COURSE SYLLABUS
BIOS286 Biology of the Brain
Spring 2023
Masks are mandatory in order to attend Bios 286
lectures and exams.
1. Course Title and Meeting Times
BIOS286 Biology of the Brain, TR 2:00-3:15, Lecture Center B101, Course Credit
3 credit hours.
2. Prerequisites
BIOS 100 or BIOS 110.
3. Course Instructors
Instructor and coordinator
Name: Dr. Boriana Tchernookova
Location: 4279 or 4083 SELE
Email: btcher2@uic.edu
Drop-in hours: MW 3-4PM
Teaching Assistants
Name: Yelim Lee
Email: ylee321@uic.edu
Drop-in hours: TBA
Drop-in hour times/days may occasionally need to change as unforeseen circumstances
arise. Students will always be notified either via email or via Blackboard announcements.
4. Course Description
Survey of basic neurobiology: brain structure and function, neurochemistry, sensory
systems (vision and olfaction), molecular basis of learning and memory.
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5. Course Objectives
Week
1
Objective
Introduction to the class, grading and assignments. Introduction to the virtual
poster projects.
Understand the organization of the basic structures and functions of brain and
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spinal cord, subdivisions of the nervous system.
Become familiar with the main classes of cells in the nervous system: neurons
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and glia.
Understand the resting membrane potential of neurons, distributions of ion across
4, 5
neuronal plasma membrane, and mechanisms for the resting membrane
potential, the Nernst equilibrium, ion pumps and leak ion channels.
Understanding action potentials as a communication mechanism neurons utilize,
flow of ions and activations of different ion channels during the phases of the
action potential. Be familiar with the voltage-dependent ion channels.
Exam 1 in week 6; Understanding synaptic transmission – the mechanisms that
6,7
underlie communication between two neurons at the level of the synapse;
presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of synaptic transmission/components.
Be familiar with presynaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis and postsynaptic
neurotransmitter receptors.
Understand the general structure of the vertebrate eye and retina, main retinal
8,9
neuronal cell types and the mechanism of phototransduction in photoreceptors.
Become familiar with the concept of center-surround fields, on- and off-type of
retinal neurons, visual pathways and brain areas dedicated to processing of
visual information. In-class poster preparation. Bring the articles/poster drafts, ask
me questions.
Understand the general structure of the vertebrate eye and retina, main retinal
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neuronal cell types and the mechanism of phototransduction in photoreceptors.
Become familiar with the concept of center-surround fields, on- and off-type of
retinal neurons, visual pathways and brain areas dedicated to processing of
visual information.
Gain experience in reading, understanding and presenting a scientific paper in
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the field of Neuroscience: Virtual Posters. Posters are due this week and we will
have no lectures this week. Take the time to finalize the posters and submit via
Blackboard. We will not be meeting for class this week!
Spring Break – no classes
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Review of synaptic transmission and vision, exam 2. Also, comments on posters
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will be due this week.
13, 14 Understand olfaction: main olfactory structures, olfactory receptors, olfactory
receptor neurons; the organization of the olfactory bulbs; primary and secondary
olfactory cortices. How is the information carried by odorant molecules converted
into information that the neurons can transmit: signal transduction mechanisms.
14, 15 Understand the molecular underpinnings of synaptic plasticity. What does it mean
for a synapse to be plastic? Focus will be on the postsynapse. What are the roles
of AMPA, NMDA receptors, calcium and various proteins in synaptic plasticity?
What molecular/structural changes occur at the level of the synapse and how do
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they translate into a changed physiological response? What are long-term
potentiation and long-term depression? How do we define learning and memory?
How do we look at learning and memory at the level of a neuronal network? What
are some classical experiments from invertebrate neuronal networks? How about
brain areas implicated in long term memory consolidation?
Review and exam 3
6. Materials
Recommended (Optional) Text
Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain by Bear, Connors and Paradiso, 3rd edition (2006)/4th
edition (2015).
7. Course Outline and Expectations
Outline of the topics to be discussed and chapters in the suggested textbook that can be
referred to when appropriate. The schedule (including exam dates) and materials in this
syllabus are subject to change when necessary.
