ß÷ßäÉçÇø

---

Biochemistry - 620

---

NEURO - 410/510

Neurobiology of Aging + Neurodegenerative Disorders

Course Coordinators:

Dr. Sue-Ann Mok (she/her) and Dr. Bradley Kerr
Lecture: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 9.30 - 10.50 A.M.
Location: ECHA 2-137

Objective: 

Designed to provide senior undergraduate students in the Neuroscience program a
comprehensive overview on neurobiology of normal aging and the cellular/molecular
phenomena that may underlie various age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aspects of
neuronal and glial changes during the normal aging process will be covered. In addition, papers
on the most recent developments in the field of aging research have been integrated into the
course.

Prerequisite:

NEURO 375 or PMCOL 371 or ZOOL 342 or consent from course coordinator.
Credit may be obtained for either NEURO 410 or 510 but not both.
Requirements for graduate students: Graduate students undertaking projects related to
Neuroscience may take this course as a part of their course requirements for their graduate
program. The lectures are same as for undergraduate students, but additional assignments and
evaluation are expected of graduate students. All graduate students must write a research paper
(15 marks) on a selected topic. Research topics and paper guidelines (format, length) will be
provided just prior to reading week. Students will have two weeks to submit the completed
paper. Apart from submitting a research paper, graduate students will be expected to answer two
(out of three) short-answer questions (5 marks each) during the exams. This will be in addition to
completing the multiple-choice exam (see below) administered to all students enrolled in the
course.

MARK DISTRIBUTION:

Undergraduate students:  3 exams, each worth 33.33%
Graduate students:  3 exams (28.33% each) and 15% Research paper

EXAM DATES

Exam #1: 03. 10. 2024, 9:30-10:20 AM MST
Deferred Exam #1: 16. 10. 2024, 3:00-3:50 PM MST

Exam #2: 05. 11. 2024, 9:30-10:20 AM MST. Location: ECHA 1-420
Deferred Exam #2: 18. 11. 2024, 3:00-3:50 PM MST
Exam #3: 19.12.2024, 9:30-10:20 AM MST. Location: ECHA 2-140
Deferred Exam #3: within two weeks of deferral approval by Faculty

GRADING

Exams are not cumulative and will cover the lectures indicated in the lecture schedule document.
Regular examinations will consist of multiple choice questions for undergraduate students,
whereas graduate students will be expected to answer multiple choice questions and in addition
two short answer questions. All materials from lectures may be tested in examinations. The
format for deferred exams may change from that of regular exams. 
Exam marks (and research paper for NEURO510 students) will be used to determine a course
mark and final grade as indicated below. The assignment of the final grade will will not be
altered unless there is a significant deviation of the class average from past years.
In the event you miss a midterm exam due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or
other compelling reasons, a deferred midterm exam will be granted only if the coordinator is
notified within two working days of the missed exam. A missed exam without proper
notification will be assigned a grade of 0. The deferred exam dates and times are listed above.
Failure to write the deferred exam by the scheduled deferred exam date and time will result in an
assigned grade of 0 for the exam.
If you miss the final exam due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other
compelling reasons, you must apply to the student's Faculty office within two working days of
the missed exam for permission to write a deferred final exam. You are responsible to provide a
Statutory Declaration or other appropriate documentation (Calender section 23.5.6) to support
your application.
Regarding the research paper for NEURO510 students, 10% will be deducted from the final
paper grade for every day past the submission deadline.

Grading Scheme:

90 & above    A +   
85 - 89.9        A    
80 - 84.9        A -   

75 - 79.9        B +  
70 - 74.9        B  
65 - 69.9        B -  
60 - 64.9        C +

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Cell Phones:

Cell phones are to be turned off during lectures and exams.

Academic Integrity and Discipline:

“The ß÷ßäÉçÇø is committed to the highest
standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these
standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.
Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the
Student Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Conduct Policy (on the ß÷ßäÉçÇø
Policies and Procedures Online (UAPPOL) website) and avoid any behaviour which could
potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or
participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension
or expulsion from the University.”

Plagiarism:

No student shall submit the words, ideas, images or data of another person or
artificial intelligence (AI) program as the student's own in any academic writing or assignment in
a course without proper reference materials. 
Cheating: No student shall, in the course of an examination, obtain or attempt to obtain from
another student or unauthorized source. It is also an offense to represent or attempt to represent
oneself as someone or oneself represented by another in the taking of an examination or
preparation of any course related activity. Students should refer to the online policy for guidance
on academic integrity including processes and potential sanctions.
Recording and/or Distribution of Course Materials: Audio or video recording, digital or
otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed
only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation
plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of
the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any
other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
Students Eligible for Accessibility-Related Accommodations: Eligible students have both
rights and responsibilities with regard to accessibility-related accommodations. Consequently,
scheduling ​exam accommodations in accordance with Accessibility Resources deadlines and
procedures is essential. Please note adherence ​to procedures and deadlines​ is required for U of A
to provide accommodations. Contact Accessibility Resources for further information.

Learning and Working Environment:

The Faculty of Science is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to
work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It
does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment. 
If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, fraud, theft or any other issue and would like
to get confidential advice, please contact any of these campus services:
 Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights: A safe, neutral and confidential space to
disclose concerns about how the ß÷ßäÉçÇø policies, procedures or ethical
standards are being applied. They provide strategic advice and referral on matters such as
discrimination, harassment, duty to accommodate and wrong-doings. Disclosures can be
made in person or online using the Online Reporting Tool.
 ß÷ßäÉçÇø Protective Services: Peace officers dedicated to ensuring the safety
and security of U of A campuses and community. Staff or students can contact UAPS to
make a report if they feel unsafe, threatened, or targeted on campus or by another
member of the university community.
 Office of the Student Ombuds: A confidential and free service that strives to ensure that
university processes related to students operate as fairly as possible. They offer
information, advice, and support to students, faculty, and staff as they deal with
academic, discipline, interpersonal, and financial issues related to student programs.
 Office of the Dean of Students: They can assist students in navigating services to ensure
they receive appropriate and timely resources. For students who are unsure of the support
they may need, are concerned about how to access services on campus, or feel like they
may need interim support while you wait to access a service, the Dean of Students office
is here to help.
Feeling Stressed, Anxious, or Upset?
It's normal for us to have different mental health experiences throughout the year. Know that
there are people who want to help. You can reach out to your friends and access a variety of
supports available on and off campus at the Need Help Now webpage or by calling the 24-hour
Distress Line: 780-482-4357 (HELP).

Policy about course outlines can be found in Course Requirements, Evaluations Procedures and
Grading of the University Calendar.

Land Acknowledgement:

The ß÷ßäÉçÇø respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 6 territory,
traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people.

To learn more about the significance of this land acknowledgement, please read this useful article
and associated links to more information.
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this Course Outline are subject to change and will be
announced in class. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes
precedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.
Copyright: Dr. Sue-Ann Mok and Dr. Bradley Kerr, ß÷ßäÉçÇø (2024).

For more information on NMHI click here