NEUR*2000 Foundations of Neuroscience I (offered Fall only)
This course offers an introduction to the mammalian nervous system, with emphasis on the structure and function of the human brain. General principles of the function and organization of nervous systems will be discussed, providing both an overview of the subject and a foundation for advanced courses. Topics will include the physical and chemical bases for action potentials, synaptic transmission, and sensory transduction; anatomy; development; sensory and motor pathways; and the neuroscience of brain diseases.
NEUR*2100 Foundations of Neuroscience II (offered Winter only)
This course will emphasize general principles of the function and organization of the peripheral nervous system, providing both an in-depth view of the subject and a foundation for advanced courses. Topics will include the physical and chemical bases for sensory transduction in the periphery; anatomy and physiology of sensory and motor systems; peripheral gain; sensory and motor pathways; the neuroscience of movement sense, plasticity and adaptation. By the end of this course, students will appreciate the complexities of the peripheral nervous system. This will lay the foundation for further integrative topics on the inter-relationship of the whole system and its functional outcomes.
NEUR*3100 Molecular Mechanisms of Neurological Disorders (offered Fall only)
This course builds upon the knowledge gained in NEUR*2000 and examine the biological underpinnings of central nervous system diseases. In the first half of the course, emphasis is placed on molecular events and cellular pathways that are important for proper neuronal and brain systems function in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. The second half of the course will expand upon these concepts by discussing their involvement in various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease pathologies using recent literature from preclinical and clinical studies. Diseases that will be discussed include, but are not limited to, autism spectrum disorders, Rett syndrome, depression, schizophrenia, addiction, and Alzheimer’s disease. Current therapies and their limitations will also be addressed.
NEUR*3500 Techniques in Neuroscience (offered Winter only)
This course provides an introduction to selected techniques used in Neuroscience. Students will investigate and learn key methods in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, cognitive neuroscience, and molecular and cellular neurobiology, used to address contemporary problems in this multidisciplinary field. These techniques are introduced through literature review, hands-on laboratory exercises and demonstrations. A diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms is considered as well as the ethical considerations that accompany the use of animals or human subjects in research.
NEUR*4000 Current Issues in Neuroscience (offered Fall only)
This course consists of guest lectures offered by faculty who are working in the field of neuroscience and complement the seminars given by the students on topics that they have prepared in studying the primary literature. Students also prepare and present a major scientific study proposal on a neuroscience topic.
NEUR*4100 Neuropharmacology (offered Fall only)
The goal of this course is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the effects that pharmacological agents may have on the nervous system. In addition, students gain experience critically evaluating scientific literature and communicating concepts in neuropharmacology. The semester begins with an overview of neuropharmacological principles including the physiology and pharmacology of major neurotransmitters systems in the brain. This is followed by the investigation of major neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, neurological, and neurodegenerative disorders, and the current pharmacological strategies that are employed to address these disorders. Additional topics covered include the use and abuse of common psychoactive drugs, the effects of pharmacological agents on the developing brain, and the delivery of agents to the CNS.
NEUR*4401, NEUR*4402, NEUR4421, NEUR4122, NEUR*4450 Research in Neurosciences
These research courses are designed to expose students to neuroscience research where information is created, interpreted and integrated with current knowledge, and to teach effective skills for communicating scientific information orally and in writing. The courses are designed to give the student a realistic view of research by providing an opportunity for “hands-on” research under the direct supervision of a Neuro Faculty member.
See here for registration information and sign-in questionnaire: https://ovc.uoguelph.ca/biomedical-sciences/neuroscience-bsc-major