Week Dates
1
1/10, 1/12
2
3
4
5
1/17, 1/19
1/24, 1/26
1/31, 2/2
2/7, 2/9
Topic
Class introduction: syllabus, poster projects, how to select
scientific articles; Organization of the nervous system
Organization of the nervous system
Cells of the nervous system: neurons and glia
Membrane potentials
Membrane potentials; Review
Chapters
1,7
6
2/14, 2/16
Exam 1 (2/14); Synaptic transmission
5,6
7
2/21, 2/23
Synaptic transmission
5,6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
2/28, 3/2
3/7, 3/9
3/14, 3/16
3/21, 3/23
3/28, 3/30
4/4, 4/6
4/11, 4/13
4/18, 4/20
4/25, 4/27
Finals week
Vision
Vision; in-class poster prep session on 3/9
Poster preparation – no lecture (posters are due)
Spring break – no class
Review; Exam 2 (3/30)
Olfaction
Olfaction; Synaptic plasticity, learning and memory
Synaptic plasticity, learning and memory
Review, exam 3 (4/27)
Final exam - TBD
9,10
9.10
1,7
2
3,4
3,4
8
8, 24, 25
24,25
24,25
EXAM SCHEDULE: This course is scheduled to take place on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2:00PM to 3:15PM. All exams during the semester session will be
administered for the duration of 60 minutes and will begin at 2:00pm promptly. The
duration of the final will be determined and announced at a later date. There are no
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make-up exams. If you miss an exam for whatever reason, this will serve as your
dropped exam. Exams will be 40 questions – all multiple choice. Attendance at all
scheduled exams is required and accommodations can only be considered for
official religious holidays, official university business, mandatory military duties.
Exam 1: Tuesday, February 14.
Exam 2: Thursday, March 30.
Exam 3: Thursday, April 27.
Final exam (exam #4): TBA
https://registrar.uic.edu/current-students/calendars/final-exam-schedule/
Participation/Attendance
Students are expected to watch all the videos posted on Blackboard and read/study all
lecture slides, as well as familiarize themselves with important course documentation
(syllabus, etc.); each exam will be based on material discussed in the videos and lecture
slides.
Attendance is required at all scheduled exams. For online learning and participation in
Bios 286, access to a computer is required. A good Internet connection will be essential
during exams and live sessions (drop-in hours). Exams cannot be rescheduled.
Students are able to drop a course without penalty through Friday of the second week of
the semester. Late drops are subject to the College of LAS rules and should be consulted
with the College advisor (996-3366).
Academic Honesty
Plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated.
Accommodations
The University of Illinois at Chicago is committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment
so that students with disabilities can fully access programs, courses, services, and activities at
UIC. Students with disabilities who require accommodations for access to and/or
participation in this course are welcome, but must be registered with the Disability Resource
Center (DRC). You may contact DRC at 312-413-2183 (v) or 773-649-4535 (VP/Relay) and
consult the following:
http://drc.uic.edu/guide-to-accommodations.
Students with accommodations must contact the instructor and provide an accommodation
letter. The letter has to be emailed to both the instructor and the TA as soon as it is
available. Students taking exams in the DRC office have to make sure they make
arrangements with the DRC in advance (refer to the DRC rules). Exams at the DRC have to be
taken at the exact same time as everyone else.
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Course Communication Policy and Blackboard
To access information about the course including the syllabus, lecture notes, messages
and grades please visit the Blackboard website at http://www.accc.uic.edu/itl/courseinfo
To log in for the first time use your netid as your username and the last 8 numbers of
your social security number as your password. After you log in make sure you change
your password by going to the PERSONAL INFORMATION section and entering a new
password (you need 6 characters, it is case sensitive). If you have used Blackboard
before (in other courses) then just log in with your netid and the password that you
already had established for the other course.
If you have questions or are not able to log in then contact your TA Kimberly Goodwin.
Course Communication Guidelines (Netiquette)
Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Much of our communication in
this course will take place in the forums and through email. Here are some guidelines for
online communication in this course:
•
Be sensitive to different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as different
political and religious beliefs.
•
Use good taste when composing your responses. Swearing and profanity are not
allowed. Also consider that slang terms can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
•
Don’t use all capital letters when composing your responses. This can be considered
“shouting” on the Internet and is regarded as impolite or aggressive. It can also be
stressful on the eye when trying to read your message.
•
Be respectful of others’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking or
insulting) others.
•
Be careful when using acronyms. If you use an acronym it is best to spell out its
meaning first, then put the acronym in parentheses afterward, for example:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). After that you can use the acronym freely
throughout your message.
