Syllabus

BCSC 252: Syllabus

Spring 2024

Time & Location

MW 10:25 AM – 11:40 AM
Lecture: URSMD 3-6408 (K-307 Auditorium)
Lab: URSMD 5-8526

Course Description

This course examines the structure and function of the nervous system and considers the implications of relevant injuries and diseases. Learning objectives will be addressed through lectures, laboratories, discussions, and student presentations. 4 credits.

This course follows the College credit hour policy for four-credit courses. This course meets two times weekly for three academic hours per week. The course also includes independent out-ofclass group discussion assignments for an average of one academic hour per week. In these discussion assignments, students will reinforce, reflect on, and apply course concepts and explore related topics.

Personnel

Instructor: Sarah McConnell, PhD, Assistant Professor, URMC Department of Neuroscience
Office: URMC 5-6321
Email:
Office hours: By appointment

Required Textbook

Alan R. Crossman, David Neary. Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text. Sixth Edition. 2020. Elsevier Limited. ISBN: 9780702074622
Note: This textbook is available as an ebook through the UR library system

Course Prerequisites

BIOL 110 or equivalent

Grading

Course grades will be determined by the following criteria:

  • Three exams – lab midterm, lab final, and written final 40%
  • In-class presentation – on a neuroanatomical topic of your choice 10%
  • Lab assignments – questions to answer prior to lab 15%
  • Independent group discussion – one hour each week 15%
  • Online quizzes – one each week 10%
  • Reflection journals – one each week 10%
  • Total 100%

Detailed information and instructions for each item will be available as they become relevant.

Course Objectives

  • Identify gross structures of the central nervous system in human brain specimens, diagrams, and radiologic imaging.
  • Describe the organization and function of each structure in the context of the neural system(s) to which it contributes.
  • Predict the functional consequences of lesions of different parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems, and determine likely sites of lesions from functional deficits.
  • Identify and describe the structure and function of neurons and glia, and relate them to the cytoarchitecture of select structures of the central nervous system.
  • Summarize the embryonic development of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • Identify and describe the function of neural support structures, including the meninges, ventricles, cerebrospinal fluid, vasculature, skull, and vertebrae.
  • Describe methods of studying the organization, connectivity, and function of neural structures.
  • Develop creativity, critical thinking, and oral communication.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all class meetings on time. If you know about a conflict in advance, please notify me by email as soon as possible, noting the date and nature of the conflict. If you need to miss class due to illness, injury, or other unforeseeable emergency, please notify me as soon as possible by email. Students are responsible for all material covered, announcements made, and assignments due while absent. Habitual lateness and more than two unexcused absences will impact your course grade.

Make-up Exams

Make-up exams will only be given in the case of documented extenuating circumstances with the instructor’s permission. If the extenuating circumstances are known in advance (e.g., scheduled surgery, conference presentation, application interview, etc.), permission must be obtained prior to the exam.

Late Penalties

Assignments submitted late will lose 10 percentage points per day.

Lecture Recording Policy

Making independent audio or video recordings of lectures raises issues regarding intellectual property and privacy of other students. Lecture recording by students is not permitted without approved disability accommodations or the instructor’s permission.

Academic Honesty

All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the University of Rochester's Academic Honesty Policy.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The University of Rochester respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event you encounter any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. The access coordinators in the Office of Disability Resources can meet with you to discuss the barriers you are experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations. You can reach the Office of Disability Resources at: disability@rochester.edu; (585) 276-5075; Taylor Hall.

The process of securing accommodations takes time, so it is prudent to start early. Simply notifying me before a due date or exam is not sufficient since I am neither qualified nor allowed to determine diagnoses or appropriate accommodations.

Inclusion Statement

The University of Rochester, this course, and I are committed to inclusion, and welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities. Services and reasonable accommodations are available to students with temporary and permanent disabilities, to students with DACA or undocumented status, to students facing mental health issues, other personal situations, and to students with other kinds of learning needs. Please feel free to let me know if there are circumstances affecting your ability to participate in class or your full participation in this course.

Some resources that might be of use include: