NEURO - Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute

An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students to the field of clinical neuroscience. Students will learn the main features of degenerative brain diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis), developmental disorders of the brain (such as autism), psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder), and brain injury (trauma, stroke and spinal cord injury). Key concepts attempting to explain these disorders in terms of underlying genetic, cellular and cognitive mechanisms will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYCH 275.

Lectures presented by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Science. Topics include structure and function of nerve cell membranes, ion channels, neurotransmitters and their receptors, intracellular signaling systems, synaptic mechanisms and communication, plasticity, gene regulation and development and the physiology of small neural networks underlying discrete behaviours. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain dysfunctions implicated in specific disorders of the central nervous system will also be discussed to illustrate the clinical relevance of basic neuroscience. Prerequisite: PHYSL 210, or PHYSL 212 and 214, or ZOOL 241 and 242. Students who have taken ZOOL 342 or PHYSL 371 may not receive credit in NEURO 371.

The study of the human central nervous system (CNS), including its development and function from an anatomical perspective. The course will include some disorders of the CNS as they relate to structure and function. Prerequisite: PSYCH 275 or consent of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in ANAT 401.

Designed to provide senior undergraduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview on neurobiology of normal aging and the cellular/molecular phenomena that may underlie various age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aspects of neuronal and glial changes during the normal aging process will be covered. We also intend to include a video presentation of patients with neurodegenerative disorders to outline the impact of cellular/molecular changes on major clinical and psychological features. In addition, papers on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the course. Prerequisites: NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator. Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 410 or 510 but not both.

Designed to provide senior undergraduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview on neurobiology of various neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and basic science aspects of major neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, Prion disease, Motor neuron disease (MND), Frontotemporal Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy will be covered. We also intend to include a video presentation of patients with neurodegenerative disorders to outline major clinical and psychological features. In addition, papers on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the course. Prerequisites: NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator. Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 411 or 511 but not both.

An individual study course involving detailed reading on a selected topic in cellular, molecular, systems, or cognitive neuroscience. Students will select a member of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) who will guide them through a course of reading on a specialized topic at an advanced level. Completion of this course requires an oral presentation to an examining committee. Restricted to students in the Honors program in Neuroscience. Registration must be approved by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Prerequisites: PMCOL 371, PHYSL 372.

Research project involving laboratory experimentation done under the supervision of a member of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Laboratory projects may involve current topics and methodologies encountered in specific areas of cellular, molecular, systems, or cognitive neuroscience. Completion of this course requires a written report of the project and an oral presentation to an examining committee. Restricted to students in the Honors program in Neuroscience. Registration must be approved by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Prerequisites: PMCOL 371, PHYSL 372.

Research project involving laboratory experimentation done under the supervision of a member of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Laboratory projects may involve current topics and methodologies encountered in specific areas of cellular, molecular, systems, or cognitive neuroscience. Completion of this course requires a written report of the project and an oral presentation to an examining committee at the end of the course. Restricted to students in the Honors program in Neuroscience. Registration must be approved by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Prerequisites: PMCOL 371, PHYSL 372.

Lectures presented by members of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) on neurophysiological, anatomical, clinical, pharmacological and cellular aspects of the autonomic nervous system. Topics include neural regulation of homeostasis and reproduction, disorders of autonomic function, sympathetically maintained pain, effects of spinal cord injury and current research issues. Prerequisites: PHYSL 210 or 212/214 or ZOOL 241 or equivalent and PMCOL 202 or 371 or ZOOL 342 or PHYSL 372.

An interdisciplinary course designed to introduce students in biological science programs (Biology, Neuroscience, Kinesiology, Physiology and Psychology) to computational neuroscience. Students will learn the basic methods of computer programming and how computer simulations can be used to further our understanding of neurons, neuronal networks, processing of sensory information, and control of movements. The lectures are complemented by laboratory exercises that will allow students to develop programming skills and to construct computer simulations of neurophysiological processes. Prerequisites: PMCOL 371 or PHYSL 372 or KIN 302 or ZOOL 342 or permission of instructor.

Individual study and research. Honors research thesis completed under the supervision of a member of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Taken in conjunction with NEURO 499, this 6-credit course is the first part of a 12-credit program in two terms resulting in an honours research thesis in neuroscience. Students spend the term in the laboratory of a faculty member from the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) to carry out a research project related to current topics and methodologies in the supervisor's area of expertise in cellular, molecular, systems, or cognitive neuroscience. During NEURO 498 (Neuroscience I), students will develop background knowledge in an area of neuroscience research, design an experimental plan (in conjunction with their supervisor) to investigate a particular research question, learn the methodologies to be used, and begin experiments to answer this research question. Completion of this course requires a written proposal summarizing background information and experimental design and methods for the project as well as an oral presentation to an examining committee. Restricted to students in the Honors program in Neuroscience. Registration must be approved by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Prerequisite: Consent of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI).

Individual laboratory research. Part two of a honors research thesis completed under the supervision of a member of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Taken in conjunction with NEURO 498, this 6-credit course is the second part of a 12-credit program in two terms resulting in an honors research thesis in neuroscience. Upon satisfactory progress in first-term, NEURO 499 students will continue their research and produce a written honors thesis on their project. An oral presentation and thesis defense will occur at the end of term and be evaluated. Registration must be approved by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI). Prerequisite: Consent of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI).

