Description:

An analysis of neural systems from an anatomical viewpoint, developing an overview of the structure of the mammalian nervous system, organized around the various functional subunits of the brain with emphasis on both gross aspects and cellular aspects of neural function.

The first half of the course will consist of lectures and classroom discussion based on the required texts, designed to provide an overview of systems neuroscience. With the approval and guidance of the instructor during this phase of the semester, students will select a specific topic of their choice in the field of neuroscience for further independent study (e.g., the organization of the visual system, the pathology of Alzheimer's Disease) and begin the initial writing components of the course requirements, a detailed outline and, based on instructor feedback from the outline, a preliminary draft of a term paper on their selected topic.

The second half of the semester will focus on student oral presentations and the preparation of the final draft of their term paper. The students' course grades will be determined by the in-class oral presentation as well as the series of writing assignments covering on their selected topic.

Texts:

Kandel, E., Schwartz, J. & Jessell, T. Essentials of neural science and behavior. (1st ed.) 1995

Selected readings.

Grading and Requirements:

Term Paper:

Detailed Outline (1-3 pages, double spaced) 10%

Preliminary draft (6 page minimum, double spaced) 25%

Final draft (10 page minimum, double spaced) 35%

Prerequisites:

Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Psychology 418 or an equivalent statistics course with a grade of C or better, upper division standing, and six semester hours of upper division psychology.

Updated 19 October 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn