Module 2: The Basics of Neurobiology

EEMB 160 : The Neural Basis of Behavior, "Neurobehavior"

This module is a bit more complex than the first. It has two main parts. The first is composed of 4 steps, which I would like you to at least skim through in a somewhat linear fashion, as shown below. The second part of module 2 is on a separate page; you'll find this link below the diagram on this page. Please visit this part after going through steps 1-4. The objective of this module is to get you all up to speed on the fundamentals of neurobiology. I have created a few two-dimensional animations of some of the dynamic processes that neurons display within the "Steps" below. I hope that they are helpful. If you've had Neurobiology, most of this stuff is probably a review for you. But at least skim through all of it just in case you are weak in certain areas that are particularly important to this course. After skiming steps 1-4, visit the second part of module 2, linked below the diagram. If you haven't had any prior neurobiology, you'll need to spend some time on this module. You should begin with Steps 1-4 as shown in the diagram below. You can either start with a little behavior story (Cuttlefish) or you can begin with an introduction to the neuron (Step 1). After carefully reading and viewing the diagrams and animations contained within Steps 1-4, go onto the second part of the module, which is linked to below this diagram. You may begin with either an example of an invertebrate behavior: Cuttlefish or jump right into the basics of neurobiology. Start here: OR Step 1: the neuron Step 4: the cuttlefish story, behavioral example Step 2: the resting membrane potential Step 3: the action potential After you are done with the 4 steps above, please move onto some more coverage of the basics of neurobiology.