NSCI 381 - Neurobiology of Disease

FC NSMA QFR

4 credits
This course will examine the cellular and molecular basis of different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on understanding incidence, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, scientific models of causes/mechanisms, medical and diagnostic tools, as well as therapeutic strategies. It will include discussions of the biological and anatomical basis of neurological diseases, as well as recent research approaches into understanding the mechanisms of diseases and developing effective therapeutic approaches. This course is intended to broaden student understanding and creativity of how diseases are diagnosed, examined, and studied. We will discuss clinical neuroanatomy to serve as a basis for understanding brain structures and functional alterations in a variety of developmental, degenerative, neurological, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Disorders of the adult brain, including stroke, seizure disorders, brain tumors, basal ganglia disorders, dementia, mood disorders, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, anxiety disorders, brain/spinal cord injury, substance abuse disorders, and many others will be discussed. Additional diseases covered may vary from year to year. In addition to the assigned readings, students will read and discuss findings from the scientific literature, case-studies, and ethics, as well as develop their scientific writing, presentation, and logical reasoning skills.
Prerequisites & Notes: NSCI 201 with a minimum grade of C-, P, or consent of the instructor.