Clinical Psychopharmacology (MS) Program

Course Descriptions

PX 229—Neuroscience

7 credits

Structural and Functional Organization of the Nervous SystemStudents will study the major neuroanatomical components of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, as well as nonneural components of the nervous system including the blood supply, blood brain barrier, and cerebral spinal fluid. Students will become familiar with the fundamental principles of prenatal nervous system development.

Neurophysiology, Neurochemistry, and Molecular Biology of the Nervous System
Students will gain a working knowledge of the physiology of neurons, glial cells and myelin. Study of membrane physiology will cover the essentials of electrical and chemical transmission between neurons, action potentials, graded potentials, and the refractory period. Various neurotransmitters, second messengers, excitatory versus inhibitory synapses will all be covered. Students will also learn basic genetics and molecular biology as it pertains to the nervous system and disease.

Brainstem, Hypothalamic and Limbic Functions
Basic functions of the major brain stem nuclei will be covered, as well as hypothalamic control of homeostatic mechanisms, neuroendocrine function, and motivation. Students will also develop an appreciation of the limbic structures and their role in emotion.

Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Systems
The course will explore fundamental principles of neuron electrical behavior, synaptic transmission, topics in neurochemistry, postsynaptic actions and research techniques for neurotransmission.

Sensory Systems Anatomy and Physiology
Students will learn the basic structure and function of sensory receptors, sensory transduction, the organization of the sensory pathways, and sensory information processing in higher cortical areas.

Motor Systems Anatomy and Physiology
Students will become familiar with extrapyramidal and pyramidal motor pathways, the organization of the motor cortex, subcortical motor structures, spinal motor pathways, spinal reflexes, and muscle innervation.

Behavior and Cognition
Students will learn the areas of the brain that are known to be sexually dimorphic and the impact of androgens on the brain. They will also develop an appreciation for the importance of genes in behavior. Students will be exposed to various theories of language development, and the molecular and physiological basis of learning and memory.

Updated 10/15/07