Topics in Neurobiology

Topics in Neurobiology is a new one term biology course on college level Neurobiology started in the 2009-2010 school year. Neurobiology is the study of the anatomy, function, and structure of the brain. The course discusses all the major brain structures and chemicals, disorders and diseases, and the latest research done in the field of Neurobiology. Another major topic is the molecular processes involved in functions of the brain, such as action potentials and neurotransmitters. There are also related labs throughout the term. As of now, there is only one class, and the class is currently being taught solely by Dr. Pathak.

Curriculum
As this is still a new class, there is no set curriculum. The class frequently jumps from topic to topic. The class usually starts off with the molecular and chemical basis of the action potential in neurons, then gets broader, covering the various regions of the brain.

Throughout the course, students will be instructed to read the memoir: In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind, by Eric Kandel, which discusses Kandel's experiences in the field of Neuroscience. Once a week, students will be given a question sheet, which must be answered and handed in. Dr. Pathak will also assign students reading from the textbook: Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain.

Sometime throughout the term, there will be laboratory sessions where students will examine brain slices and identify structures, and at the end of the term, there will be a sheep brain dissection, where Dr. Pathak will instruct students to identify the brain structures found in it. There may also be a cow's eye dissection, but as of now, it has not happened due to time constraints.

General
Dr. Pathak is a very lenient and lax teacher, and unfortunately has a hard time controlling the class due to his passiveness. He generally does not expect anything out of his students, and does not care if assignments are handed in a few days late. Usually it takes between 5 to 10 minutes for him to get the class settled before he can start his lesson.

Tests and homework
Dr. Pathak tends to give high 90s to most of his students, as long as they hand in their assignments and stay attentive in class. During the first term of the class, he gave one test in the middle of the year, which covered topic he did not teach, resulting in a significant portion of the class failing. He also gave a optional final. Generally, the curve is ridiculously high, and most people end up with a 90+ even if they do terribly on his tests.