Graduate Course Offerings

Cell Biology.   The structure and function of cells and cellular organelles with particular attention to how these interact.  The cellular and molecular biology of eukaryotes and relevant prokaryotes is investigated using an organellar approach.  Particular attention is paid to molecular interactions between cell surface, nucleus, and cytoplasmic membrane systems. Paul Drew, Director, 3 credit hours. 

Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience.  This course consists of lectures, assigned readings and student presentations that cover the structure, function and development of cells of the nervous system.  Also considered are the basic principles of the physiology of excitable cells, synaptic transmission, and various aspects of nervous system injury.  Fundamental Neuroscience, 2^nd Edition, Academic Press, 2003, is used as a text.  David Davies, Director, 3 credit hours. 

Cellular Endocrinology. This course covers general or vertebrate endocrinology, both anatomical and physiological, with lectures and laboratory exercises.  In addition, students prepare a term paper on a selected area in the field. Howard Conaway (Department of Physiology and Biophysics), Director, 3 credit hours. 

Current Topics in Neurobiology. Topics are chosen to reflect important current research in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and transmitter substances.  Students read original papers, review articles, and make presentations for discussion. Grades are based on presentations, participation, and a written paper. Neuroscience Faculty, 1 credit hour. 

Ethics and Scientific Communication I and II  (Required Courses). These courses introduce students to the retrieval and interpretation of research papers, the ethics of science and seminar presentation techniques.  Students make presentations based on scientific journal articles. In addition, grant applications and the grant review process are discussed.  Students prepare a draft of parts of a National Institutes of Health style grant application. Faculty Directorship rotates, 1 credit hour/semester. 

Gene Expression.  The focus of this course is on the various processes involved in the flow of information from genes to their expressed products.  Regulation of these processes is explored in depth for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.  Topics include: Genome organization, DNA replication and recombination, transcription, RNA processing, translation, genomics and proteomics, differentiation and development. Patty Wight (Department of Physiology and Biophysics), Director, 4 credit hours. 

Molecular Cell Biology.  Lectures and discussion of relevant publications that cover major processes in cell biology.  Classes emphasize the molecular models and experimental data that describe these cell processes.  Topics include:  nuclear import/export, protein secretion and trafficking, endocytosis and exocytosis, cell cycle control and signal transduction.  Pre-requisite: Prior course in cell biology or consent; course in biochemistry or molecular biology recommended. Marie Chow (Department of Microbiology and Immunology), Director, 4 credit hours.  

Neurophysiology Recording Techniques.  Lectures and laboratory demonstrations are used to present an overview of state-of-the-art electrophysiological recording techniques used to monitor neuronal excitability. Techniques include: extracellular evoked field potential and single-unit recording in vivo, intracellular recording from in vitro brain slice preparations, whole-cell patch clamp recording and calcium imaging of neuronal activity in vitro. Kevin Phelan, Director, 3 credit hours. 

Neurophysiology of Voluntary Movement.  Current and classic articles are used to train the student to evaluate the most difficult of brain functions, motor control.  While significant progress has been made in the understanding of sensory processes, the evolution, organization, development and mechanisms involved in voluntary movement have been more elusive. Edgar Garcia-Rill, Director, 1 credit hour. 

Systems Neuroscience.  In this course, discussions of specific topics follow each area as covered in the Medical Neuroscience course.  The content of those lectures forms the starting point for additional material that is covered in depth at a graduate level in this course.  Discussion will be geared towards critical evaluation of established concepts in each area, with a view towards drafting alternative explanations for accepted dogma. E. Garcia-Rill, Director, 2 credit hours.   

Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Electives Based in Other Departments 

Behavioral Pharmacology and Toxicology.  This is an advanced course that offers an in-depth study of the interactions between drugs or toxicants and behavior with an emphasis on schedule-controlled behavior.  Published scientific literature forms the basis of the instructional material.  Department of Pharmacology, 3 credit hours. 

Neuropharmacology.  This course offers a background in neurotransmitter and receptor systems found in the central nervous system.  Emphasis is placed on the molecular and cellular organization and their regional distribution along with their possible role in disease processes and the therapeutic approaches to the study and treatment of diseases of the central nervous system.  Department of Pharmacology, 3 credit hours.

The UAMS Graduate School Catalogue contains a complete list of courses offered on our campus. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.)