COURSE DESCRIPTION - This lecture/laboratory course with provide students with a solid foundation in normal and abnormal brain function as elucidated by current advances in neurobiology and molecular cell techniques.  Understanding how the brain works from a molecular standpoint through genomes, proteomes and bioinformatics allows the students to better appreciate the more complex and comprehensive brain functions such as in cognition and memory, or in dysfunction and neuropathology.  Topics in this course will focus on, but are not limited to, the underlying molecular components of the following:  manipulating biomolecules, biomembranes, passive and active stimulation of neurons, gated ion channels, pre- and post-synaptic transmission, signal transduction, developmental genetics and synaptogenesis, epigenetics, neuronal and synaptic plasticity, neuronal modulation, memory, certain neuropathologies, and molecular evolution.  Students will be required to complete an independent research project.

PREREQUISITES - Principles of Biology I and II; Principles of Chemistry I and II, Molecular Cell Biology.

GOAL: The main goal through lectures and laboratory applications is to better understand the structure and function of neuronal macromolecules and their interactions on the cellular level, thereby uncovering the complex mysteries of the human nervous system in health and disease.

TEXT: ELEMENTS OF MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY, 3e. 2002. Smith, C., John Wiley and Sons, New York.

READINGS: Chapters from the assigned text MUST be read before the appropriate lectures. Reading of additional articles and supplements in Blackboard are also required to successfully complete the assignments and quizzes. These supplements will include clinical topics and current directions in molecular neurobiology research.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: A key component to the successful understanding of molecular neurobiology involves the ability to solve related problems. Students are encouraged to work on assigned problem sets in groups but are required to hand in solutions as individual work.    Bioinformatic applications as they relate to the molecular aspects of neurobiology will also be assigned.  The required term paper is the culmination of a search and analysis of the current research literature of primary sources on a chosen specific topic. Students should gain a clearer understanding of the method of scientific inquiry and research methodology.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

30% = 2 SCHEDULED EXAMINATIONS**

EXAM I - Molecular neuroanatomy and manipulation
EXAM II -Molecular organization of the cell

30% = PROJECT WORK AND PRESENTATION

15% = WEB PAGE/BLACKBOARD ASSIGNMENTS

10% = BIOINFORMATICS PROJECT

10% = WRITTEN REPORT ON THE TOPIC OF YOUR CHOICE

(title should be submitted in writing 2/22/06 as part of midterm exam and include at least three primary sources; the final paper should include at least five primary sources: due date for final paper - 4/19/06)

5% = CLASS PARTICIPATION/QUESTIONS (this includes attendance)

** NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN

1

1/18/06

2-3

1/25/06

4

2/01/06

5-6

2/08/06

7-8

2/15/06

 9-11

2/22/06

3/01/06

12-14

3/15/06

15-16

3/22/06

19

3/29/06

20

4/05/06

21

4/12/06

4/19/06

4/26/06

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT HONOR CODE

The biology department has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding any form of academic dishonesty.
Please read the guidelines at http://www.mville.edu/biology/honorcode.html.
As a student enrolled in this Biology course at Manhattanville College, you must agree to follow
the honor code of conduct as outlined and indicate so in Blackboard under Course Information.