Descriptions of Core Courses Required for the M.S. Program

NRS 520  - Neuroscience I  4 cr
This course provides the Graduate Students in the Graduate Neuroscience Program and other life sciences with a comprehensive overview of the principles that control the development and function of the nervous system. These principles require knowledge that cuts across all scientific disciplines. Hence, topics will be team-taught at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. The course covers the structure and development of the nervous system, formation and function of the synapse, and the general principles of neuronal function. The student is expected to gain 1) the necessary background to pursue in greater depth any selected facet of neuroscience and 2) an appreciation of the beauty and excitement offered by the intellectual challenge posed by analyzing how the nervous system functions. Topics to be covered are shown in the appendix B, item 5. Dr. Beverly Bishop is the course coordinator.

NRS 521 - Neuroscience II, 4 cr
This course is the second of a sequence designed to provide graduate students with a comprehensive overview of the principles of nervous system function.  There is an emphasis on sensory and motor systems and on brain function and dysfunction. These principles require knowledge that cuts across all scientific disciplines.  Hence, the topics are team-taught at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels using both lecture and organized discussion of the primary literature. The student is expected to gain an understanding of the integrative functions of the central nervous system and an appreciation of CNS function and dysfunction. Topics to be covered are shown in the appendix B, item 5. Dr. Susan Udin is the course coordinator.

NRS 601/602 - Topics in Neuroscience, 1 cr
This course is a journal club that will be attended by all members of GPN. Presentation of papers will be done on a rotating basis. There will also be presentations of laboratory reviews and presentations of abstracts that are to be given at national meetings such as the Society of Neuroscience convention. The objective of this course is to provide a diversified perspective on the Neurosciences. Dr. Malcolm Slaughter is the course coordinator.

BCH 503-  Biochemical Principles, 4 cr.
This course provides a broad overview of the basic principles of biochemistry, including major sections on macromolecular structure and function, metabolism, and gene expression.

BIO 502- Advanced Cell Biology, 4 cr.
This is an advanced course dealing with cell biology. Structural and functional aspects of the cell are considered in depth, with an emphasis on the cell as a dynamic system.

PGY 527-  Neurophysiology, 4 cr
This course introduces the students to the basic principles governing the function of the nervous system in normal humans.  Clinical examples of neuropathology are used to illustrate the complex interactions of CNS function. The objective of the course is to provide the student with a broad background in neuroscience. Topics to be covered are shown in the appendix B, item 5.

PMY 517- Pharmacology of the Autonomic and Cardiovascular Systems, 2 cr.
This course builds upon the principles of pharmacology presented in PMY 501, although it does not require PMY 501 as a prerequisite.  A basic understanding of mammalian physiology is useful.  The mechanism of action of drugs that act on the autonomic nervous system, the neuromuscular junction, the kidneys, and the cardiovascular system are presented in the context of organismic biology with particular emphasis on the experimental approaches to analyzing mechanisms of drug action.

PMY 518- Pharmacology of the CNS and the Sensory System, 2 cr
This course offering continues a series of courses dealing with basic principles of pharmacology and the mechanisms of action of the major drug classes.  PMY 518 does not require prerequisites, although a basic familiarity with the principles of mammalian physiology and/or pharmacology is recommended.  Three major sections include:  (I) cytokines and other natural autacoids, and drugs used to combat inflammation and retro-viral infection; (II) sensory pharmacology including local and general anesthetics and opioid analgesics; (III) CNS pharmacology including mood altering drugs, psychoactive substances, drugs used for Parkinson’s disease and behavioral pharmacology.