*Neurobiology 95hfd (formerly *Biology 95hfd). Problem Solving in Neuroscience: An Interactive Case-Based Online Network (ICON)
Catalog Number: 3437
James J. Quattrochi
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
The tutorial facilitates hypothesis, decision-making and team collaboration in learning neuroscience. ICON is real-time, "live" case simulation that permits students to use new information and communicate directly with the neuroscientist, consultant and patient in the case. To better appreciate cultural diversity and international challenges in the practice of neuroscience, we collaborate with students from the Universidad de Chile. Our purpose is to advance interdisciplinary competency in life sciences that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Prerequisite: MCB 80 and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfe. The Neglected Synapse: Gap Junctions in the Nervous System - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0277
Carole Landisman (Medical School)
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). M., at 4. EXAM GROUP: 9
Only recently has the prevalence of gap junctions in the mammalian brain been realized. As a result, a surge of studies have begun to reveal the importance of electrical synapse function throughout the nervous system. This tutorial covers foundational studies as well as the broad functional implications revealed by recent technological advances.
Note: MCB 115 recommended.
Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hff. From Baseball to Beethoven: Cerebellar Integration, Motor Learning and Behavior - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3038
Jonathan I. Matsui and members of the Faculty
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
Have you ever wondered how your brain controls complex behaviors such as playing an instrument, throwing a baseball, or learning to dance? This course will cover current theories on how a brain region called the cerebellum integrates neural information to control motor coordination and learning, as well as aspects of cognition, emotion, and even our perception of music. We will also cover cerebellar development and new research into potential treatments for disease.
Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfg. More than Glue: Glial Cells in Health and Neurological Disease - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3370
Jonathan I. Matsui and members of the Faculty
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) play an active role in both the normal physiology of the brain and the pathogenesis of many degenerative disorders. They modulate synaptic transmission, monitor brain "health", and secrete molecules that affect a variety of brain functions. This class will be an in-depth exploration into the normal function of glial cells and how their dysfunction can contribute to a variety of neurological disorders: MS, ALS, gliomas, regeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfh. Bird Song and Human Language: Learning from the Birds - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2579
Jonathan I. Matsui and members of the Faculty
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
This course approaches language with a heavy emphasis on the insights gained from birdsong research. We will read and discuss original publications showing that, like humans, songbirds are vocal learners. They go through developmental phases similar to those of their human counterparts (including babbling), exhibit regional song dialects, show critical periods and require auditory feedback for song learning and maintenance.
Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfi (formerly *Biology 95hfi). Eye Can’t Hear You: Blindness and Deafness in Society
Catalog Number: 9859
Jonathan I. Matsui
Half course (throughout the year). Tu., 7:30–9 p.m.
This course presents the ear and retina as model systems to investigate neural degeneration and regeneration. We will first examine how the loss of hearing and vision though genetics, aging, and how the environment affects individuals and their families. We will then examine different mechanisms by which partial restoration of these senses may occur through the use of stem cells, prosthetics, and other treatments.
Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfj (formerly *Biology 95hfj). The Sleeping Brain
Catalog Number: 6361
Jeffrey M. Ellenbogen (Medical School) and members of the Faculty
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
This seminar will focus on the neuroscience of sleep. We will begin broadly, by employing a systems-level perspective on the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of sleep. We will then focus on key regions in detail. We will introduce models of animal research, computational models, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, human disease, and a section on behavioral and cognitive neuroscience of sleep.
Prerequisite: LS 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfk (formerly *Biology 95hfk). Mechanisms of Neurological Disease
Catalog Number: 7431
Eng H. Lo (Medical School)
Half course (throughout the year). Hours to be arranged.
Advances in molecular and cellular biology have revealed similar basic mechanisms of brain cell death in a wide range of disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, etc). These pathways include excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This seminar examines (1) the molecular mechanisms of cell death, (2) the evidence that implicates specific pathways in specific disorders, and (3) rational therapeutic targets for disease.
Prerequisite: MCB 80 and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 98r. Laboratory Research
Catalog Number: 0494
Jonathan I. Matsui and members of the Faculty
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course is ordinarily taken to obtain credit for independent research leading to a senior thesis. Work should be directed by a member of the Neurobiology concentration standing committee. Other research sponsors must be approved by the Head Tutor and require an appropriate co-sponsor. All students must submit registration materials for Neurobiology 98r at the time of enrollment.
Note: Laboratory safety session required. This course can be taken twice for concentration credit.
*Neurobiology 99r. Supervised Research for Honors Thesis
Catalog Number: 9400
Jonathan I. Matsui and members of the Faculty
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
For honors candidates writing a thesis in Neurobiology. This course is ordinarily taken in the last semester of enrollment. The Head Tutor must approve a thesis proposal prior to enrolling in Neurobiology 99r.
Note: Laboratory safety session required.
Neurobiology 130 (formerly Psychology 1205). Drugs and the Brain: From Neurobiology to Ethics
Catalog Number: 4056
Steven E. Hyman
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1-2:30, and section meetings to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Progress in neuroscience has produced drugs and devices that not only treat mental and behavioral disorders, but can influence behavior in people who are not ill. Questions have been raised about whether such interventions might unduly influence identity, undermine personal responsibility, or have negative societal consequences. This course will examine how certain drugs (e.g., stimulants, antidepressants, addictive drugs) and devices act in the brain and the ethical and policy issues raised by their use.
Prerequisite: MCB 80 or equivalent.
[*Neurobiology 135 (formerly *Psychology 2350). Current Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience Research]
Catalog Number: 3198
Randy L. Buckner
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Discussion of current research and didactic lecture on technical aspects of methods in cognitive neuroscience research. Readings cover specific research programs based on both animal models and human studies of memory and executive function.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Limited to students involved in research. Previous background in cognitive neuroscience required.
Prerequisite: MCB 80 (or equivalent) and permission of the instructor.