Neuroscience

This course introduces students to fondational and modern neuroscience research techniques through laboratory investigations. Neuroscience is explored at the molecular, systems, and behavioral level. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biopotentials, development, histology, and microscopy. An emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships, experimental design, and application of techniques in research.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of neuroscience.

Students in Neuroscience major are expected to participate in active research, supervised by a faculty research mentor. The course grade is based on 10 hours/week lab work toward achieving term goals that are determined individually at the beginning of the term. Students are expected to submit a Term Plan one month after the first day of classes and a Progress Report two weeks before the last day of classes.

Current developments in the interdisciplinary field of neurosciences will be examined, from molecular neurobiology through cognitive neuroscience. Instruction will be based on readings of original literature, presentation of original and new data from Neuroscience faculty and attendance of seminar talks as part of the Neuroscience Graduate Seminar series. Required for the Neuroscience Distinguished Major Program (DMP). Prerequisite: Neuroscience BA, subplan DMP.

Current developments in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience will be examined, from molecular neurobiology through cognitive neuroscience. Instruction will be based on readings of original literature, presentation of original and new data from Neuroscience faculty and attendance of seminar talks as part of the Neuroscience Graduate Seminar series. Required for the Neuroscience Distinguished Major Program (DMP). Prerequisite: Neuroscience BA, subplan DMP.

This course provides opportunities for first and second year students who have not yet declared a major to engage in supervised research activities.

This course introduces students to foundational and modern neuroscience research techniques through laboratory investigations. Neuroscience is explored at the molecular, systems, and behavioral level. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biopotentials, development, histology, and microscopy. An emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships, experimental design, and application of techniques in research.

This course explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying a variety of neurological disorders, such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Alzheimer's Disease, and more. Research and treatment of these disorders is addressed in historical and current contexts. This course uses primary-literature discussions to develop skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data, with additional emphasis on practical scientific writing and oral communication skills.

Introduction to experimental methods in neural development research using zebrafish as a model system. Lectures focus on vertebrate nervous system development and teratogens. Labs build skills in brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, morphological and behavioral analysis, and histology. Course begins with guided inquiry labs and progresses to student-developed scholarly research projects, culminating in presentations of novel research findings.

Will study Nobel prize winning discoveries that shaped our understanding of the nervous system; explore the original experimental basis for these discoveries; and learn about the Nobel laureates. This course will enable students to acquire a deeper understanding of fundamental principles in Neuroscience, to familiarize with various research techniques, and to develop a sense of history of Neuroscience research.

The diverse functions of the nervous system depend on precise wiring of connections between neurons. This course covers cellular and molecular processes of how neuronal connections are established during development. Diseases which result from failing to establish the circuitry will also be discussed. This course will introduce research methods and technology, and encourage students to develop logical rationale of contemporary research.

This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of neuroscience.

An original experimental project is undertaken in which each student is responsible for the design and operation of the experiment under the direction of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. Prerequisite: Major in Neuroscience.

A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. The thesis must be based on empirical research conducted by the student. Prerequisite: Participant in Neuroscience DMP.

A two-semester course in which the student prepares a thesis under the supervision of a Neuroscience Graduate Program faculty member. The thesis must be based on empirical research conducted by the student. Prerequisite: Participant in Neuroscience DMP.

This course will explore how reciprocal crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system contributes to health and disease. Attention will be paid to highlight how immune responses contribute to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimers disease, depression, anxiety, and autism.

NESC8000 and NESC8001 provides a foundation in the basic principles of how nervous systems functions from the cellular to the cognitive level, and how this goes wrong in disease. This foundation will prepare you for comprehending the broader neuroscience literature, improving your ability to critically evaluate scientific hypotheses, methods, and results. Both courses must be taken to receive credit.

NESC8000 and NESC8001 provides a foundation in the basic principles of how nervous systems functions from the cellular to the cognitive level, and how this goes wrong in disease. This foundation will prepare you for comprehending the broader neuroscience literature, improving your ability to critically evaluate scientific hypotheses, methods, and results. Both courses must be taken to receive credit.

Topics of current interest in neuroscience are presented and discussed by both the program faculty and visiting neuroscientists from other institutions. Prerequisite: Permission of program director.

This course will review current literature in the field of molecular neuroscience in a journal club format.

This course will review current literature in the field of synapse and circuit neuroscience in a journal club style format. 

This course will introduce students to fundamental principles that guide epilepsy research today. Topics range from understanding how human seizures are classified to how animal models can inform our mechanistic understanding of epilepsy. The course includes formal lectures by clinical and basic science faculty, as well as student presentations.

Students give forty-five minute presentations to their peers each week. Provides a chance for practice and improvement in giving lectures and an opportunity to receive advice from fellow trainees and attending faculty. Gives all members of the program updates on the progress and scientific interests of the students.

Building on the NESC 8000 Foundations of Neuroscience course, this course expands on the Molecular Neuroscience (Molecular, Cellular & Development track), while also providing a deep dive in Cellular Neurophysiology (Synapses & Circuits track). Recognizing that modern neuroscience projects necessitate fluency in the concepts and methods in both fields, NESC 9010 and 9020 will be held jointly this term.

This course will provide the strong methodological foundation in molecular neuroscience. It will allow students to follow scientific lectures/seminars with ease while critically assessing discussed principles. Upon completion of this course, students will understand molecular and genetic methods used in assessing neuronal functions. This course will be a combination of lecture and discussion of classic and contemporary literature.