This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.
Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
Recitations: 1 session / week, 1 hour / session
This course is the foundation for the study of cellular neurobiology. The primary material focuses on the structure of neurons, including the biophysical properties of excitable cells, synaptic transmission, neurochemistry, neurodevelopment, and integration of information in simple systems and the visual system. The different types of synapses are also covered, from chemical synapses to electrical synapses, known as gap junctions, in the squid giant axon. The problem sets are designed to ground students in the understanding that ionic gradients are the primary power source of neuronal transmission.
Kandel, Eric R., James H. Schwartz, and Thomas M. Jessell, eds. Principles of Neural Science. 4th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division, 2000. ISBN: 9780838577011.
There are three problem sets for this course, one mid-term exam, and a final exam. Exams are closed book.
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Problem Sets | 10% |
| Midterm Exam | 40% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
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