Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - BPK 446 D100

Neurological Disorders (3)

Class Number: 3382

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2022
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BPK 306. Recommended: BPK 336 and/or BPK 415.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines neural and neuromuscular diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and myasthenia gravis. Emphasizes currently favoured hypotheses, underlying evidence and pathogenic mechanisms.

COURSE DETAILS:

This lecture-based course explores the anatomy, physiology and pathology of a number of nervous system and muscle-related diseases of man and other mammals. The intent is the expand on the anatomic and physiology background of BPK, BNS and other students to explore a variety of disorders of relevance to our understanding of the nervous and muscular systems, as well as scientific enquiry in biology, and medicine. It will be of interest to those interested in studies in the health-related disciplines, especially those interested in nervous system diseases. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Schedule from previous course:

  • Introduction to course, video, Discussion of video, anatomy and physiology related to disease
  • Video, Response of CNS cells to injury
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including genetic studies
  • ALS (continued)
  • Axon transport
  • Excitatory amino acids and excitotoxicity, calcium and role of Ca2+
  • Trophic factors
  • Apoptosis and cell death
  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • FIRST MIDTERM EXAM, Alzheimer’s disease SYNCHRONOUS EXAM (approx. 1 hour)
  • READING WEEK; ESSAY TOPICS DUE, Essays due
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease and fronto-temporal dementia
  • Prion disease
  • Cerebrovascular disease
  • Inflammation in the nervous system
  • SECOND MIDTERM EXAM and Multiple sclerosis SYNCHRONOUS EXAM
  • Peripheral nerve disease and axon transport
  • Huntington’s disease: ESSAY DUE
  • Autism
  • Myasthenia gravis and the neuromuscular junction
  • Memory and temporal lobe dysfunction
  • Holiday, Good Friday
  • Myotonia and muscle disease
  • Consciousness and seizures 
  • Misc (stem cells, RNAinterference and other)
  • Catch up and Review 

Grading

  • Midterm 1 15%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Short Essay 10%
  • Long Essay 20%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

Short essay may be changed to short presentation depending on class arrangements (Zoom, etc)

REQUIREMENTS:

BPK 306 required, BPK 326 recommended; Biochemistry courses helpful

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course notes. Additional reading texts in library

REQUIRED READING:

Course notes will be provided

Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.