Biological Sciences 321EU - Conference Course: 'The Neuron'

Nervous systems are built from a diversity of neurons, which can be classified in a variety of ways,including location, neurotransmitters, structure, connectivity, or gene expression. In the extreme, each neuron in a brain has its own unique identity. In this discussion-based course, we will review fundamental neuron biology, then we will use classic and modern literature to consider current multidisciplinary questions such as: What makes a neuron a neuron? Where did neurons come from? How do we distinguish different types of neurons? Students will research their favorite neuron and present it in a variety of media: written summaries, oral presentations, and creatively as a "trading card".

Prereq: BIOL-210, or BIOL-220, or NEURO-100 and 4 credits in Biological Sciences.