2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Life Science and Technology Undergraduate major in Life Science and Technology
Basic Neuroscience
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Life Science and Technology
- Instructor(s)
- Takashi Suzuki / Junji Hirota / Kumi Kuroda / Takeo Saneyoshi
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 1-2 Tue (WL2-401(W641)) / 1-2 Fri (WL2-401(W641))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LST.A346
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 23, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course will provide a comprehensive review of neural system for "behavior". After an introductory overview of "behavior" from standpoints of the brain, neurons, and genes, cell and molecular biology of neurons, e.g. ion channels, membrane potential, synapses, and neurotransmitter, will be explained. Then, the neural basis of perception (somatic sensation and vision), cognition, and movement will be reviewed.
The aim of the course is to deepen understanding basic neural mechanisms of our perception of external stimuli and reaction to it.
Course description and aims
Brain science has been developed based on neuroscience as a multidisciplinary field of computer science, cell and molecular biology, electrophysiology, etc. To pursue a research in brain science, it is necessary to have comprehensive knowledge about neuroscience. Students will have lectures overviewing "Principles of Neural Science", which is a de fact standard textbook. They will be expected to be interested in the brain and to start active learning. By the end of this course, students will be able to acquire basic knowledge about neuroscience for further studies.
Keywords
brain science, neuroscience, behavior, perception, cognition
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Corresponding sections of "Principles of Neural Science" (Sixth Edition) will be overviewed with original data obtained from experiments by each lecturer.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | The Brain, Neurons, Circuit, Genes and Behavior |
Able to explain the basic organization of the brain, neurons, circuits, as well as the genes and their roles on behavior. |
| Class 2 | Ion Channels and membrane potential |
One can explain the structure and function of Ion Channels, as well as the mechanisms of production of resting membrane potential and electrical properties of a nerve cell. |
| Class 3 | Action Potential |
Able to explain the mechanisms of production of action potential and electrical properties of a nerve cell. |
| Class 4 | Model Organisms and the experimental methods used in modern neuroscience studies will be introduced. （Suzuki） |
Able to explain the modern usage of model organisms and the experimental methods used in the neuroscience field. |
| Class 5 | Basic anatomy and motor functions of vertebrate brain |
Able to explain the basic anatomy of the vertebrate brain and its motor control with the spinal cord, basal ganglia, cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. |
| Class 6 | Brain stem and homeostatic control |
Able to explain the functions of the brain stem and hypothalamus that maintain the homeostasis in vertebrates. |
| Class 7 | Hypothalamic control of reproduction and social behaviors |
Able to explain the hypothalamic functions that mediate reproduction and related social behaviors. |
| Class 8 | Sensory Coding and The Somatosensory System, Chapters 17 and 18 in "Principles of Neural Science" (6th edition) will be overviewed. (Hirota) |
Able to explain the organizational features common to all sensory systems, and coding and processing in the somatosensory system. |
| Class 9 | The Constructive Nature of Visual Processing, Chapter 21 in "Principles of Neural Science" (6th edition) will be overviewed. (Hirota) |
Able to explain the organization and the flow of visual information in the visual system. |
| Class 10 | The Auditory Central Nervous System, Smell and Taste (Chemical Senses), Chapters 28 and 29 in "Principles of Neural Science" (6th edition) will be overviewed. (Hirota) |
Able to explain the organization and the information processing in the auditory, olfactory and gustatory systems. |
| Class 11 | Synaptic transmission, synaptic Integration in the Central Nervous SystemChapter 11 and 13 in "Principles of Neural Science" (6th edition) will be overviewed. (Saneyoshi) |
Able to explain the mechanisms of synaptic transmission and integration of inputs in the central nervous system. |
| Class 12 | Modulation of the synaptic transmission, transmitter release, and neurotransmitters, Chapter 14, 15 and 16 in "Principles of Neural Science" (6th edition) will be overviewed. (Saneyoshi) |
Able to explain the modulation mechanisms of synaptic transmission, synaptic release by second messengers, and the metabolism of neurotransmitters. |
| Class 13 | Learning and memory |
Able to explain that there are multiple types of memory and that different nervous systems are involved. |
| Class 14 | Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Hunchington's disease, etc) will be introduced (Saneyoshi) |
Able to explain the molecular mechanisms and the symptoms of the neurodegenerative diseases. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
""Principles of Neural Sciences, Fifth edition"", edited by Erick R. Kandel et al. McGraw Hill, 2021. Sixth edition is available.
We also use S. Marc Breedlove、Neil V. Watson co-ed.""Behavioral Neuroscience, 10th edition"" , as well as ""Neuroscience –Exploring the brain– Fourth edition"", edited by Bear MF, Connors BW, and Paradiso MA, 2016 as a reference.
Students should download lecture notes from LMS.
Evaluation methods and criteria
The degree of understanding of basic neuroscience knowledge will be assessed through short tests or assignments in each class, as well as a written final examination.
Related courses
- LST.A410 ： Advanced Neuroscience
- LAT.A405 ： Cognitive Psychology
- HCB.M461 ： Laboratory Training on Human Brain Functions and Their Measurements
- MEC.L431 ： Human Brain Functions and Their Measurements
- ICT.H509 ： Mesurement of Brain Function
- LAH.T309 ： Linguistics C
- LST.A362 ： Evolution and Developmental Biology
Prerequisites
Nothing in particular.