Neuroscience Course of Study

During the first 18 months of graduate school, students take a series of graduate level courses and carry out laboratory rotations that serve as the basis for selection of a thesis advisor. All students take a Preliminary Examination (admission to candidacy for the PhD degree) by March 31 of their second year of study. The examination includes two parts, a thesis proposal that is presented by the student and reviewed by a faculty committee, and an oral examination. Thesis research begins during the second year of study. It is anticipated that about five years will be required for completion of course work and thesis research.

Neuroscience Courses:

Students normally take courses distributed in four areas of neuroscience: molecular, developmental, cellular and systems, as well as Introduction to Neurobiology (Neurobiology 200) and Introduction to Research in Neuroscience (Neurobiology 327). With prior approval substitutions may be permitted for some courses. This includes courses taken previously. The selection of courses is tailored to the needs and interests of individual students, and the choice is arrived at after consultation with the Student Advisory Committee.

Neurobiology 200. Introduction to Neurobiology.

Richard Masland, John Assad, David Corey, Matthew Frosch, Lisa Goodrich, and Rosalind Segal.
Modern neuroscience from molecular neurobiology to perception and cognition. Includes cell biology of neurons and glia; ion channels and electrical signaling; synaptic transmission and integration; chemical systems; brain anatomy and development; sensory systems; motor systems; higher cognitive function
Note: Nine hours of lecture or lab/conference weekly.
Jointly offered with the School of Medicine. Will follow the medical school calendar.
M.W.F., 9-12..
Half course (fall term).

Neurobiology 204. Neurophysiology of Central Circuits

Richard T. Born, John A. Assad, Margaret S. Livingstone, John Maunsell, R. Clay Reid, and Rachel I. Wilson
Introduction to the physiology of circuits in the mammalian central nervous system. Topics include the auditory, somatosensory, olfactory, visual and oculomotor systems.
Prerequisite: Neurobiology 200
M, W, 10:30 -12.
Half Course. (Spring Term)

Neurobiology 207. Developmental Neurobiology

Qiufu Ma , Chenghua Gu, Dietmar Schmucker, and Rosalind A. Segal
Lectures cover nervous system development, including neural induction, neural patterning, nerve cell type specification, nerve cell migration, neurotrophin and neuronal cell survival, axon guidance and targeting, synaptogenesis and plasticity, adult neurogenesis and brain repair.
Note: Paper reading will allow students to learn how to identify interesting biological questions and feasible approaches to address the questions. Lectures will also be given about how to write a grant application, and proposal writing is served as the final exam.
Prerequisite: Neurobiology 200 or permission of instructor.
Tu, Th, 2-4 Half course (spring term)

Neurobiology 209. The Neurobiology of Disease

Edward A. Kravitz and Robert H. Brown
Designed for graduate students interested in diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Monday sessions involve patient presentations and "core" lectures describing progression, pathology and basic science underlying a major disease or disorder. Wednesdays, students present material from original literature sources, and there is discussion.
Note: Given in alternate years. For advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
Prerequisite: Introductory neurobiology, biochemistry, and genetics/molecular biology recommended. M, 4-6:30, W, 7-9:30.
Half course (spring term)

Neurobiology 220. Cellular Neurophysiology.

Bruce Bean, Wade Regehr and Gary Yellen.
Introduction to the physiology of neurons. Topics include structure and function of ion channels, generation and propagation of action potentials, physiology of synaptic transmission. Includes problem sets and reading of original papers.
Prerequisite: Introductory Neurobiology
Tu., Th., 9:30-12, and a discussion section weekly.
Half course (fall term)

Neurobiology 221. Molecular Mechanisms of Synapse and Signaling.

Chuck Weitz Jonathan B. Cohen, Bernardo Sabatini and Tom Schwarz
Introduction to the molecular biology and genetics of the nervous system. Emphasis on the importance of ligand-receptor and receptor regulation for the function of the nervous system and on the mechanics of storage and release of neurotransmitters..
T, Th, 10-12..
Half course (spring term)

Neurobiology 300. Advanced Topics in Neuroscience

Larry I. Benowitz and members of the Program in Neuroscience.
A series of reading and discussion seminars on selected topics in neuroscience. Seminars run for a half semester (seven weeks).

Topics offered in recent years:

Cellular and Molecular Repair in the mammalian CNS
Genetic Analysis of Nervous System Function
Mechanisms of Cell Death in Stroke and Trauma
Molecular basis of Neural Development and Neurodegeneration
Development and regeneration of the Visual System
New Biology through Physics; Molecular Discoveries with Light
Molecular Biology of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
Hypothalamic Regulation of Motivated Behaviors
Neural Stem Cells
Molecular Mechanisms of Congenital defects of Brain and Nervous System
Tools for Statistical Inference in Neuroscience

Neurobiology 327. Introduction to Research in Neuroscience.

Members of the Program in Neuroscience
To introduce the faculty research activities to new students. The first semester consists of weekly three hour sessions at each research center of the Program. Faculty members at the centers present short research seminars with laboratory demonstrations (three-four presentations/week).

Neurobiology 327R. Rotations in Neuroscience. - Rotations

Each student is expected to do at least two laboratory rotations of three months each. These rotations are usually not full time except during the summer, and are generally taken along with course work. They are designed to provide hands-on experience in different techniques and laboratories, and they serve as a basis for the selection of a thesis advisor.