Epilepsy and the Action Potential: Using Case Based Instruction and Primary Literature in a Neurobiology Course

Epilepsy and seizure generation are at the center of this case study narrative. By exploring the nature of genetic mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels students will solidify fundamental concepts involving action potential generation and roles for excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system. Students will wrestle with primary data, developing analytical and quantitative skills, and generate evidence-based hypotheses and predictions. As written here, the case is used in an upper-level undergraduate course, but because the case focuses on basic fundamental neuroscience concepts, the narrative could be easily adapted for uses in introductory neuroscience courses or potentially first-year graduate courses. Full text of the case study and the classroom implementation notes are available at cases.at.june@gmail.com.