Neuroscience Handbook Department of Psychology
Table of Contents What is neuroscience? Calendar Descriptions Specialist Program Specialist (Co-Operative) Program Major Program Courses,  prerequisites/exclusions and instructors Suggested course sequence for specialist students Frequently asked questions (Neuroscience Student Handbook) Undergraduate research (NROC90,  C93 and D98) Faculty  profiles and research interests Some interesting links
WHAT  IS  NEUROSCIENCE? Neuroscience is about the scientific study of nervous systems. It includes study of the nature and functioning of the nervous system at all levels, from the molecules that make up individual nerve cells and the transfer of information from one nerve cell to another, to the complexities of how behaviour, thoughts and emotions are produced. Neuroscientists are interested in many basic questions, including why do people and other animals behave, think and feel the way they do, how addictive drugs produce their effects, how brain cells develop, why they die or sometimes malfunction,  and how they repair themselves when damaged. Neuroscientists are also interested in differences in the nervous systems across different species, including animals with senses and abilities different from those of humans, such as long-distance navigation in migratory species. Neuroscience is at the interface between biology and psychology.   It is unique in that it makes use of a variety of methods and investigations from a wide range of traditional disciplines. To understand the nervous system and how it works requires knowledge of anatomy, molecular biology,  pathology, physiology, pharmacology, psychology and zoology. Neuroscientists may have training in one or more of the following disciplines:   biochemistry,   physiology,  molecular biology,   pharmacology,     psychology,  or cell biology.  They work in Universities,  hospitals,  the pharmaceutical industry,  and research institutions. The Department of Life Sciences of the University of Toronto at Scarborough offers a 4 year major or specialist degree programs in Neuroscience, as well as a 4 year specialist (co-operative) program in Neuroscience that combines academic studies with practical work experience. [top]
CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS OF THE NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAMS Neuroscience encompasses aspects of a variety of disciplines that have the common goal of understanding how the nervous system works.    Techniques from constituent disciplines like anatomy,  biochemistry,  molecular biology,  pharmacology,  physiology,  psychology and zoology are used to unravel some of the mysteries of  the brain and its mechanisms of action.  Investigators in Neuroscience have made  fundamental contributions to clinical aspects of neurodysfunction and behaviour.  The Major programme is intended for students who wish to combine the study of Neuroscience with another area of interest.  The Specialist Programme is designed for students who have a particular interest in the Neurosciences and wish to focus their studies in this area.  In a very few instances,  courses from the other campuses may be used to satisfy programme requirements,  but such substitutions must be pre-approved by the Supervisor of Studies. [top]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SPECIALIST PROGRAMME IN NEUROSCIENCE

Supervisor of Studies:
J. LeBoutillier Email: leboutillier@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements: The Program requires completion of 13.5 full-credit equivalents (FCEs):

1.	The following 3 FCEs:
	BGYA01H	Introductory Biology: Part I
	BGYA02H	Introductory Biology: Part II
	CHMA10H	Introductory Chemistry I: Structure and Bonding
	CHMA11H	Introductory Chemistry II: Reactions and Mechanisms
	PSYA01H	Introductory Psychology: Part I
	PSYA02H	Introductory Psychology: Part II
2.	The following 4.5 FCEs:
	BGYB10H	Cell Biology
	BGYB11H	Molecular Aspects of Cellular and Genetic Processes
	[BGYB30H	Mammalian Physiology I
	or
	(NROB30H)]	Animal Physiology
	BGYB32H	Animal Physiology Laboratory
	CHMB41H	Organic Chemistry I
	CHMB42H	Organic Chemistry II
	NROB60H	Neuroscience I: Cell Anatomy and Physiology
	PSYB07H	Data Analysis in Psychology (STAB22 may not be used to fulfil this requirement)
	PSYB65H	Human Brain & Behaviour
3.	The following 3.5 FCEs:
	BGYC12H	Biochemistry I: Proteins & Enzymes
	BGYC13H	Biochemistry II: Bioenergetics & Metabolism
	NROC34H	Neuroethology (Invertebrate Neurobiology)
	NROC61H	Neuroscience II: Learning & Motivation
	NROC63H	Neuroscience Laboratory
	NROC64H	Neuroscience III: Sensory & Motor Systems
	PSYC08H	Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology
4.	1.5 FCEs from the following: (Supervised Study or Thesis courses can be used to fulfil a maximum of 0.5 FCE in this category).
	BGYC21H	Vertebrate Histology: Cells and Tissues
	(BGYD16H)	Topics in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
	(BGYD24H)	Vertebrate Endocrinology
	BGYD27H	Molecular Endocrinology
	BGYD45H	Animal Communication
	NROC35H	Developmental Neurobiology
	NROC69H	Synaptic Organization of the Brain
	NROC90H	Supervised Study in Neuroscience
	NROC93H	Supervised Study in Neuroscience
	NROD60H	Current Topics in Neuroscience
	NROD63H	Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory
	NROD65H	Pathologies of the Nervous System
	NROD67H	Psychobiology of Aging
	NROD98Y	Thesis in Neuroscience
	PSYC23H	Developmental Psychobiology
	PSYC31H	Clinical Neuropsychology
	PSYC62H	Drugs and the Brain
	PSYD33H	Current Topics in Abnormal Psychology
5	1.0 FCE from the courses listed by the Departments of Humanities, Management or Social Sciences

