Sept. 17,1999 We have made it through our first week! I really enjoyed being with all of you and hope that you learned something new. Please do not hesitate to come by my office or to talk to me after class if you are having trouble with anything. Now, I know that the electricity thing might be a bit foggy for some of you. There are two potential references that you might want to consult to get a bit more info: 1)Kandel and Schwartz's "Essentials of Neural Science and Behavior", or if you want a bit more, consult their "Principles of Neural Science" 2)Kuffler, Nichols and Martin's "From Neuron to Brain" is a terrific text. Second edition, Chapter 7 (neurons as conductors of electricity) is quite relevant. In addition, an elementary Physics textbook should cover all the electricity you will need for the course. Sept. 20, 1999 The problem set for cellular neurobiology will be available this Wednesday on this page. Please limit your answers to a page per question at the most (most of the questions will require much less). The set is due on Friday, November 1st, rather than on the exam day (the following Monday), as initially announced. On that Friday afternoon I will post answers. This way you will have the opportunity to check your work before the exam day. Also, in case I forgot to mention it in class, I will allow self scheduling of the final exam. Sept. 22, 1999 Here are the problems. Sept. 24, 1999 Some of you have expressed some concern about the very "physical" or "mathematical" outlook of the course, and wondered if the course would be what you expected. Hang in there. The "math" part is pretty much over. However, the resting and action potentials are electrochemical phenomena and that is that. The equations provide a depth of understanding that words can hardly match. Work the problem set. Find someone who understands things better than you and discuss things. Try to get a feeling for what the equations are telling you. Sept 27., 1999  There are a few amendments to the original problem set. They are highlighted in red.  I have requested that the following be put on close reserve at the library: 1)Kandel and Schwartz's "Essentials of Neural Science and Behavior", and "Principles of Neural Science" 2)Kuffler, Nichols and Martin's "From Neuron to Brain." They should be on reserve by tomorrow. I will conduct a question and answer session on Wednesday, September 29, at 7:00 p.m. Bring your questions and answers regarding the problem set or any other subject covered in class. Check this site on Tuesday evening for the location. Sept. 28, 1999 The question and answer session will take place at Olin 02, tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Oct. 4, 1999. All quiet. Oct. 10, 1999. Check out the links page. The university of Winsconsin has a nice collection of coronal sections.
		Oct. 20, 1999 We have a test this coming Monday (Oct. 25th). The exam will be considerably different from the first one. It will consist of a larger (as many as 20) questions to be answered in a few sentences. The study questions at the end of each chapter are good examples. The following are three of my own. 1) Name the three main parts of the adult hindbrain and briefly describe their main functions. 2) Information arriving to the LGN is "segregated" in two important ways. Briefly describe them. 3) Which photoreceptors are used for night vision? In what way are they specialized for vision under low light conditions? Oct. 22, 1999 Good luck preparing the exam. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions! Oct. 29, 1999 Here is a succint key for Test 2.