on the material presented in class, some of which is not included in the text. Attendance at discussion sections is mandatory and points will be deducted for unexcused absences.

Academic Honesty:

All the work in this class must be your own, unless stated otherwise. Confirmed instances of academic misconduct will result in a zero for that assignment or test, and referral to the school judiciary system. Please refer to the Student Handbook for a detailed description of the policies regarding student academic conduct.

Students with Disabilities:

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities and provide the appropriate documentation to the College. Before a student can expect to receive any academic adjustment, an accommodation plan from the Office of Academic Support Services must be provided to the professor.

  Link to IC HomepageReturn to Biology Homepage