Overview

• Brief review of basic neuroanatomy and neurobiology (in-depth aspects of both will be covered as they become relevant to specific disorders)
• Neurodevelopmental disorders discussed will include (but not be limited to) Williams Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome and Rett Syndrome.
• Neurodegenerative disorders discussed will include (but not be limited to) Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Fragile X Tremor and Ataxia Syndrome, (FXTAS) and Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Genetic and/or molecular mechanisms commonly involved in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
• Clinical, cognitive and neural phenotypes of these disorders
• Overview of techniques used in assessing and describing these disorders (e.g., neuropsychological testing, genetic techniques, neuroimaging).
• Ethical implications of genetic and neural studies of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders

Learning Outcomes

• Compare and contrast disorders and show the ability to describe these similarities and differences at a behavioural, cognitive and biological level.

• Critically evaluate current theories in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration through in-depth analysis of contemporary research papers.

• Demonstrate engagement with materials in weekly seminars.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the genetic changes that can have neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative consequences (e.g., chromosomal abnormalities, mutations (or various types), deletion, duplication, SNPs).

• Demonstrate knowledge of various brain systems and structures that are impacted in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders at both a whole-brain and a cellular (e.g. dendrites, synapses, neurotransmission) level.

• Describe the clinical, cognitive and neural phenotype of each disorder presented during the course.

• Differentiate between, reflect on, and appreciate the value of (and difference between) clinical and statistical significance

• Engage in both in-class and on-line discussions of topics and material relevant to the module.

• Engage in critically thinking about and discussion of the ethical challenges involved in researching these disorders, as well as the ethical implications of applying the findings from such research.

• Propose interesting and relevant research questions, including critical assessment of potential approaches to answering such questions