•
Use good grammar and spelling and avoid using text messaging shortcuts.
•
In emails, always identify yourself and what class and section you are in. It is a good
practice to put your course and section in the subject line. This helps your instructor
identify course related emails.
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8. Technology Requirements
Computer/Technology Requirements
Students enrolled in online classes will need regular access to a personal computer that
runs on a broadband Internet connection.
Blackboard Learning Management System
For all technical questions about Blackboard, email ACCC-Learning Technology Solutions
at LTS@uic.edu
9. Grading and Evaluation
Final Grade Calculation
Assessments
Best Exam Grade
2nd Best Exam Grade
3rd Best Exam Grade
Lowest Exam Grade
Poster project Grade
Course Evaluation –
extra credit
Total possible points
Max possible points
100pts
100pts
100pts
Dropped – does not count
100pts
6 points (extra credit)
400
There will be a total of four exams – three + a final. Each exam will be based on material
discussed in class and includes only material presented before that exam. The final will be
cumulative. If you do well on exams 1-3 and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the
final, you do NOT have to take the final – it can be your dropped exam.
Each student will need to prepare a virtual poster (powerpoint slide submitted as a pdf) based
on an original scientific article taken from any of the following journals only: J. Neuroscience,
Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, Journal of Neurophysiology. The paper should be published
within the last 5-7 years. The paper to be discussed in the poster must be selected and
emailed to your TA for approval no later than January 26th. Allow for a week for a response
from the TA. Posters submitted on articles that never received approval by the TA will not be
graded and will automatically be scored at zero. The posters will be presented only
virtually by submitting them in Blackboard for everyone in the class to see. More
information on how to prepare posters based on scientific articles as well as deadlines
for submission of posters and submission of comments to other students’ posters will
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be published on Blackboard in additional documents. Make sure to familiarize
yourselves with all of the guidelines and deadlines.
Grading
In determining the final course grade, the following scale is used:
90% = A
80% = B
70% = C
60% = D
<60% = F
Your lowest exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. We allow one exam
score to be dropped in advance as accommodation for occasional missed exams. There
are no make-up exams in this class. If you miss an exam for whatever reason, you will
use the available drop option and not be penalized. We know life sometimes just
happens, so in a way we are accommodating you in advance. You will also be able to
earn extra credit. You can earn up to 6 extra points from course evaluations. This is
dependent on how many students will submit their course evaluation (it is important for
us to know your feelings about the class, your comments and so on). Everyone will get: 6
extra points if the course evaluation response rate for the class is >80%; 4 points for
response rate> 60% and 0 points if the class response rate is less than 60%. There will be
no rounding of percentages at the end of the semester because we allow one exam score
to be dropped, which helps increase everyone’s overall grades, and we are providing a
1.5% extra credit opportunity which is in place of rounding. So, for example, if a student’s
score is 88.5% at the end of the semester, when 1.5% extra credit is added this will bring
the student up to 90%. If a students is at 88%, for example, the extra credit will bring that
to 89.5%, but we cannot on top of that round to 90% as the starting point was too low
for the next grade up.
Poster Rubrics
Online poster rubric. Out of 100 points. The majority of each poster needs to be based
on the primary article of interest. Students are required to read and reference two
additional articles on their poster. The two additional referenced articles need to be
related to the primary study and be useful for constructing the poster. The primary
article as well as the two additional references need to be listed at the end of the poster
(see the template on Blackboard). Additional information with instructions on how to
choose articles, how to emphasize important points, how to construct the virtual poster
(powerpoint slide but submit as pdf), how to list references, etc., will be posted on
Blackboard.
Not included in the table below but taken into account when scoring the virtual posters:
use of space. Too much wasted space on the slide will result in point deduction that may
be substantial depending on how much space has not been utilized. Too much blank
space means information that could have been added has not been. Too crowded of a
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poster is also a problem as it will not be legible and will be hard, if not impossible, to
follow by the reader.
THE RUBRIC BELOW GIVES AN IDEA OF WHAT MAJOR CATEGORIES THE POSTER WILL
BE SCORED ON AND SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A GOOD GUDELINE OF SCORING.
POSTER ORGANIZATION AND USE OF SPACE WILL ALSO BE FACTORED IN.
