Systems Neuroscience: HCS 6346

Integrative structure and function of nervous systems

Spring 2006, TTh 5:30-6:45, GR 4.301

Instructor: Dr. Tres Thompson

Office: JO 4.310
Phone: 883-4933
Office hours: T 11-noon; others by appt.
e-mail: tres@utdallas.edu
web-page: http://www.utdallas.edu/~tres

Texts: Principles of Neural Science (Kandel, Schwartz & Jessell), 4th Ed. [K]
Neuroscience (Purves et al.), 3rd Ed. [P]

Course purpose: A course in the neurosciences must take aim at a constantly moving target. The
present course covers three core areas of modern neuroscience: (1) the cell biological properties of
different types of neurons that suit them to (and/or limit) the specific tasks they carry out;
(2) the organization of functional neural systems that determine the behavioral and cognitive
properties of living organisms; (3) a critical evaluation of the research methods used to assess (1)
and (2). The overall aim is to familiarize you with systems level analyses of the brain and its
function, which when fully developed should take into account all known neurobiological and
psychological data. Since no current framework meets these comprehensive goals fully (nor can one!),
you will be trained to critically evaluate current and future theories purporting to do so, so as to
improve and reformulate theory for the future. Class discussion is strongly encouraged.

Examinations: There will be three (3) multiple choice exams and a cumulative final exam, each
worth 25 points toward your final grade (a total of 100 points from exams). Material for these
exams will be taken from class lectures and discussion, so attendance is strongly encouraged. The
format of the exam questions is designed to be challenging and to encourage integrative thought
about the material. The texts and any additional assigned readings serve as background material for
class discussion, not as a final voice of authority.

Oral presentations: All students will make an oral presentations of an original research article
published in the neuroscience literature within the last decade. The articles used must be
preapproved by the instructor, and relevant to the topic being discussed. Presentations will be 10
minutes in length, with up to 10 minutes allowed for followup questions and further discussion. Each
presentation will earn 0–12 points toward the final grade (the mean of the evaluation of the
instructor and of the average of fellow students’ evaluations), rating effective: 1. statement of the
background for the paper; 2. statement of the research question(s); 3. presentation of research
methods used; 4. presentation of research findings; 5. clarity of take-home message; and 6. clarity
of responses to questions/discussion. Up to 12 pts. can be earned from the oral presentations.

Grading: Final course grades will be assessed based on the cumulative points earned on each of the
exams and on the oral presentations. More than 70% of points are required to earn a C, more than
80 % of points to earn a B, and more than 90% of points to earn an A.
Course Objectives:
1. students will learn the organizing principles used in self-assembling neural systems
2. students will learn proper nomenclature for channels, transmitters, cells, pathways, and
control loops making up systems supporting one or more functions in the nervous system
3. students will assess the information underlying our current views in #1 and #2 above,
and perform critical analyses of the validity of current hypotheses regarding neural systems
Knowledge Outcomes:
1. students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of feedback, reciprocal
connectivity, and distributed processing fundamental to organization of neural systems
2. students will properly use nomenclature to describe neural systems governing motor
control, sensory processing, homeostatic maintenance, and higher cognitive functions.
3. students will assess the fact that scientific progress recycles data endlessly, but spurs
the discarding of old frameworks for the development of new and better theories.

Class Schedule:
Date Suggested reading Topics
Jan 10 (review K 1,2; P 1-4) intro. to neural systems
Jan 12 K 44, 49; P 20 motor systems 1: ANS
Jan 17 K 33–37; P 15 motor systems 2: spinal cord
Jan 19 K 17, 41, 33; P 16 motor systems 3: cortical & descending systems
Jan 24 K 43; P 17 motor systems 4: basal ganglia
Jan 26 K 42: P18 motor systems 5: cerebellum
Jan 31 Exam 1
Feb 2 K 21–22; P 8 sensory 1: somatic I
Feb 7 K 23–24; P 9 sensory 2: somatic II
Feb 9 K 26; P 10 sensory 3: visual I
Feb 14 K 25, 27–29; P 11 sensory 4: visual II
Feb 16 K 31, 30, 40; P 12, 13 sensory 5: auditory/vestibular
Feb 21 K 32; P 14 sensory 6: chemical
Feb 23 oral presentations motor systems, sensation & perception
Feb 28 Exam 2
Mar 2 oral presentations homeostatic mechanisms
Mar 7, 9 Spring break
Mar 14 K 51 homeostasis: eating & drinking
Mar 16 K 47, 48; P 27 homeostasis: sleep
Mar 21 K 45; P 27 homeostasis: waking
Mar 23 K 50; P 28 homeostasis: emotion & motivation
Mar 28 K 57, 59; P 26, 29 homeostasis: language & sex
Mar 30 Exam 3
Apr 4 K 19, 20; P 25 plasticity: cognition
Apr 6 P 24 plasticity: learning & memory (behavior/psychology)
Apr 11 K 62 plasticity: learning & memory (theory-LTP)
Apr 13 K 63; P 30 plasticity: learning & memory (reality-AHP)
Apr 18 K 58; P 30 plasticity: aging
Apr 20 oral presentations plasticity
Apr 27 Final Exam, 5 p.m. Thursday