Syllabus for NRSC 4542, the Neurobiology of Mental Illness,
Spring 2014
Instructor: Dr. Steven F. Maier, University of Colorado Distinguished Professor, Director
Center for Neuroscience
2-6275
steven.maier@colorado.edu
Office Hours Tues and Thurs, 10:45-12:00, Muenzinger D 457C
Course meets Tues and Thurs, 9:30-10:45. Muenzinger D 439
Nature of the course: This course is designed to provide in-depth study of what is known
concerning the neurobiology of mental illnesses, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and
schizophrenia. Consideration will be given to both animal models and human work, with
neurochemical, circuitry level, and neuroinflammatory processes to be highlighted. There
will also be discussion of the intricacies of determining the effectiveness of
pharmacological treatments, and what the implications of such treatments might be for
understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that might underlie the disorders.
Organization of the course: There will ne a mix of lectures by the instructor, group
discussions of readings, and student presentations (see Calendar). The slides for the
lectures will be posted on the Course WIKI (username:4542maier, password:
neuromental), as will assigned background reading and readings for group discussion.
The book “the Emperor’s New Drugs”, by I. Kirsch, should be available at the CU
bookstore. The first set of reading from this book will also be on the WIKI since this
reading must be done before the second class. The format of the student presentations is
still under development and will be discussed in class.
Examinations and Grading. There will be 2 exams plus a Final (see Calendar). The
format for the exams has not yet been decided. Each of the 3 exams will count for 20% of
the grade, with the student presentation also counting for 20%. The remaining 20% of the
grade will be based on student participation. Attendance will be taken. The grades will be
determined relative to the top scoring students. The top 10% of the class will earn As, and
for other students to receive As they will have to score 90% or better of the average score
of the top 10%. To receive a B the total score will have to be equal or greater than 80% of
the top 10%, C will require 70%, and D 60% of the top 10%.
Expectations: This is an advanced class for a restricted number of students. As such, it is
expected that the students will be intensively involved/engaged and committed to
scholarly excellence. Students can expect this of the instructor as well. It will be vital to
attend class, to have done the assigned reading before class, and to participate in
discussions.
Class Schedule
Jan. 14
Jan. 16
Jan. 21
Jan. 23
Jan. 28
Jan. 30
Feb. 4
Feb.6
Feb. 11
Feb. 13
Feb. 18
Feb. 20
Feb. 25
Feb. 27
Mar. 4
Course Introduction
Kirsch-Preface, chaps 1, 2
Kirsch-Chaps 3, 4
Kirsch-Chaps 5,6
Kirsch, Chap 7, Epilogue
Basics & Neurochemistry
Neurochemistry
Neurochemistry
Neurochemistry
Signal Transduction
Exam
Neuroimmunology
Neuroimmunology
Neuroimmunology
Inflammation, chronic fatigue,
and schizophrenia
(could turn into 2 classes)
Animal Models & Stress Neurobiology
Animal Models & Stress Neurobiology
Animal Models & Stress Neurobiology
Exam
Flex Class
Spring Break
Spring Break
Mar. 6
Mar. 11
Mar. 13
Mar. 18
Mar. 20
Mar. 25
Mar. 27
Depression
Apr. 1
Neurochemical Views
Apr. 3
Disrupted Plasticity Views
Apr. 8
Neuroinflammtion Views
Apr. 10
Neurocircuitry Views
Anxiety Disorders
Apr. 15
Fear Conditioning, animal and human
Apr. 17
Fear Extinction, animal and human
Apr. 22
PTSD
Apr. 24
Panic Disorder
Apr. 27
What is an illness/disease & RDOC
Apr. 29
What is an illness/disease & RDOC/Flex
May 1
Wrapup
Group Discussion
Group Discussion
Group Discussion
Group Discussion
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Group Discussion
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Student presentation
Student Presentation
Student Presentation
Student Presentation
Student Presentation
Student Presentation
Student Presentation
Student Presentation
Group Discussion
Group Discussion
Group Discussion
Readings
Jan. 14
Course Introduction
Discussion of “The emperor’s New Drugs” ,by I. Kirsch. Note that questions to keep in
mind and to focus your thinking are posted for each chapter.
Jan. 16
Kirsch
Kirsch-Preface, chaps 1,
Jan. 21
Kirsch
Kirsch-Chaps 3, 4
Jan. 23
Kirsch
Chaps 5,6
Jan. 28
Kirsch
Chap 7, Epilogue
There will be no specific readings for the Neurochemistry and signal Transduction
classes. However, anyone who wishes readings on these topics should see the Instructor.
Jan. 30
Basics & Neurochemistry
Feb. 4
Neurochemistry
Feb.6
Neurochemistry
Feb. 11
Neurochemistry
Feb. 13
Signal Transduction
Feb. 18
Exam
For those students who do not have a general background in immunology, read pages 125 and 75-110 of Janeway before the Feb. 20 class. Of course, there is nothing wrong
with reading the entire 110 pages. Everyone should read Maier and Watkins,
“Neuroimmunology”, before the Feb. 20 class.
Feb. 20
Feb. 25
Feb. 27
Neuroimmunology
Neuroimmunology
Neuroimmunology
Before the March 4 class read the Dantzer et al. and An et al. papers.
Mar. 4
Inflammation, chronic fatigue,
and schizophrenia
(could turn into 2 classes)
Readings for the Animal models classes are still being determined.
Mar. 6
Mar. 11
Mar. 13
Mar. 18
Mar. 20
Mar. 25
Mar. 27
Animal Models & Stress Neurobiology
Animal Models & Stress Neurobiology
Animal Models & Stress Neurobiology
Exam
Flex Class
Spring Break
Spring Break
Readings for the student presentations will be suggested by the students
Depression
Apr. 1
Neurochemical Views
Apr. 3
Disrupted Plasticity Views
Apr. 8
Neuroinflammtion Views
Apr. 10
Neurocircuitry Views
Anxiety Disorders
Apr. 15
Fear Conditioning, animal and human
Apr. 17
Fear Extinction, animal and human
Apr. 22
PTSD
Apr. 24
Panic Disorder
Before the April 27 class read Cuthbert & Insel and Forgeard et al.
Apr. 27
Apr. 29
May 1
What is an illness/disease & RDOC
What is an illness/disease & RDOC/Flex
Wrapup
Group Discussion
Group Discussion
Group Discussion