This course investigates how neurons are able to communicate with each other, through both chemical and electrical signals. The course will focus on two main components of neuronal signaling: the action potential (electrical signals) and synaptic transmission (chemical signals). Neuronal signaling enables neurons to send signals from one part of the nervous system to another and ultimately controls all of our behaviors. This course uses the experience of pain (something we can all relate to) as the framework to investigate how action potentials and synaptic transmission works.
Pre-requisites:
This course can be taken alone, or in conjunction with the mini-course: ‘Cells of the Nervous System’, which describes the structure and function of our neurons. Students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of neurons and organization of the nervous system before taking this course. A background in basic biology concepts (such as cell theory, molecular biology, diffusion, and electrostatic potential) is strongly recommended.