Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BISC 405 D100

Neurobiology (3)

Class Number: 3873

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 26, 2021
    Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 205 or BPK 205 and MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Neuroscience, focusing on physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms. Topics include: cellular and subcellular organization of the nervous system, electrical properties of neurons, ion channels, synaptic transmission, sensory systems, learning and memory, neurodegenerative diseases. Students who have completed BISC 472 under the title 'Neurobiology' may not complete BISC 405 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This lecture course covers many aspects of cellular and molecular neuroscience. Topics will include: Cellular and subcellular organization of the nervous system, electrical properties of neurons, ion channel structure and function, neurotransmitters, synaptic transmission, signal transduction mechanisms, second messengers, sensory systems, motor systems, learning & memory and neurodegenerative diseases.  Students will also become familiar with cellular and molecular techniques employed in modern neuroscience research.

Canvas will be used for this class.

Grading

  • Midterm 30%
  • Tutorials 20%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

This course outline is tentative and subject to change.

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching:
Lecture: asynchronous (recorded)
Tutorial: synchronous
Midterm: synchronous; date: TBA
Final exam: synchronous; date: TBA

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Neuroscience, 6th Edition. Purves and Augustine.

The textbook will be available in loose-leaf format at the bookstore. Alternatively, for the same price, a 180-day subscription to a “CourseSmart eBook” can be purchased online at www.sinauer.com.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).