A practical course in the neurosciences where students spend two months in each of at least three research laboratories approved by the Centre for Neuroscience Graduate Committee. Students are expected to complete a small research project, supervised by a member of the Centre, in each of the research areas chosen. Students are evaluated on both their performance in the laboratory and reports written. Prerequisite: consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. Credit may be obtained for only on of either NEURO 500 or NEURO 501.

A practical course in the neurosciences where students spend two months in each of at least three research laboratories approved by the Centre for Neuroscience Graduate Committee. Students are expected to complete a small research project, supervised by a member of the Centre, in each of the research areas chosen. Students are evaluated on both their performance in the laboratory and reports written. Prerequisite: consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. Credit may be obtained for only one of either NEURO 500 or NEURO 501.

Individual study. Restricted to students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Students will spend one term in the laboratory of a faculty member (other than the supervisor) and carry out a laboratory research project. Successful completion of a written report and an oral presentation is required at the conclusion of the project. Prerequisite: consent of the Centre for Neuroscience. Credit may be obtained for only one of either NEURO 500 or NEURO 501.

Designed to provide graduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology of normal aging and the cellular/molecular phenomena that may underlie various age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aspects of neuronal and glial changes during the normal aging process will be covered. We also intend to include a video presentation of patients with neurodegenerative disorders to outline the impact of cellular/molecular changes on major clinical and psychological features. In addition, papers on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the course. Prerequisites: NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator. Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 410 or 510 but not both.

Designed to provide graduate students in the Neuroscience program a comprehensive overview on neurobiology of various neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and basic science aspects of major neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, Prion disease, Motor neuron disease (MND), Frontotemporal Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy will be covered. We also intend to include a video presentation of patients with neurodegenerative disorders to outline major clinical and psychological features. In addition, papers on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the course. Prerequisites: NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator. Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 411 or 511 but not both.

An advanced course for graduate students in Neuroscience that covers the cellular and systems level changes in sensorimotor and pain pathways in response to motor training and/or trauma to the nervous system. A background on experimental techniques and mechanisms of neuronal plasticity from key studies in cortical, spinal and dorsal horn systems will be provided. Students are expected to write and present on current topics in the field of motor and pain neuroplasticity. Students should have a basic background in neurophysiology. Prerequisites: PMCOL 371 and PHYSL 372 or equivalents or consent of instructor. Note: Credit will be granted for only one of BME 520 or NEURO 520.

Neuroimaging has developed rapidly in recent years and has had a profound effect on how we understand the human brain. This advanced course is aimed to provide graduate students and senior undergraduate students a comprehensive overview of the neuroimaging techniques (structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MRI spectroscopy (MRS) etc) currently used in neuroscience research. In addition, we will discuss how neuroimaging methods can advance our understanding of healthy brain function and neuropsychiatric disorders. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

The neurophysiological, anatomical, clinical, pharmacological and cellular aspects of the autonomic nervous system will be studied. Students will also be expected to deliver a lecture-type presentation and an extensive written report on one aspect of autonomic function such as neural regulation of homeostasis, disorders of autonomic function, sympathetically maintained pain, autonomic consequences of spinal cord injury and current research issues. Note that credit is given for either NEURO 472 or 572, not for both. Prerequisite: Consent of the Centre for Neuroscience.

Graduate students present review seminars or lead discussions based on required readings in the neurosciences. Coordinated by a member of the Centre for Neuroscience. Centre members are invited to attend. Graded on a pass/fail basis.

The purpose of this course is to train graduate students in preparing grant applications in order to improve their chances of future success in obtaining research funds from a major Canadian federal funding agency such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The course is targeted primarily towards students who have completed at least one year of graduate work. Preference will be given to those planning to pursue a PhD. Throughout the course, students will be instructed on how to prepare a complete grant application package on a topic that is different from their graduate project. The proposal will be prepared in stages and completed two weeks prior to the end of the semester. Students will then prepare and give presentations for a mock site visit by the funding agency. Students will also participate in a mock peer review committee and make final funding decisions. Enrolment is limited, and registration is by permission of the Department.

A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a half term research course (e.g. NEURO 451, NEURO 452, NEURO 498, NEURO 499, other one-term research courses offered by the supervisor's department, or summer students from their supervisor's laboratory). Mentorship includes activities such as in-lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year and Spring/Summer session. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress, and final reports. This course cannot be used to satisfy course requirements of the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department of and the student's supervisor.

A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a full - term research course (e.g. two-terms research courses offered by the supervisor's department). Mentorship includes activities such as in-lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. This course cannot be used to satisfy course requirements of the Neuroscience Graduate. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department of and the student's supervisor.

A credit/no-credit course for graduate students who are actively participating in the mentorship of undergraduate students in a full - term research course (e.g. two-terms research courses offered by the supervisor's department). Mentorship includes activities such as in-lab supervision, training, and help with reports and presentations. Can be taken in any year. Credit may be obtained more than once. Requires the submission of an initial project summary with student learning objectives, monthly progress and final reports. This course cannot be used to satisfy course requirements of the Neuroscience Graduate. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department of and the student's supervisor.