The digital book and the course are entirely integrated, with a schedule that covers one chapter each week. You will be asked to complete a formative pre-quiz and to read the materials scheduled to be discussed prior to attending class. The class format is designed to be a discussion, rather than a traditional lecture. Thus, we will emphasize practical use of the information you are learning in class. The structure and function of the nervous system relevant to the discussion topic is presented in the text. The overall goal is to enable you to use the information you have learned about the nervous system so that you may become more astute clinicians and practitioners. Some graded or extra credit items will come from completing activities included in the book, while major exams will occur in class. The text and content will be updated based on what is determined to be effective in fostering your ability to apply your knowledge of how the nervous system functions in multiple situations. It may seem scary to design and implement a course this way, but this approach will facilitate understanding and application of the information, rather than rote memorization. I hope you find that this approach facilitates your learning and triggers your interest in the nervous system.
Dr. DiAnna L. Hynds is currently a Professor of Biology, with an affiliation with the Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice. She has been on the faculty of Texas Woman’s University since Fall, 2003 and has taught the Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology course nearly every semester. Through this experience, she has evolved the way the course is taught to emphasize the attainment and use of practical information applied to nervous system function. The development of integrated textbook is the next logical step in improving the effectiveness of the Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology course through contemporary active learning techniques. Dr. Hynds has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Mathematics from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Pathology from the Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. She has performed post-doctoral research at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY and maintains an active research laboratory at Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX. The main focus of her research is in deciphering and manipulating the biochemical signaling pathways that regulate the regeneration of axons following neurotraumatic or neurodegenerative lesions. She is engaged in collaborative research projects focused on spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, axon growth and guidance, and synaptogenesis. Her main expertise lies in signal transduction and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Chapter 1—Introduction and Overview of Neuroscience
Chapter 2—Neurons and Glia: Cellular Constituents of the Nervous System
Chapter 3—Synaptic Communication: Electrical Component
Chapter 4—Synaptic Communication: Chemical Component
Chapter 5—Cellular Level Responses in Neurons (Neuroplasticity)
Chapter 6—Nervous System Development across the Lifespan
Chapter 7—Somatosensory System
Chapter 8—Pain
Chapter 9—Motor System
Chapter 10—Motor Control Circuits
Chapter 11—Autonomic Nervous System
Chapter 12—Spinal Region
Chapter 13—Brainstem Region and Cranial Nerves
Chapter 14—Cerebrum
Chapter 15—Cerebrovascular and Cerebrospinal Fluid Systems