Dr. Julia George
j-george@uiuc.edu
423A Burrill Hall
Office Hours: Monday, 3–4 PM, or by appointment

Overview: We will examine how the general attributes of eukaryotic cells have been adapted and specialized in neurons to support the highly complex information processing functions of the nervous system, with a particular emphasis on electrical properties of membranes, neurosecretion, plasticity, intracellular signaling, development, axonal pathfinding, and energy metabolism. In the final section of the course, we will consider how disturbances of these physiological processes can lead to neurological disease.

Prerequisites: This course is offered as an advanced core option for upper-level (junior and senior) majors in MCB; prerequisites are MCB 252 and credit or concurrent registration in MCB 354 (or permission of instructor). Graduate students should have a strong background in cell biology and biochemistry.

Textbook: From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition, A. Robert Martin, Bruce G. Wallace, Paul A. Fuchs, and John G. Nicholls (2001).

Grading: There will be 3 hourly examinations and a non-comprehensive final exam, each worth 100 points. Students may drop the lowest of these four scores. Grades will be initially assigned on a scale with minimum cutoffs as follows: A=90%, B=80%, C=70%, D=60%. If necessary, these cutoffs will be lowered to give a minimum distribution of 25% A, 35% B, 25% C, 10% D, 5% F. Minus and plus grades are generally not given but may be used at the discretion of the instructor to recognize exceptional course participation or in other special cases.

Examinations: Questions will be in mixed format, including essay, short-answer, and multiple choice.

Missed Exams: Hourly exams will be offered during regular class time, as indicated on the lecture schedule. Special arrangements will be considered for students with foreseeable schedule conflicts (e.g. religious holidays), provided I’m given at least 2 weeks advance notice. Otherwise, a single missed hourly exam will be considered the “lowest exam score” and dropped (see Grading, above), with or without a documented excuse. Subsequent missed exams may be made up, but only with a documented excuse. Students requiring a conflict exam for the final should make arrangements with the instructor by Dec 3.