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SPECIALIST (CO-OPERATIVE) PROGRAM IN NEUROSCIENCE

Supervisor of Studies:
J. LeBoutillier Email: leboutillier@utsc.utoronto.ca

The Neuroscience Co-operative program is designed to provide the student with a broad education in neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behaviour, psychology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and data analysis through lectures, lecture/lab and intensive laboratory courses.

The program combines academic studies in the field of neuroscience with practical work experience in settings in which scientific knowledge from various subfields in the discipline is applied. Students may apply for work term employment in settings such as research and development departments in industry, educational institutions, health care institutions and government agencies.

The work experience provided by the program enables students to explore career opportunities that may be pursued following the Bachelor's degree. Work settings may also provide students with the opportunity to observe neuroscientists interacting with other professionals, hence providing a broader and more informed basis for the selection of a post-graduate program appropriate to the student's talents and interests. Some work settings will provide the opportunity for participation in applied research.

For information on admissions, fees, work terms and standing in the program, please see Co-operative Programs section of this Calendar.

Program Admission:(Enrolment in the program is limited.)

Current U of T Scarborough students: Application procedures can be found at the Registrar’s Office website: www.utsc.utoronto.ca/registrar/. The minimum qualifications for entry are 4.0 credits including BGYA01H, BGYA02H, CHMA10H, CHMA11H, PSYA01H & PSYA02H plus a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.

Program Requirements: Work Terms

The program requires eight four-month terms of study and two four-month work terms over a four year period. To be eligible for their first work term, students must have completed at least ten full credits including: BGYB10H, BGYB11H, BGYB12H, BGYB30H, CHMB41H, CHMB42H, NROB60H, NROC61H or NROC64H and the non-credit Arts & Science Co-op Work Term Preparation course.

To be eligible for their second work term, students must have completed at least 12.5 full credits and have received satisfactory evaluation for their performance and for their report on their first work term.

Course Requirements

MAJOR PROGRAMME IN NEUROSCIENCE

Supervisor of Studies:
J. LeBoutillier Email: leboutillier@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements:

The Program requires seven full-credit equivalents. Students who wish to combine the Major Program in Neuroscience with the Major in Integrative Biology or the Major in Psychology are advised that they must present 12 distinct full-credit equivalents to receive certification of the completion of both programs. Consultation with the respective Program Supervisors in the selection of credits is recommended.

The following indicates the required credits for the Major Program in Neuroscience:

A brief word for students planning to complete a double Major in Biology and Neuroscience.

 Students completing a double major must present 12 distinct FCEs to recieve certification of completion of bothh programs. Consultation with the respective Program Supervisors in the selection of credits is highly recommended.

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COURSES,  PREREQUISITES AND INSTRUCTORS

NROB60H3 Neuroscience I: Cell Anatomy and Physiology

Overview of the structure and function of the nervous system.
Topics include neuroanatomy, structure and function of neurons and glia, neurochemistry, neural mechanisms of communication at the cellular and molecular levels, and intracellular signal transduction in neurons.
Exclusion: PSY290H, PSY391H, ZOO332H
Prerequisite: [BGYA01H & BGYA02H or (BGYA01Y)] & [PSYA01H & PSYA02H or (PSYA01Y)].
Note: [CHMA10H & CHMA11H or (CHMA01Y)] is strongly recommended for students with no Chemistry background).

