I teach undergraduate courses in Neuroscience and Psychology through the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Scarborough.
My Teaching Philosophy
Transparency
I strive to be clear about classroom expectations, and the expectations of the university. Your success in our classroom should not depend on your ability to “read between the lines” or correctly guess and assume what I am asking of you. If something is unclear, that’s my bad. Please let me know and I will clarify.
Non-hierarchical learning
I don’t like to pretend that I am the expert. I may know more about certain topics, but I am confident that in other domains, you hold more knowledge and experience than I do. I invite you to share when I’ve said something wrong or when you have a better idea than me.
Community-driven learning
If something I’m doing isn’t conducive to your learning, I’m open to altering course. You are the one paying for this education, you know your needs best, and you deserve to learn in the way that is best for you.
Course Syllabi
Course descriptions are taken from the UTSC Calendar – Neuroscience and UTSC Calendar – Psychology webpages.
NROB60 – Neuroanatomy Laboratory
This course focuses on functional neuroanatomy of the brain at both the human and animal level. Topics include gross anatomy of the brain, structure and function of neurons and glia, neurotransmitters and their receptors, and examples of major functional systems. Content is delivered through lecture and laboratories.
NROB61 – Neurophysiology
This course focuses on the electrical properties of neurons and the ways in which electrical signals are generated, received, and integrated to underlie neuronal communication. Topics include principles of bioelectricity, the ionic basis of the resting potential and action potential, neurotransmission, synaptic integration, and neural coding schemes. Content will be delivered through lectures, labs, and tutorials.
NROC36 – Molecular Neuroscience
This course will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal communication in the central nervous system. The first module will look into synaptic transmission at the molecular level, spanning pre and postsynaptic mechanisms. The second module will focus on molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Additional topics will include an introduction to the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and channelopathies.
NROD98 – Thesis in Neuroscience
This course offers the opportunity to engage in a year long research project under the supervision of an interested member of the faculty in Neuroscience. The project will culminate in a written report in the form of a thesis and a poster presentation. During the course of the year, at appropriate times, students will meet to present their own research proposals, to appraise the proposals of others, and to discuss the results of their investigation. Students must first find a supervisor, which is usually confirmed before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. Students will meet as a group with the coordinator as well as individually with their supervisor. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are especially encouraged to enrol in the course. Students must obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology’s website that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor, and submitted to the Psychology Office. Students seeking supervision off campus will need to arrange co supervision with a faculty member in Neuroscience at UTSC.
PSYD66 – Current Topics in Brain and Behaviour
An extensive examination of selected topics in human brain and behaviour. The neural bases of mental functions such as language, learning, memory, emotion, motivation and addiction are examples of the topics that may be included.
Note: I design this course with a focus on how recent findings in brain and behaviour research both inform and are shaped by personal and community perspectives. It is built on the principle that learning is not a passive act but a shared process. This approach emphasizes personal reflection and in-class collaboration. Topics are selected together at the start of the semester and depend on what our group feels is most important, urgent, and interesting.
PSYD98 – Thesis in Psychology
This course offers the opportunity to engage in a year-long research project under the supervision of an interested member of the faculty in Psychology. The project will culminate in a written report in the form of a thesis and a poster presentation. During the course of the year, at appropriate times, students will meet to present their own research proposals, to appraise the proposals of others, and to discuss the results of their investigation. Students must first find a supervisor, which is usually confirmed before the start of the academic term in which the project will be initiated. Students will meet as a group with the coordinator as well as individually with their supervisor. This course is restricted to Majors and Specialists in Psychology and Mental Health Studies with a GPA of 3.3 or higher over the last 5.0 credit equivalents completed. Students planning to pursue graduate studies are especially encouraged to enroll in the course. Students must obtain a permission form from the Department of Psychology website that is to be completed and signed by the intended supervisor and submitted to the Psychology Office. Students seeking supervision off campus will need to arrange co-supervision with a faculty member in Psychology at this campus.
Debra A. Bercovici, PhD 