NEURAL CONTROL OF MOVEMENT (ZOO
4863/5863), Fall 2008
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Instructor: |
Dr. Ari Berkowitz |
Classes: |
Richards Hall 304 |
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Richards Hall 102/103 |
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T Th 1:30-2:45 PM |
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Tel: 325-3492 |
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E-mail: ari@ou.edu |
Office Hours: |
9-11:30 AM, Mon. & Thurs. + 9-10 AM Fri. |
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or by appointment |
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Readings: |
Selected research papers (on Desire2Learn) |
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(+ optional chapters in Essentials of Neural
Science and Behavior, on Desire2Learn
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Prerequisites: |
8 hours Zoology (incl. 1114/1121) or permission of
instructor |
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
After completing this
course, you should be able to:
1) Summarize what is known experimentally for
each of the course's 5 major questions regarding the control of movements by
nervous systems.
2) Describe the historical development of
major concepts in the field of the neural control of movements.
3) Provide your own answer to each of the
course's 5 major questions, supported by experimental data.
4) Extract the main experimental findings and
interpretations from your reading of scientific research papers and explain
these findings and interpretations clearly to your peers.
TIPS FOR READING &
PRESENTING PAPERS
When you read, focus on the Introduction, the
Summary or Abstract, and the Discussion or Conclusions (probably read in that
order). Try not to get hung up on methodological details or unfamiliar
vocabulary. As you read, ask yourself the following questions: What did the
author(s) basically do in the key experiment(s)? Why did they choose to do this
particular experiment(s)? What was the major finding(s) of this experiment(s)?
How did the authors interpret this finding(s) (i.e., what did it tell them
about how nervous systems control movements)? Do you think this interpretation
of the finding(s) is reasonable? Try to identify the key 1-3 data figures in
the paper and evaluate whether they really support the authors' conclusions.
When you lead a discussion of a paper,
briefly describe the background and motivation for doing this study. Describe
the key experiment(s) in as simple terms as possible. Show the key data figures
and explain how to read them and what each demonstrates. Summarize the author's
conclusions and give your own critique of whether or not the experimental data
support those conclusions. At least for the first time, it is recommended
that you meet with the instructor to discuss the paper in advance of the class
discussion.
GRADING
Grading will be based on writing 3 (4863) or
4 (5863) papers (50% of grade) and leading the class discussion of 2 research
articles (30%), as well as on pop quizzes and general class participation
(20%).
Important dates: NO CLASS
on Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving); “final
exam”: Wed. 12/17, 1:30-3:30 PM.
Notes: Attendance and class participation are expected. Please provide written documentation of
any medical absence immediately upon return to class if you wish to make up
missed work. Regulations and responsibilities stated in the Student Code and Faculty Handbook will be followed in the event of academic dishonesty.
Papers must be written entirely by
the student alone; plagiarism will not be tolerated. If a grade of W or I is requested, University policy
will be followed. The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing
reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students
with disabilities who require accommodations in this course are requested to
speak with the professor as early in the semester as possible. Students with
disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services prior to
receiving accommodations in this course. The Office of Disability Services is
located in Goddard Health Center, Suite 166, phone 405/325-3852 or TDD only
405/325-4173.