INSTRUCTOR: Michael Oakes Ph.D.
OFFICE HOURS: 9:00-9:50 am M W F: AMH 218
(or by appointment)
PHONE: 941-7895
EMAIL: oakesm2@uofs.edu
WEB ADDRESS: http://academic.scranton.edu/faculty/oakesm2/
REQUIRED TEXT:
Kingsley (2000) Concise Text of Neuroscience (2nd edition). Philadelphia:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
DESCRIPTION:
In this course, we will emphasize the organization and function of
the neuron including bioelectrical phenomena and synaptic transmission.
The neural circuits and the major sensory and motor components of the central
nervous system will also be emphasized. Finally, the neural basis
for higher functions such as cognition, memory and learning will be discussed.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken periodically throughout the semester and excessive absences (more than 3) will result in a lowered grade. Also, students are responsible for finding out additions/deletions to the syllabus that are made during class.
QUIZZES: Seven quizzes will be given, each worth 10 points. These may include multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank questions. The lowest quiz score will be discarded. Thus, there are 60 points possible for all quizzes combined. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES.
EXAMS: Three exams will be given, each exam will be worth 100 points. These may include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, or essay questions. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. These three exams are not comprehensive. If you miss an exam for any reason (and wish to complete the course) you may take a comprehensive final exam in addition to the non-comprehensive final during the final exam session. The comprehensive exam score will replace the missing exam score (of zero). NOTE: Anyone caught cheating on a test or quiz will receive a score of zero for that test or quiz (& they will lose their option to take the comprehensive final) and other actions may be taken (I will follow the university's policy on academic dishonesty).
GRADES: There will be a total of 360 points that can be earned (plus an additional 10 points in extra credit). Grading will be determined according to the percentages presented below.
94-100% = A 87-89% = B+
77-79% = C+ 65-69% = D+
90-93% = A- 84-86% = B
74-76% = C 60-64% = D
80-83% = B- 70-73% = C-
EXTRA CREDIT:
A few additional test questions covering chapters not discussed in
class will be included on two of the three exams. A student may earn
up to 10 extra-credit points in the course by answering these questions.
LECTURE OUTLINES:
I will provide an outline of lecture materials on my faculty home page.
I am hoping that this will assist you in following the lectures.
Thus, I would suggest that you have a copy of the outline available during
class. I would not suggest that you use the outlines as your sole
method for studying for tests and quizzes. Information pertaining
to many (if not most) exam and quiz questions will not be found on the
outlines. You must come to class and read your book carefully.
I will give you a study guide before each of the three exams; this will
hopefully help you prepare for the tests.