BIOL The Nervous and Immune Systems Dr. David Allard

Transcription

1 BIOL The Nervous and Immune Systems Dr. David Allard I. Course Number: BIOL 597 II. Course Title: Nervous and Immune Systems III. Office Hours: MTW 8-10:30; 1-4 IV. Semester Credit Hours: 3SCH V. Course Description: This course will cover new advancements in the study of the Human Nervous System and the Immune System and infectious diseases. VI. Required Textbooks/Resources: No Text required. All material will be on CDs and DVDs provided to the students. VII. Student Learner Outcomes: After completion of this course the student will be able to: Describe the anatomical organization and general functions of the nervous system. Discuss events that generate action potentials in the membranes of cells. Identify the factors that determine the frequency and speed of nerve impulse conduction. Explain the mechanism of synaptic transmission and describe the types and effects of the most important neurotransmitters. Discuss the structure and function of the spinal cord. Explain the role of white matter and gray matter in processing and relaying sensory and motor information. Name the major regions of the brain and describe their functions. Identify the principal sensory and motor pathways. Discuss how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinates responses. Explain the importance of hemispheric specialization. Identify the major components of the lymphatic system and explain their functions.

2 Discuss the importance of lymphocytes and describe where they are found in the body. List the body s specific and nonspecific defenses and explain how each functions. Compare the different types of immunity and their origins. Explain how lymphocytes are activated and how they distinguish between foreign cells and cells of the body. Discuss the roles of the various types of lymphocytes in an immune response. Describe the structure of antibody molecules and explain how they function. Relate allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders to immune mechanisms. VIII. IX. Methods of Instruction: Methods of instruction will include lectures, presentations, large and small group discussions, group work, collaboration, independent inquiry, and reflection. Course Outline: I. HOW THE NERVOUS SYSTEM WORKS A. Describe the functions of the nervous system. B. Describe three types of neurons. 1. sensory neurons 2. interneurons 3. motor neurons C. Describe how the three types of neurons interact to carry nerve impulses. D. Distinguish between external and internal stimuli. II. DIVISIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM A. Describe the component structures of the central nervous system. B. Describe the function of the central nervous system. C. Describe the component structures of the peripheral nervous system. D. Describe the function of the peripheral nervous system. E. Define reflex. F. Describe how reflexes help protect the body from injury. III. THE SENSES A. Describe the function the senses perform in the body. B. Describe the mechanism of each of the senses.

3 1. vision 2. hearing 3. smell 4. taste 5. touch IV. ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS A. Define drug. B. Define medicine. C. Define drug abuse. D. Describe the effects of drugs of abuse on the nervous system. E. Define tolerance. F. Define addiction. G. Describe the effects of different types of drugs on the nervous system. 1. depressants 2. stimulants 3. anabolic steroids 4. alcohol H. Describe the effects of long-term alcohol abuse. V. STAPH WARS A. The Immune System versus The Superbug B. Components of the Immune System 1. Specific and Non Specific Defenses 2. Innate and Acquired Immunity 3. Types of Lymphocytes 4. Immune Responses VI. HUNTING THE BIG FEVER: FINDING AND FIGHTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES 5. Lassa Fever 6. HIV/AIDS VII. BIOLOGICAL LABORATOREIS AND BIOSAFETY LEVELS X. Course Requirements: Two exams (100 points each) = 200 points Reflective journal = 100 points Research paper = 100 points XI. Means of Evaluation: 1. Exams Two essay exams (a Midterm and a Final) will be administered to evaluate the concepts discussed in class. The exams will be comprehensive evaluations of all material covered in the course.

4 2. Reflections on Class Topics Students will reflect upon daily topics of discussion by completing a written essay following each class. Reflections will be posted on the class Blackboard site. Additional points may include opinions, questions, current research findings, and changes in thought as a result of classroom topics and activities. Daily reflections should be written in first person point of view. 3. Research paper Each student will prepare a 5000 word research paper on a topic related to the course. The student must turn the topic into the professor for prior approval. The paper will be written in CBE style. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. Grading Scale: The grades on the evaluated items will be averaged and grades assigned as below: => 90% = A =>80% - <90% = B =>70% - <80% = C =>60% - <70% = D <60% = F Disability Accommodations: Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations through the A&M Texarkana Director of Student Services by calling Academic Integrity: Academic honesty is expected of students enrolled in this course. Cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration, falsification of research data, plagiarism, and undocumented use of materials from any source constitute academic dishonesty and may be grounds for a grade of F in the course and/or disciplinary actions. For additional information, see the university catalog. Statement on usage: Upon application to Texas A&M University-Texarkana an individual will be assigned an A&M- Texarkana account. This account will be used to deliver official university correspondence. Each individual is responsible for information sent and received via the university account and is expected to check the official A&M-Texarkana account on a frequent and consistent basis. Faculty and students are required to utilize the university account when communicating about coursework. Student Technical Assistance for Blackboard: Solutions to common problems and FAQ s for your online course are found at this link: If you cannot find your resolution there you can send in a support request detailing your specific problem here:

5 Blackboard Helpdesk contacts: Office hours are M-F, 8:00a to 5:00p Kevin Williams (main contact) Frank Miller (back-up) XVII. Nikki Thomson (back-up) Technical Requirements Minimum System Requirements The following computer system requirements are recommended for an online course: OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OSX 10.2 and above RAM: 256 MB, Processor: 2.0 GHz, Free Space on HDD: 500 MB Internet Connection: (Broadband/DSL preferred), Dial Up 56k minimum Browser: Internet Explorer 6 or 7, Mozilla Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.0 Java: Version 6 Update 11 or later Sound card and speakers Software Requirements Pop-Up Blockers All pop-up blockers installed on your computer must be set to allow pop-ups from Blackboard/WebCT Java Runtime Environment You must have the Java Runtime Environment installed. This is a free plugin for your browser that can be obtained by going to Additional Plugins You may need additional software based on the content that your instructor posts in their course. Commonly needed applications are: Microsoft Office 2007 / 2003 / XP Suite / Works (Not free software) Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free Download) Windows Media Player (Free Download) Real Time Media Player (Free Download) Quick Time Media Player (Free Download)

6 Macromedia/Adobe Flash (Free Download) Macromedia/Adobe Shockwave (Free Download)