The study of the nervous system and its elements, such as neurons and neural pathways, and how these mechanisms mediate behaviour is called neurobiology. It is a broad and rapidly evolving field in biology. This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of molecular and cellular neurobiology, as well as a basic understanding of general neurobiology. Emphasis is placed on mammalian neurobiology, particularly humans. The first part of the course covers neuroanatomy and essential neurocellular signalling pathways, including chemical and electrical signalling and neurotransmission. The course then looks at how the nervous system develops in childhood, how it evolves as a result of life experiences, how it behaves during everyday activities, and how it is disrupted by injury and disease. The course also covers emerging neuroscience research techniques.
Neurobiology (BIO 423)
Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
Electronics Engineering | * | ||
Electronics Engineering | * | ||
Materials Science and Nano Engineering | * | ||
Materials Science and Nano Engineering (Previous Name: Materials Science and Engineering) | * | ||
Mechatronics Engineering | * | ||
Mechatronics Engineering | * | ||
Microelectronics | * | ||
Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering | * | ||
Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering (Pre. Name: Biological Sciences and Bioengineering) | * | ||
Telecommunications | * |
CONTENT
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- describe the structure and function of neurons and glia cells
- explain how the nervous system is established and how neurons are connected in neuronal circuits that control bodily functions and behavioral output
- describe the central nervous system, the autonomous nervous system and the peripheral nervous system including the structure and function of the sensory organs and the motor systems. Describe and analyse how the interactions between these neuronal systems via various neurotransmitters influence the functions of the body
- explain molecular and cellular mechanism disfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases
- analyse a given theoretical problem/case, identify gaps in knowledge and retrieve knowledge from relevant scientific literature
- give an account for basic and advanced neurobiological techniques
- identify and apply a suitable method theoretically or practically to address the research question at hand
- compile and present a literature study and develop an ability to critically analyse and discuss science by reviewing texts in public and scientific papers
- identify and discuss ethical issues related to scientific activities.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 2
2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 4
3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 5
4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 5
5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 5
1. Possess sufficient knowledge of mathematics, science and program-specific engineering topics; use theoretical and applied knowledge of these areas in complex engineering problems. 4
2. Identify, define, formulate and solve complex engineering problems; choose and apply suitable analysis and modeling methods for this purpose. 4
3. Develop, choose and use modern techniques and tools that are needed for analysis and solution of complex problems faced in engineering applications; possess knowledge of standards used in engineering applications; use information technologies effectively. 5
4. Have the ability to design a complex system, process, instrument or a product under realistic constraints and conditions, with the goal of fulfilling specified needs; apply modern design techniques for this purpose. 5
5. Design and conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret the results to investigate complex engineering problems or program-specific research areas. 4
6. Possess knowledge of business practices such as project management, risk management and change management; awareness on innovation; knowledge of sustainable development. 4
7. Possess knowledge of impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, health and societal context; knowledge of contemporary issues; awareness on legal outcomes of engineering solutions; knowledge of behavior according to ethical principles, understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. 3
8. Have the ability to write effective reports and comprehend written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear and intelligible instructions. 5
1. Comprehend key concepts in biology and physiology, with emphasis on molecular genetics, biochemistry and molecular and cell biology as well as advanced mathematics and statistics. 5
2. Develop conceptual background for interfacing of biology with engineering for a professional awareness of contemporary biological research questions and the experimental and theoretical methods used to address them. 5
1. Use mathematics (including derivative and integral calculations, probability and statistics, differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics), basic sciences, computer and programming, and electronics engineering knowledge to (a) Design and analyze complex electronic circuits, instruments, software and electronics systems with hardware/software or (b) Design and analyze communication networks and systems, signal processing algorithms or software 4
1. Applying fundamental and advanced knowledge of natural sciences as well as engineering principles to develop and design new materials and establish the relation between internal structure and physical properties using experimental, computational and theoretical tools. 3
2. Merging the existing knowledge on physical properties, design limits and fabrication methods in materials selection for a particular application or to resolve material performance related problems. 4
3. Predicting and understanding the behavior of a material under use in a specific environment knowing the internal structure or vice versa. 4
1. Familiarity with concepts in statistics and optimization, knowledge in basic differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, complex variables, multi-variable calculus, as well as physics and computer science, and ability to use this knowledge in modeling, design and analysis of complex dynamical systems containing hardware and software components. 4
2. Ability to work in design, implementation and integration of engineering applications, such as electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, control and computer systems that contain software and hardware components, including sensors, actuators and controllers. 4
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ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
Percentage (%) | |
Final | 25 |
Midterm | 40 |
Presentation | 15 |
Homework | 15 |
Other | 5 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
Textbook |
Principles of Neurobiology, Second Edition, CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group |
Optional Readings |
• From Neuron to Brain, Fifth Edition, Sinauer Associates, Inc. |