NROC34H3 Neuroethology

NROC35H3 Developmental Neurobiology

An examination of the development of the nervous system with emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Topics will include differentiation of nerve cells, migration of neurons, pathfinding, synaptogenesis and the rearrangement of neuronal connections.
Prerequisite: BGYB11H & [BGYB30H or (BGYB30Y) or (NROB30H) or NROB60H]

NROC61H3 Neuroscience II: Learning and Motivation

NROC63H3 Neuroscience Laboratory

Instruction in a variety of techniques used in investigations of nervous system function.
Behavioural techniques, neurological manipulation, perfusions, histology, animal ethics and the preparation of scientific papers will be covered.
Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Neuroscience Specialist Program (Co-op and Non co-op)
Limited enrolment: 20
Exclusion: PSY399H
Prerequisite: [PSYB07H or STAB22H] & NROB60H

NROC64H3 Neuroscience III: Sensory and Motor Systems

NROC69H3 Synaptic Organization of the Brain

NROC90H3

NROC93H3 Supervised Study in Neuroscience

NROD60H3 Current Topics in Neuroscience

NROD63H3 Advanced Neuroscience Laboratory

NROD65H3 Pathologies of the Nervous System

An intensive examination of selected pathologies affecting the nervous system such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, the epilepsies,  various infectious agents, and others. These pathologies will be examined from an integrative perspective encompassing the pathogeneses, resulting behaviours, and current treatments and therapies.
Limited enrolment: 20
Prerequisite: NROB60H, PSYB65H & a C-level NRO course.
Corequisite: NROC61H

NROD67H3 Psychobiology of Aging

NROD98Y3 Thesis in Neuroscience

This course offers qualified students the opportunity to engage in a year-long research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will meet as a group with the course co-ordinator to present their own research proposals, to appraise the proposals of others and to discuss the results of their investigations. The research project will culminate in a written report and an oral presentation at the Neuroscience Research Day in the Spring.
Students must obtain a permission form from the Life Sciences Office (S521B) that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and returned to the Life Science Office. At that time, the student will be provided with an outline of the schedule and general requirements for the course. Students seeking supervision off campus are further advised to verify first with the Supervisor of Studies that the prospective project supervisor currently holds a cross-appointment at the University of Toronto. In addition, the student must have a co-supervisor who is a member of the Neuroscience group at UTSC.
Exclusion: PSYD98Y, BGYD02Y
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of fifteen full-credit equivalents in any discipline, but including PSYB07H and one laboratory half-course in Psychology, Biology or Neuroscience and consent of a faculty member in Psychology or Biology to serve as a research supervisor.

SCIB01H3 Science Engagement Outreach

SCIB02H3 Science Engagement In-Reach

SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE FOR SPECIALIST STUDENTS

(Note: this is only one suggested way of completing the program.  Other combinations and timetables may be more suited to your individual needs.)

YEAR 1:	BGYA01H
	BGYA02H
	CHMA10H
	CHMA11H
	PSYA01H
	PSYA02H
YEAR 2:	FALL	SPRING
	BGYB10Y	BGYB10H
	CHMB44Y	BGYB11H
	BGYB32H	CHMB41H
	NROB30H	CHMB42H
	NROB60H	NROC61H
YEAR 3:	FALL	SPRING
	PSYB65H	PSYC08H
	PSYB07H	BGYC13H
	BGYC12H	NROC64H
	NROC63H
	NROC34
YEAR 3 OR 4:	FALL OR SPRING OPTIONS
	NROC34H
	NROC63H
	1.5 FCE  FROM CATEGORY 4

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NEUROSCIENCE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (NROC90/93H,  D98Y)

 Neuroscience students have the opportunity to do research in the courses NROC90,  NROC93,  and NROD98.  The nature of the work may be primarily a literature search to focus on some topic in contemporary Neuroscience,  or it may be primarily a lab based research project in which the student works closely with the supervisor or personnel in the supervisor’s laboratory and writes a scientific paper based on the research done. Most projects combine these approaches to give students a real experience of what research is like.

How to register for a research course

 NROD98 is intended for upper level students who have completed at least 15 FCEs. For any of the research courses you are well advised to approach potential supervisors well in advance (generally in the spring of the year before you intend to register in the course). This handbook contains brief research profiles of the faculty at Scarborough who are engaged in Neuroscience research. You may also perform a research project under the supervision of a faculty member doing Neuroscience research on another campus.  The faculty at UTSC include Professors Andrade,  Boonstra,  Brown,  Erb,  Gurd,  Ivy,  Mason,  Milgram, Petit, Reid, Stewart and Zakzanis.  Names of Neuroscientists at the University of Toronto may be obtained at the web site for the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience (http://www.utoronto.ca/neurosci/ ). Supervision  by an off-campus member of the faculty must be approved by the Program Supervisor and you will have a Scarborough faculty  member as a co-supervisor. Once you have spoken with and obtained the permission of a supervisor,  pick up a form from the Life Sciences departmental office (room S521A).  This form must be signed by your supervisor and returned to the departmental office with a copy of your transcript before you can register in the course.

