Course learning objectives
Unit 1: The scope and depth of neuroscience
Neuroanatomy
• Describe the differences between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. (A)
• Understand the division of the PNS into autonomic, somatic, sensory, and motor nervous systems. (A)
• Identify the brain stem, cerebellum and four lobes of the mammalian brain. (A)
• Identify the location and general function of major brain regions. (A)
• Explain the concept of the blood brain barrier and the role of the ventricular system. (A)
• Explain the role of brain folding (gyrification). (A)
Cell biology
• Describe the major structures of a typical neuron, and the general function of each structure. (B)
• Understand the classification of neurons based on structure and function. (B)
• Describe the major types of glial cells found in the nervous system. (B)
• Describe the general functions of receptors, ion channels, and enzymes. (B, C)
Neurophysiology
• Distinguish the terms voltage, current, and charge. (D)
• Qualitatively describe the relative concentrations of major physiological ions inside and outside of the cell. (D)
• Describe the concepts of electrical and chemical (concentration) gradients. (D)
• Explain the basis of the resting membrane potential with reference to electrochemical forces, leak K+ channels, and
the Na+/K+ pump. (D)
• Describe the membrane potential changes that occur during an action potential. (D)
• Explain the activity of ion channels and ion movements that underlie the action potential. (D, E)
• Describe and explain the all-or-none concept of action potential firing and its implications. (D)
• Understand how an action potential travels along an axon. (D)
• Understand how membrane potential changes in dendrites influences action potential firing. (D)
Neurochemistry
• Identify the major components of the synapse (D)
• Identify the major criteria for a substance to be considered a classical neurotransmitter. (D)
• Identify & compare two major types of receptors (ionotropic & metabotropic) (D)
Unit 1: The scope and depth of neuroscience
Neuroanatomy
• Describe the differences between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. (A)
• Understand the division of the PNS into autonomic, somatic, sensory, and motor nervous systems. (A)
• Identify the brain stem, cerebellum and four lobes of the mammalian brain. (A)
• Identify the location and general function of major brain regions. (A)
• Explain the concept of the blood brain barrier and the role of the ventricular system. (A)
• Explain the role of brain folding (gyrification). (A)
Cell biology
• Describe the major structures of a typical neuron, and the general function of each structure. (B)
• Understand the classification of neurons based on structure and function. (B)
• Describe the major types of glial cells found in the nervous system. (B)
• Describe the general functions of receptors, ion channels, and enzymes. (B, C)
Neurophysiology
• Distinguish the terms voltage, current, and charge. (D)
• Qualitatively describe the relative concentrations of major physiological ions inside and outside of the cell. (D)
• Describe the concepts of electrical and chemical (concentration) gradients. (D)
• Explain the basis of the resting membrane potential with reference to electrochemical forces, leak K+ channels, and
the Na+/K+ pump. (D)
• Describe the membrane potential changes that occur during an action potential. (D)
• Explain the activity of ion channels and ion movements that underlie the action potential. (D, E)
• Describe and explain the all-or-none concept of action potential firing and its implications. (D)
• Understand how an action potential travels along an axon. (D)
• Understand how membrane potential changes in dendrites influences action potential firing. (D)
Neurochemistry
• Identify the major components of the synapse (D)
• Identify the major criteria for a substance to be considered a classical neurotransmitter. (D)
• Identify & compare two major types of receptors (ionotropic & metabotropic) (D)
