Course Description:
Advanced seminar on a selected topic in neuroscience. Includes in depth reading and discussion of current research in human and nonhuman animals, with an emphasis on critical evaluation. This semester the course will discuss calcium signalling.
The course grade will be determined as follows-
Mid-Term Assignment (50%) - The students will prepare a short research journal style paper (2500-3000 words) using figures from the scientific literature in the result section of the paper. The assignment will be done in parts with different sections due at earlier times for feedback and revision. Students will also peer review the papers of other students. Content should be reflect an understanding of course topics discussed.
Final Assignment (50%) - The students will prepare a grant proposal (2500-3000 words) following the NIH style on a topic related to course material. As part of the project the students will first prepare a Pre-Proposal describing the idea for the grant. The assignment will be done in parts with different sections due at earlier times for feedback and revision. Students will also peer review the grants of other students. Content should be reflect an understanding of course topics discussed.
Academic Honesty Policy :
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This includes cheating,
plagiarism, and falsification of academic records. That being said, you
can help each other out on the homework (this does not mean that you can
copy each other's homework).
Important Dates:
Tuesday, January 21, 1:30 - 4:10 pm - First Day of Class
Tuesday, March 4, 1:30 - 4:10 pm - Mid-Term Project Due
Tuesday, March 11, 1:30 - 4:10 pm - No class due to Spring Break
Thursday, March 13, 1:30 - 4:10 pm - No class due to Spring Break
Tuesday, April 1, 1:30 pm - Final Assignment Pre-Proposals Due
Tuesday, April 29, 1:30 - 4:10 pm - Final Assignment Due
Tuesday, May 7, 1:30 - 4:15 pm - Final Exam
Other dates will be announced during clase
Topics to be covered possibly include the following.
1. Scientific Paper Writing and Peer Review
2. Scientific Grant Writing and Peer Review
3. Intracellular calcium channels
4. Plasmalemmal Calcium Channels and targets
5. Calcium Puffs, Sparks, Waves
6. Mitochondria and Calcium
7. Gene Expression Regulation by Calcium
8. Vesicle Release
9. Store operated Calcium Entry and Calcium Stores
10.Calcium Buffering
11.Calcium in Muscle, Nerves and other Cells
Sage Advice : If you want to do well in course: 1) Do all the assignment starting early and woorking on a schedule. 2) Read any other assigned reading. 3) Ask questions in class, after class, or in appointments with the instructor or TA. 3) If you are having difficulty, be sure to get help. I encourage the students discussing the course material and problems, but require everyone to do the work - NO COPYING.
Saleet Jafri
Sat Jan 25 15:48:29 EST 2014