Catalog description:
Principles of neural development and plasticity and homeostasis of the mature nervous system.Pre-requisites: GMS 6007 or consent of instructor.
Course description: The objective of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the principles underlying the development and subsequent maintenance of the central nervous system. This course is a 5-week advanced module, and represents the first course of a three-course sequence. The three-course sequence is required for all IDP Neuroscience students and covers the principles of neuroscience that are common to all sub-specialties of this broad discipline.
Topics covered in this course:
A: THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Basic Anatomy of the Central Nervous System
Cells of the Central Nervous System
B: DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Induction and Pattern Formation of the Nervous System
Neurogenesis and Cell Migration
Cellular Determination and Differentiation
Axon Growth, Guidance and Target Selection
C: DEVELOPMENTAL HOMEOSTASIS
Activity and Experience Influence Nervous System Organization
Glial/Neuronal Interactions
Neuron Survival and Death
Evaluation of student performance: Each student's final grade in the course will be determined based on the following criteria: 10% Timely submission and quality of required topic questions (online by 5 pm on each lecture day); 15% Assigned primary paper presentation; 15% Assigned discussion of student questions; 10% Class participation; 50% Required course paper.
Faculty: Dr. Sue Semple-Rowland will be the director of this course. She will be assisted by members of the Graduate Faculty of the College of Medicine in the presentation of material for this course.
Required textbook for this course: Fundamental Neuroscience
(eds. Zigmond, Bloom, Landis, Roberts, Squire) 2nd edition, Academic Press,
2003.
Primary literature articles will also be assigned from journals such as Science,
Nature, Cell and Neuron.