Introduction to Neuroscience

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Arjun Iyer (Associate Professor of Neuroscience)
• Email: aiyer@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 238
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Friday: 1:00–2:30 p.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 238)
  • Monday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Neuroanatomy, neurons and glia, membrane potentials, synaptic transmission, sensory and motor systems, and the neural basis of learning and behavior, with a weekly three-hour laboratory in neuroanatomy and electrophysiology. NEUR 201 is the foundational gateway course for neuroscience majors and pre-health students, exploring the biological mechanisms underlying nervous system function from ion channels to complex cognitive behavior. We examine cellular neurobiology, resting membrane potentials, action potential generation and propagation, neurotransmitter synthesis and synaptic transmission, sensory transduction, motor circuitry, and synaptic plasticity. In the weekly laboratory in Meridian Science Center 124, you will perform sheep brain gross dissections, histological staining of neural tissue, computer simulation of Hodgkin-Huxley kinetics, and extracellular electrophysiology in invertebrate model organisms.

Prerequisites

BIO 101 and CHEM 101.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of NEUR 201, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Cellular Neuroanatomy and Glial Functions: Identify the morphological structures of neurons and glia and differentiate their functional contributions to neural circuit homeostasis and myelination.
2. Calculate Membrane Potentials and Model Action Potentials: Apply the Nernst and Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equations to compute equilibrium potentials and model voltage-gated ion channel conductance during action potentials.
3. Explain Synaptic Transmission and Neuropharmacology: Detail vesicle exocytosis, neurotransmitter release, ionotropic versus metabotropic receptor activation, and excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
4. Trace Sensory and Motor Pathways: Map the neural architecture of sensory systems (vision, somatosensation, audition) and motor pathways from cortex through basal ganglia and spinal reflexes.
5. Conduct Neuroanatomy Dissections and Electrophysiology: Dissect and identify cranial nerves and brain structures in mammalian brains and record action potentials using extracellular electrophysiological instrumentation.
6. Evaluate Neural Plasticity, Learning, and Memory: Analyze long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) mechanisms in the hippocampus and connect synaptic alterations to memory consolidation.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Bear, Mark F., Barry W. Connors, and Michael A. Paradiso. Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain. 4th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2016. Approx. $65 for digital access; approx. $130 for print purchase.
2. NEUR 201 Neuroscience Laboratory Manual (Fall 2026). Alkimi University Copy Center. Approx. $20.
3. Dissection kit with scalpel, fine forceps, blunt probe, and ANSI Z87.1 splash goggles. Approx. $25 at campus bookstore.
4. Total estimated cost: $45 to $175.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), NEUR 201 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools to generate 3D anatomical flashcards, clarify biophysical equations like the Nernst and Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equations, and proofread draft laboratory write-ups.
• What is prohibited: You may not use AI tools to interpret electrophysiological recordings or oscilloscope traces, complete assigned case studies, generate post-lab discussion text, or consult AI during exams.
• Disclosure: On each submitted laboratory report and neuroanatomy case study, include a statement identifying any AI tools consulted and detailing your independent verification, or confirm that no AI was used.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 15% (In class, Friday, September 25)
• Midterm Exam 2: 15% (In class, Friday, October 30)
• Neuroanatomy & Electrophysiology Lab Reports: 25% (Weekly laboratory reports due in Canvas Thursdays at 11:59 p.m.)
• Neurobiology Case Study Project: 10% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Canvas Quizzes: 10% (Pre-lecture Canvas quizzes due Mondays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest two dropped)
• Final Comprehensive Examination: 25% (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: None is offered.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance at all lectures and laboratory sessions is essential. Laboratory practicals, brain dissections, and live electrophysiological recordings cannot be made up outside designated section meetings. Notify Dr. Iyer in advance of excused absences. Accumulating more than two unexcused lab absences results in an administrative failure (F). Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Laboratory reports submitted after the Thursday deadline lose 10% per day and will not be accepted after Sunday 11:59 p.m. Weekly pre-lecture quizzes close promptly at the deadline with no extensions, but the two lowest quiz grades are automatically dropped at semester end.

Laboratory Safety and Specimen Protocol

Meridian Science Center 124 involves biological tissue dissections and electronic recording equipment. Buttoned lab coats, ANSI Z87.1 splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and closed-toe footwear are mandatory during all dissection sessions. Dispose of all sharps in biohazard puncture-resistant containers.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).