Number of credits: 3

Course Directors: Charles Allen and Mary Heinricher

Next Offered: Fall 2018

Course Description: Students who complete this course will have a basic understanding of the properties of nerve cells, synaptic transmission, and forms of synaptic plasticity. They will understand the fundamentals of fast synaptic transmission, using ligand gated ion channel neurotransmitter systems as examples, as well as form a basic understanding of second messenger-mediated transmission, using modulatory neurotransmitter systems as examples. Through this course, students will understand the basic principles of synaptic transmission and neuropharmacology, and the electrophysiological methods used to examine these fields. Students will also gain insight into the role of specific neurons in particular behaviors.