What is involved

 If you are  doing a laboratory  based project you will be expected to devote a significant amount of time to your lab work.  There are no specific guidelines but 1 full day a week  would generally be a minimum commitment.   In most  cases ,   you will be given a key to the lab,  which will enable you to work  at any time of the day (and night!).   You will become a regular member of the research team.   Your supervisor will identify a project for you and see that you are instructed in the experimental techniques that are required to complete the project.  Generally,   you will participate in lab meetings to learn about other work that is going on in the group and to have the opportunity to discuss your own project..   During the course of the year students in NROD98  will meet as group on several occasions to give brief oral presentations describing their project and their progress.    At the end of the course  you will be required to submit a formal report describing your work.  The report is read by an external reader who is responsible for assigning 30% of the final grade,  based on the report.   D98 students also give a short (15 minute) presentation of their work at the Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Day,  usually held in the week before final exams.

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FACULTY  RESEARCH INTERESTSAND WEB PAGES

Rudy Boonstra Ph.D.  University of British Columbia
Research interests
Population ecology, endocrinology,   neuroendocrinology, brain mechanisms and aging in mammals.
Graduate affiliation
Department of Zoology

Ian R. Brown Ph.D. University of Texas
Research interests
Molecular neurobiology- expression of heat shock genes in the mammalian brain and their role in cellular repair and neuroprotection; developmental expression of genes encoding extracellular matrix glycoproteins during neural development.
Graduate affiliation
Department of Zoology

Suzanne Erb  Ph.D. Concordia University
Research Interests
The neurobiology of relapse to drug seeking and the interface between neurobiology and behavior in the study of substance abuse.  How the brain changes its neurotransmitter systems and gene expression levels as a consequence of a history of drug exposure, and how these changes are manifest in behavior.  The neurobiology of learning and motivation in drug-seeking.
Graduate affiliation 

James W. Gurd Ph.D. McGill
Research interests
Biochemistry of the synapse; signal transduction at the synapse; tyrosine phosphorylation of synaptic proteins;  the effect of stress (e.g. ischemia, seizure activity) on synaptic structure and function,  protein  phosphorylation and signal transduction.
Graduate affiliation
Department of Biochemistry

Gwendolyn  O.  Ivy  PhD   University of California,  Irvine
Research Interests
Cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the aging process and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson'sdiseases, as well as various forms of epilepsy;   neuronal-neuronal and neuronal-glial interactions that have bearing on normal brain functioning, such as learning and memory, as well as on pathology.
Graduate affiliation
Department of Psychology

Andrew Mason  PhD
Research interests
Neuroethology - sensory processing and neural mechanisms
of behaviour, especially hearing and acoustic communication;
Graduate affliliation
Department of Zoology

N William Milgram  PhD  McGill
Research Interests
Aging;    neurobiology of learning and memory;    neuropharmacology and behavior;   plasticity of neural transmission;  long- and short-term response of the brain to epileptic seizures;   cognitive  functioning and age in the canine;.   the relationship of acetylcholine (anticholinergics) ,  glutamate (AMPA receptors), norepinephrine, and serotonin. to memory capacity and learning ability  in the aging canine;   the effects of antioxidants on cognitive aging.
Graduate Affiliations
Department of Psychology (Primary Appointment)
Department of Pharmacology
Institute of Medical Sciences

Ted L. Petit  PhD  University of Florida
Research Interests
Synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory; the structure of synapses and how they change following learning or other model systems of plasticity such as long-term potentiation, development, and reactive synaptogenesis;   ultrastructure of the pre- and postsynaptic components of the synapse using  transmission electron microscopy. The primary goal is to determine how synapses change in order to store information, as well as what goes wrong with this plasticity mechanism in conditions where memory is deficient.
Graduate affiliation
Department of Psychology

Konstantine  Zakzanis PhD York University
Research Interests
Preclinical diagnosis and clinical differentiation of dementia and  neuropsychiatric syndromes using neuropsychological and  structural and functional neuroimaging measures. Other  interests include the application of virtual reality computer technology to understand the neuropsychological basis of  visual memory and executive functions.
Graduate affiliation
Department of Psychology