Category
20 points
15 points
10 points
5 points
0 points
Introduction,
Hypotheses,
Referenced
literature
Provided
relevant
background
information and
hypotheses/pur
pose; relevant
references,
Left out some
relevant
background
information or
hypotheses/purp
ose or references
The background
was largely
incomplete,
missing
references
Missing/
illogical
section
Methods
Procedures
were outlined in
a way that could
be followed by
anyone without
additional
explanations.
Provided
relevant
background
information but
incorrectly
identified
hypotheses/pur
pose or
references
Procedures
were outlined
but needed
additional
explanation.
Some
procedures
related to the
data shown were
missing.
Procedure
section was
largely
incomplete,
confusing for
reader.
Missing/
illogical
section
Results
Accurate
representation
of the data in
tables and/or
graphs. Graphs
and tables are
labeled and
titled.
Some data
graphics are
missing or data
are confusing.
Only some
figures are
shown, this
section contains
mostly text;
incomplete
figures.
Data section is
largely
incomplete
Missing/
illogical
section
Discussion
Student
provided
detailed
conclusion and
discussed
importance of
the work in the
Student
provided semidetailed
conclusion but
did not discuss
the importance
Some
conclusions are
missing/poorly
written.
Important
conclusions
were not
discussed/
Missing/
illogical
section
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Online
discussions
broader context
of biology
of the work in a
broader context
Read and
understood 4
other posters,
left accurate
comments
Read 3 other
posters or read
4 but the
comments
were not
relevant
Largely missing
Read 2 other
posters and/or
the comments
didn’t really make
senses.
Read and
commented on 1
other poster.
Missing/
illogical
section
Late Work Policy
Late work will not be accepted. The only late work that will be considered (not
automatically approved) will be in those instances where the student has communicated
with their instructor regarding unavoidable and extreme circumstances.
Final Exams
Although the demands of some disciplines may require specific scheduling of end of term
projects or final exams, in general, final examinations, if they are to be given, should only
be administered during the sixteenth week of the semester (eighth week of the summer
term). They may not be given earlier. The dates and times of the exams are scheduled by
the Office of Classroom Scheduling and are arranged so that a student, ideally, will have
no more than two exams in a day. Any student having more than two final examinations
scheduled in one day is entitled to rescheduling. No formal instruction of any kind may be
given during the final examination period. Faculty are expected teach through the last
week of the semester and should not administer major exams during the last two weeks
of the term. Variance from these guidelines must meet approval from the unit
/department head. For a schedule of exams and exam policies see:
http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/current_students/calendars/final_exam_schedule.html
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
UIC is committed to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of
opportunity, and human dignity involving students and employees. Freedom from
discrimination is a foundation for all decision making at UIC. Students are encouraged to
study the University's “Nondiscrimination Statement”. Students are also urged to read
the document “Public Formal Grievance Procedures”. Information on these policies and
procedures is available on the University web pages of the Office of Access and Equity:
http://oae.uic.edu/.
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10. Course Evaluation
Student evaluations of teaching play a fundamental role in improving course content,
format, and delivery (teaching) at UIC. The Office for Faculty Affairs offers all Colleges
and Departments the opportunity to participate in an online course evaluation system.
Students receive an email invitation in their ‘uic.edu’ inbox with the following title in the
subject line: “UIC Student Evaluation of Teaching [Course Name] [Instructor Name]
[Semester, Year].” The body of the email will reiterate the course name, instructor name,
and semester. It will contain a link and a unique student password for the online
evaluation for that course. Students will need an electronic device with Internet access to
complete the evaluation online. Submitted course evaluations cannot be removed from
the system so it is vital that students pay attention to the instructor name and course
name when completing their evaluations. Students must complete the online
evaluations before 12 am on the first day of finals. No exceptions are made if the
evaluation is not submitted before 12 am on the first day of finals.
For more information about the program and timelines for when the system is open to
students to complete the evaluations, please visit:
https://faculty.uic.edu/development/teachingandlearning/evaluations/
11. UIC Resources
If you find yourself having difficulty with the course material or any other difficulties in
your student life, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Come to me, or if it is about an issue
beyond this class, please contact your college advisors, or get help from any number of
other support services on campus. You can get a referral to the right place, or help on the
spot, from a concerned advisor in the Undergraduate Success Center (USC) at
usc@uic.edu.
