Nervous System Function in Health and Disease

• Program: Summer Pre-College Courses
• Course Code: CEBN0910
• How to Apply

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Course Description

Many secrets of the nervous system have been unraveled through observation of patients with neurological disorders. In this course, we will examine the importance of structure-function relationships within the nervous system and explore how this balance is disrupted in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. The course will introduce the functioning nervous system to students interested in neuroscience, psychology, medicine or biology.

The human nervous system is the most complex organ system of the body. When neurological disease strikes, the underlying pathology disrupts normal brain functions such as sensing ones environment, learning and memory, and performing coordinated movements. In this course we will study the interplay between basic structure and function in the nervous system and discuss how neurological disorders affect this structure-function harmony. The course will cover introductory neuroscience topics such as basic structure of the nervous system, how neurons conduct biological electricity and how they communicate with each other using chemical messengers. We will then apply this basic knowledge to analyze how neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease alter normal neuronal physiology. In this section of the course we will only briefly survey the clinical aspects of the disease, while placing emphasis on the hypothesized causes and current treatment strategies. The course structure includes lectures, a short exam and will conclude with a group presentation.

This course will enable students to master basic concepts in neuroscience and to apply this knowledge to understanding the pathology underlying neurological disorders. Furthermore, the coursework will help students improve their time management, and teamwork skills.

Students will achieve these learning goals by accomplishing the following objectives:

* Learning basic concepts in neuroscience
* Applying this basic knowledge to the study of neurological disorders
* Exploring various dimensions of Alzheimer's disease
* Working effectively in a team

It is strongly recommended that applicants successfully complete a basic course in high school biology and chemistry prior to enrolling in this course.

*Please note: This course has a Material Fee of $50.00.