There are three assignments for this course.
1. Students make two presentations with in-class discussions by students. Presentations are based on the required readings. Each presentation should typically be 15-25 minutes.
2. A two-paragraph summary of each paper should be turned in at the beginning of each class. The first paragraph should give a brief summary of the paper. The second paragraph should provide a brief and critical review of the paper's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Term paper on one of the following topics:
Gene Knockouts
Conditonal Expression
Neurogenetics in C. elegans
Development of the Nervous System in Drosophila
Genetic Analysis of Axonal Pathfinding
Genetic Analysis of Membrane Excitability
Ion channel Subunit Manipulations
Synaptic Transmission and Vesicle Trafficking at Nerve Terminals
Neurogenomics: Genome sequencing and the Nervous System
Higher Brain Function in Drosophila: Learning and Circadian Rhythms
Neurodevelopment and Function in the Mouse
Synapse Formation in Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Genetic Analysis of Learning and Memory in Mice
Neurogenetics in Humans: Memory and Disease