Neuroscience: Diseases of the Nervous System

Senior level, seminar-style capstone course in which students bring together information learned in other courses for an in-depth study of disease states of the nervous system. Prerequisites: NSCI 2100 or NSCI 2105; Senior standing.

Prereqs: NSCI 2100 or 2105; Senior standing only. PACE students with permission and override

This is a senior-level capstone course for neuroscience majors that will provide students with the opportunity to investigate various diseases and syndromes of the nervous system. Students will learn to apply a multifactorial analysis to study a variety of neurological disorders from a molecular, cellular, psychological, and social level. Assessments are based on group-dependent oral presentations and papers. 1. Integrate your understanding of how the molecular, cellular and anatomical functions and organization of the nervous system regulate complex cognitive and behavioral functions. 2. Examine biological and psychological signs and symptoms, the prognosis, the history, the etiology, and the treatment of nervous system diseases. 3. Understand the connections between pathological processes and the cognitive and behavioral changes associated with nervous system disease. 4. Develop a broader sense for how people’s lives and society change as a result of nervous system disease. 5. Communicate the above ideas in an oral presentation and using figures that integrate data, summarize findings, and illustrate neurobiology.

Students will work in small groups to cover a narrow or specific topic of choice approved by the instructor. A wide variety of syndromes, diseases and disorders make good, narrowed topics (i.e., myoclonic seizures instead of epilepsy. Importantly, this should not be a topic that you’ve written about before for previous courses. No two groups will be allowed to present the same topic. This topic will be used for all assignments in the course. Students will form their own groups of 3-4 and select their topic by the end of the first class, with final decisions approved by the instructor. Groups should meet together to discuss interests in working together, desirable topics, ideal working times and styles, and exchange of contact information. Group disputes should be discussed with the instructor ASAP such that resolutions can be made in a timely manner, ideally before the 2nd presentation. Groups will sign up for their number (see schedule) and topic ‘first come, first served’. There is no required textbook for this course. Brightspace will be used to distribute course materials.

Grades are based on attendance, in-class participation, and group work, including a group reflection, writing of research papers and a brochure, and presentations. Group grades are shared among group members unless exceptions are made by the instructor.