BCS 203: Syllabus

Spring 2013

Time & Location

Section 1: Tues 12:30 - 4:40
Section 2: Wed 12:30-4:40
Section 3: Thurs 12:30 - 4:40

Meliora 111

Personnel

Ben Hayden (Instructor)

585-275-4023

David Kornack (Instructor)

585-273-3140

Kathy Nordeen (Instructor)
585-275-8452

Objective & Design

This course introduces various methodologies utilized in neurobiological research and demonstrates principles and concepts covered in NSC 201 (BCS 240).

The first part of the course (before spring break) entails structured laboratory experiments focused on neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and molecular approaches to studying neural organization and function. During this portion of the course, you will learn to prepare laboratory reports in the style of a scientific research paper.

The course concludes with a research project that extends over a period of five weeks. Behavioral tests and pharmacological manipulations will be used to explore the role of the basal ganglia in motor behavior. This study culminates with the production of a final research paper.

Grading

Quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class period and are designed to provide incentive for READING THE LAB MANUAL PRIOR TO CONDUCTING THE LAB EXPERIMENTS! The total grade will be distributed as follows:

Quizzes: 10%
Neuroanatomy: Results Lab Report 5%
Neuroanatomy: Stereotaxic Atlas 5%
Neurophysiology: Homework 10%
Neurophysiology: Methods/Results 10%
Neurogenesis Project: Lab Report 25%
Nigrostriatal Project: Lab Report & Participation 35%

All assignments must be turned in on the date specified. If a paper must be late, talk to one of the instructors beforehand; a penalty of 5 pts/day will be assessed on any late papers.

Materials on Electronic Reserve

Readings must be downloaded from Blackboard. Only students enrolled in the course have access to the readings.

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