*Neurobiology 95hfe. Synaptic Plasticity: How the Brain Learns, Remembers and Adjusts to Its Environment
Catalog Number: 0277
Carole Landisman (Medical School)
Half course (throughout the year). M., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Come explore how individual neurons store information and change their synaptic strength. We will investigate the mechanisms of short- and long-term plasticity, starting with the early discoveries of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) through recent discoveries of the effects of endocannabinoids on short-term plasticity. Learn how synaptic plasticity plays a role in everything from perception to memory, in brain regions from the retina to the hippocampus.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
[*Neurobiology 95hff. From Baseball to Beethoven: Cerebellar Integration, Motor Learning and Behavior]
Catalog Number: 3038
Tamily A. Weissman
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
[*Neurobiology 95hfg. More than Glue: Glial Cells in Health and Neurological Disease]
Catalog Number: 3370
Tamily A. Weissman and members of the Department
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfh. Bird Song and Human Language: Learning from the Birds
Catalog Number: 2579
Tamily A. Weissman and members of the Department
Half course (throughout the year). M., 6:30–8 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
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: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfj (formerly *Biology 95hfj). The Sleeping Brain
Catalog Number: 6361
Jeffrey M. Ellenbogen (Medical School)
Half course (throughout the year). W., 5:30–7 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
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: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfm. Neuroanatomically Correct - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 78904
Tamily A. Weissman
Half course (throughout the year). W., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Are you curious about the brain structures and pathways that make up the nervous system? Are you familiar with regions such as the hypothalmus, but you don’t recall their function and you can’t identify them on a map? This course will focus on the many regions and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. We will cover both human and comparative neuroanatomy, placing an emphasis on function, neural circuitry and current research within each region.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and premission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95hfn. Vision: How it Functions and Why It Fails - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 27382
Tamily A. Weissman and members of the Faculty
Half course (throughout the year). Th., 4–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 18
Our mind is constantly creating our visual perceptions. Why does our brain fail our eyes? Is it really failing? The anatomy and physiology of the visual system will be examined. Explanations behind many visual illusions will be explored in depth. Discussions will also focus on disease of the eye–their underlying causes and future treatments.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80, and premission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 95l. Neuropharmacology: Principles and Future Prospects - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 53768
Steven E. Hyman
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Pharmacology is a cornerstone of treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the molecular targets of existing antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic drugs date from the mid-20th century and yield treatments of limited efficacy. In this seminar we will examine what is known about the mechanism of action of important drug classes and the disease they treat. We will ask how modern neurobiology might accelerate much needed progress.
Prerequisite: Life and Physical Sciences A or Life Sciences 1a, MCB 80 and permission of the instructor.
*Neurobiology 98r. Laboratory Research
Catalog Number: 0494
Tamily A. Weissman and members of the Department
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 99 (formerly *Neurobiology 99r). Honors Thesis Tutorial
Catalog Number: 9400
Tamily A. Weissman 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 99.
Note: Laboratory safety session required.
*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: Limited to students involved in research. Previous background in cognitive neuroscience required.
Prerequisite: MCB 80 (or equivalent) and permission of the instructor.