Each week there will be a practical laboratory (computer simulations, "real" experiments, etc.).
Lectures
Each laboratory will begin with a brief (15-20 minute) lecture that provides background and context to the laboratory.
Readings and Study Questions
There will be readings and (short answer) study questions assigned for each laboratory. The study questions can be answered from the readings. They are due at the start of each class.
Quizzes
Some laboratories have a "quiz" assigned to them. Most of the time, this involves turning in the results from that week's lab. An exception is the Sheep Brain Dissection in which you will be given a quiz on your knowledge of sheep brain anatomy acquired during the dissection.
Lab Reports
Some laboratories require a lab report. This will be a short paper written in scientific format (see sample lab report). Two of the lab reports (Histology and Tactile Sensitive Neurons…) are due at the next class meeting following that laboratory. Your major assignment for the semester (accounting for 25% of your grade) will be a lab report on the Compound Action Potential lab. It is due on the last day of class.
Oral Presentations
Each student will give a 15 minute presentation of a scientific paper assigned by the instructors.
Grading
2 lab reports: 30% of grade (15% each)
1 major lab report: 25% of grade
4 quizzes : 20% of grade (5% each)
8 sets of study questions: 15% of grade
Oral presentation: 10% of grade