NSCI 424 Neurodegeneration & Brain Health

Fall 2024 (On-Campus)

Year 4

9-10 hours/week

3 units

Available

On-Campus Course

This course focuses on the molecular basis of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. The course further covers the molecular basis of the systemic communication with the brain and the ability of circulatory blood factors to foster brain resilience and health. The course is designed to cover current research developments on the field. The course intends to advance critical thinking and has a focus to improve student’s oral skills.

Prerequisites

Minimum 4th year (Level 4) standing and registration in a LISC/BHSc Major or SSP, a GPA of 2.5, and one of (NSCI 323; NSCI 324; ANAT 312).

Learning Outcomes

After completing NSCI 424, students will be able to:

Understand and integrate the basic principles of neurodegeneration processes in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases in order to communicate how they develop in the brain at a molecular, cellular, and behavioural level.
Understand and integrate, at the molecular level, neuroprotective processes stimulated by the systemic communication with the brain and how this communication may counteract neurodegeneration.
Critically analyze, and/or interpret scientific data in primary research reports and reviews in order to contextualize and communicate current knowledge in the field of neurodegeneration and brain health
Learn to prepare effective slide deck presentations to use in the communication of the scientific basis of neurodegeneration and brain health
Provide peer assessment, as well as thoughtful, logical questions and comments to the projects presented by peers

Evaluations

Assessment 1 – Short Presentation #1 - 20%

At week 4, students give a short presentation integrating evidence presented during weeks 1-3 covering the roots of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. After introductory lectures given by the course instructor covering the molecular basis of neurodegeneration, groups comprising two students are randomly assigned to present papers selected by the course instructor. Groups are expected to integrate the knowledge gained in the classes from weeks 1-3 with the papers they are given and prepare a short, 5-minute presentation, followed by 5 min Q&A. In this short presentation, rather than presenting the full article, students will select the most important data from the article and explain why this data was chosen.

Assessment 2 – Short Presentation #2 - 20%

At week 8, students give a short presentation integrating evidence presented during weeks 5-7 covering the processes underlying the beneficial actions of exercise in the brain that counteract neurodegeneration and favour brain health. After three lectures covering the molecular basis of neuroprotection by molecules released by peripheral tissues, groups comprising two students are randomly assigned to present papers selected by the course instructor. Groups will be expected to integrate the knowledge gained in the classes with the papers they were given and prepare a short, 5-minute presentation, followed by 5 min Q&A, as follow. In this short presentation, rather than presenting the full article, students will select the most important data from the article and explain why this data was chosen.

Assessment 3 – Full Presentation & Critical Analysis of Research - 40%

Groups comprise five students, and each group will be responsible for a 25-minute presentation followed by 10 min Q&A.

Assessment 4 – Peer assessment, class participation, and engagement in discussions - 20%

A key component of this assessment involves peer feedback. Students will provide peer feedback to their team-based collaborative/group members regarding their participation and collaborative work in the collaborative/group sessions. Students will receive grades for completing the survey of their peers. Feedback received about each group member will influence each individual’s participation grade in Assessment 4. Students are further expected to provide thoughtful, logical and innovative questions and engage in discussions during classes. Participation is also expected after short and full presentations of the projects presented by peers.

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend approximately 9-10 hours a week (108-120 hours per term) in study/practice and online activities for NSCI 424.