312+Neurophysiology

402: Neurophysiology
==The brain is an ever-changing organ. Few people realize that human brains are never the same from one minute to the next. The brain is incredibly complex. If brains were simple enough to understand, people would be too simple to do so. Science has, however, made great strides in understanding many of the functions of the mind. In this course emphasis is placed on the anatomy and physiology of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. The class explores, via labs, demonstrations and open-ended inquiry, the sensory and perceptual functions of vision, hearing, balance, proprioception and the elusive concept of consciousness. This is an ideal course for those interested in human sciences in general and the medical fields in particular. Prerequisites: Six core science classes or equivalent 1 trimester course==

== Public Demonstration of Knowledge Plan: Students in this class will design, create and maintain a class website. Formal presentation and critique of the final assessment project will occur either in class or via the course website or Wiki.==

== Final Assessment Plan: Students, working alone or with one other class member, will complete a course-end project that will either: (1) illustrate a firm understanding of a major topic covered during the course; or (2) examine and illustrate an aspect of Neurophysiology about which they are personally interested. Projects could be, but are not limited to, an original simulation or demonstration, a film or PowerPoint® presentation, an original experimental design, or an academic research paper. Students will be encouraged to contact and elicit the assistance of an expert, scientist or psychologist in the preparation of their final projects.==