Neurobiology

Professor John E. Dowling, Head Tutor

Neurobiology is the science of how the nervous system organizes behavior. This singular question has spawned a field of study with remarkable vertical range. It investigates phenomena on vastly different scales, from molecules to societies, and draws on many of the classical disciplines for experimental tools and explanatory frameworks.

For example, the function of an individual nerve cell is largely determined by channel and receptor proteins in the cell membrane. These are the domains of biochemistry and biophysics. Specialized neural structures like the synapse, and the unique nerve cell shapes that allow for a vast number of connections with other neurons are the province of cell biology. At the level of neural circuits, where many thousands of neurons interact, collective phenomena arise that require a different approach. Contributions from physics and engineering have been successful here, by providing tools to observe the brain's activity patterns, and analysis methods to understand them. On the scale of the entire organism, approaches from psychology, genetics and behavioral biology are essential to investigate the rules and patterns of behavior and ultimately to link them to biological brain functions. Along the way, one is forced to contemplate how complex nervous systems can arise, questions that lie in the domain of evolutionary and developmental biology. Finally, there are increasing efforts in computer science to draw on insights from neurobiology in making machines that mimic functions of the brain.

The neurobiology concentration has its natural hub in the life sciences but emphasizes a solid grounding in other relevant fields. The only prerequisite for students entering this concentration is an intense curiosity about how the brain works. By following this single-"minded" focus, the student will in fact obtain a generalist education in the natural sciences. This provides a broad preparation for advanced studies in any of the life sciences or medicine.

The typical curriculum begins with a series of foundation courses in life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. A central course on "Behavioral Neuroscience," MCB 80, then lays out the corpus of knowledge and how it connects to other disciplines. In elective courses, students explore specific areas more deeply. Neuroscience is also one of the most vibrant fields of research at Harvard, and advanced students will have many opportunities for hands-on laboratory experience and independent research projects.

REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements: 13 half-courses

Required courses:

1. Eight half-courses in biology and neuroscience:
1. Life Sciences 1a and Life Sciences 1b.
2. One half-course chosen from MCB 52, MCB 54, OEB 10, or OEB 53.
3. MCB 80 (formerly Biological Sciences 80).
4. OEB 57.
5. Three advanced half-courses in neurobiology (chosen from a list maintained on the concentration website; at least one of these courses should address behavior).
2. Five half-courses in related fields:
1. Three half-courses in physical sciences (chosen from offerings in chemistry and physics).
2. Two half-courses in mathematics (above the level of Math 1a).

Requirements for Honors Eligibility:
14 half-courses

1. Required courses:
1. Same as Basic Requirements 1 & 2.
2. Half-course in independent research (normally MCB 99r or OEB 99r).
2. Thesis: Required.

ADVISING

A Concentration Adviser for Neurobiology concentrators and pre-concentrators will be available beginning in the summer of 2006 to provide guidance on course selection, laboratory research, and the fulfillment of concentration requirements. Visit www.lifescience.fas.harvard.edu/concentrations/ or contact Barbara Lewis at 7 Divinity Avenue (617-495-4106) for more information. The Head Tutor and members of the Committee on Degrees in Neurobiology also provide mentoring on academic and career issues.

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE

Head Tutor of Neurobiology: Professor John Dowling, BioLabs Room 2081, 16 Divinity Ave, 617-495-2245, dowling@mcb.harvard.edu. More information about the Neurobiology concentration can be found at www.lifescience.fas.harvard.edu/concentrations/.