Course Intent: The objective of this course is to present current understanding of biologic mechanisms involved in the etiology and pathology of various brain disorders, including those disorders generally classified as "mental disorders." Basic concepts of neurobiology will be presented coincidentally with discussion of the clinical presentation and management of the various disorders.

Texts: Andreasen, Nancy C. Brave New Brain: Conquering Mental Illness in the Era of the Geneome, Oxford University Press, 2001. This book provides clear descriptions of various mental illnesses and also places these illnesses in the context of biologic disorders. REQUIRED

Pliszka, S.R. Neuroscience for the Mental Health Clinician, The Guilford Press. 2003. This book provides more details on basic mechanisms of neurotransmission. REQUIRED

Charney, Dennis S., Nestler, Eric J., Bunney, Benjamin S., Neurobiology of Mental Illness, Oxford University Press, 1999. We are using the softcover edition of this text. This is an edited text providing current information on the understanding of neurobiologic mechanisms contributing to mental disorders. It is quite detailed. Specific chapters from this book will be required reading for all students, and those chapters will be put on electronic reserve. For students registered for BCS 546, this book is required.

Additional readings that are assigned will be placed on electronic reserve. Readings on electronic reserve are marked by an * in the class schedule.

Course Evaluation: Five exams accounting for 100% of the final grade will be given. Both take-home and in-class exams are scheduled. The in-class exams may include discussion questions for which study questions will be handed out prior to the in-class exams. The following ranges provide a general guideline for estimating final grades: