TAs: TBA
This course is intended to introduce you to the field of neurochemistry. The discipline of behavioral neurochemistry includes topics that range from study of the neurochemical mechanisms that underlie normal behavior to behavioral sequellae that result from severe neurochemical abnormalities. An introductory knowledge of biochemistry will be helpful in understanding the material.
Examinations:
The course is arranged into four units. An in-class exam will be given at the end of each of the first three units. A take-home exam will cover the fourth unit. The take-home exam questions will be handed out at the last class period and the exam will be due at the time that the final exam for the course is scheduled. Each exam will account for 25% of your final grade. You also may earn extra credit by attending scheduled seminars given around the university and writing a one-page summary of the presentation. The summary must be handed in within one week following the presentation and should briefly describe the rationale and intent for the work reported, the main observations reported and the implications of these observations. Two points (excellent), 1 point (acceptable), or 0 points (unacceptable) will be added to your overall course average for each summary up to a maximum of 6 points (3 reports). You will be notified of appropriate seminars.
Course Schedule and Assigned Readings
* On Reserve, Carlson Library
Sep. 28: Receptors: Recognition Site
Oct. 3 : Fall Break
Oct. 5 : Receptor-Effector Mechanisms: Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Oct. 10: Receptor-Effector Mechanisms: Second Messenger Systems
Oct. 12: Importance of Phosphorylation to Brain Function
Oct. 17: No Class
Oct. 19: Importance of Calcium to Brain Function
Oct. 24: EXAM TWO
Oct. 26: Maintenance of a Proper Chemical Environment
Oct. 31: Carbohydrates and Energy Metabolism
Nov. 2 : Brain Lipids and Membrane Structure
Nov. 7 : Amino Acids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
Nov. 9 : Brain and Hormone Relationships
Nov.14: EXAM THREE
Nov.16: No Class, Neuroscience Meeting
Nov.21: Neurochemical Considerations in Survival Responses
Nov.23: Thanksgiving Break
Nov.28: Learning and Memory: Cellular Mechanisms
Nov.30: Gender Specific Behavior and Neurochemistry
Dec. 5 : Neurochemical Basis of Mental Illness
Dec. 7 : Neural Targets of Abused Drugs
Dec. 12: Review; Hand Out Final Exam