This class pushed me in ways I did not anticipate. I had to adjust my learning style to be more independent. I expected this class to be like every other science course I have taken at Concordia: lecture based, textbook notes, many quizzes, and exams. The format of this class was strange to me at first, but now at the end of the semester I really enjoyed it.
I learned how to read scientific articles and journal efficiently to obtain the information I needed. I developed skills to decipher complicated language and schematics in order to understand chemical signaling. I maintained organized notes that I could return to as the information accumulated. I grew to be okay that not everything will make sense, answers will not always obvious, and some answers have not even been found by professional scientists.
This class connected to topics in my other courses past and present. The aspect I enjoyed most of the knowledge this course gave me was calling my mom to tell her all about it. I was able to relay in common language how addiction changes a brain, what abnormalities are seen in Alzheimer’s disease, and how obesity can be a disease of the brain. I believe the skill of explaining complex topics to someone with no previous knowledge is very important for my future. With a patient, I will need the ability to communicate to them professionally and simply. And this class has provided me experience with this.
Neurochemistry has reminded me of how grateful I am to be attending a liberal arts institution. The emphasis on developing a love of learning and transferable intellectual capacities reigns true in this course. I integrated a variety of information from previous courses to fully understand the material in neurochemistry. I developed a love for finding the answers and a great sense of pride when I discovered the full story for myself.
I finish this course with improved problem-solving skills, a new addition to my love of learning, and knowledge on many important brain diseases. For anyone interested in the brain I highly recommend this course.