See also:
The Writing Center, located in Grant Hall 105, offers one-on-one consultation with
student writers who need help developing ideas, or need advice, guidance or additional
instruction on any aspects of writing in any class. Tutors are prepared to spend fifty
minutes per appointment, and there is no limit to the number of tutoring sessions you
can have each semester. Make an appointment and be on time! Bring the paper on
which you're working, as well as any related drafts or notes, and information about the
assignment. For an appointment, call the Writing Center at (312) 413-2206, or stop by
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room 105 of Grant Hall. Visit the Writing Center website for more information.
https://writingcenter.uic.edu/
The Math and Science Learning Center, located in the Science and Engineering South
Building (SES) at 845 W. Taylor St. 3rd Floor, Room 247, is a meeting place for students in
Math, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Physics. At
the MSLC, students can meet with graduate teaching assistants for tutoring in 100-level
courses, arrange informal group study sessions with other students, or meet up with
friends to attend one of the workshops, seminars, or other activities sponsored by the
SLC during the semester. Visit the website at https://mslc.uic.edu/, call 312-355-4900 or
email at mslc@uic.edu.
The UIC Library
The library is located both on east and west campus, provides access to resources, study
rooms, and research support both online via chat and in person. At Daley Library on the
east side of campus, stop by the reference desk in the IDEA Commons, or make an
appointment for research help on either side of campus. Learn more about library
policies at http://library.uic.edu/. To find research materials in specific subject areas view
the Research Guides at http://researchguides.uic.edu/.
The Academic Center for Excellence can help if you feel you need more individualized
instruction in reading and/or writing, study skills, time management, etc. Phone: (312)
413-0031.
Counseling Services are available for all UIC students. You may seek free and confidential
services from the Counseling Center www.counseling.uic.edu. The Counseling Center is
located in the Student Services Building; you may contact them at (312) 996-3490. In
addition to offering counseling services, the Counseling Center also operates the InTouch
Crisis Hotline from 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. They offer support and referrals to callers, as
well as telephone crisis interventions; please call (312) 996-5535.
Campus Advocacy Network
Under the Title IX law you have the right to an education that is free from any form of
gender-based violence and discrimination. Crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence,
sexual harassment, and stalking are against the law and can be prevented. For more
information or for confidential victim-services and advocacy contact UIC’s Campus
Advocacy Network at 312-413-1025 or visit http://can.uic.edu/. To make a report to
UIC’s Title IX office, email TitleIX@uic.edu or (312) 996-5657.
CAMPUS SECURITY
You may wish to include the following section on security issues at UIC:
As a UIC student, you've chosen to live in one of the nation's largest cities. But, as at any
university, crime is a reality. At UIC, we are strongly committed to our public safety
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programs, and we encourage students to be proactive in learning what programs and
services are available in case of an emergency. You are DISCOURAGED from staying in
university buildings alone, including lab rooms, after hours and are ENCOURAGED to use
the POLICE/STUDENT patrol escort if you are uncomfortable traveling anywhere on
campus. You may request an escort to accompany you to your campus destination on
foot by calling 312-996-2830, and between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am you can dial the Red
Car service (312-996-6800) if you are alone and need to leave the building. Through Red
Car, the university has established a safe evening transportation service for university
employees, students, visitors, and other authorized individuals. The car travels between
university facilities within the following general boundaries: Clinton Street on the east;
Western Avenue on the west; Jackson Boulevard on the north; and, 16th on the south.
This service is available only to individuals possessing a valid UIC i-card. The i-card is
required to ensure the safety of the driver and other passengers. Consult the following
for more information: http://www.uic.edu/uic/studentlife/campus/safety.shtml
Also you can subscribe your cell phone to receive text message alerts. An immediate SMS
text alert will be sent in case of a serious crime in progress, a weather emergency, or
other urgent situation.
(https://accountportal.uic.edu/auth/manage?dispatch=set_sms_panel).
Finally, by dialing 5-5555 from a campus phone, you can summon Police or Fire for any
on-campus emergency. You may also set up the complete number, 1-312-355-5555, on
speed-dial on your cell phone. For more information contact:
http://www.uic.edu/uic/studentlife/campus/emergency-information.shtml
Emergency Response Recommendations
You may wish to include the following section on emergency response systems at UIC:
The emergency response guide can be found at the following website:
https://ready.uic.edu/. Please review and acquaint yourself with the guide and
recommendations for various emergency situations.
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