A crucial part of neuroscience is understanding how function has its foundation in anatomy. This course traces neuroanatomical pathways through the central nervous system. It emphasizes the primate brain, especially the human brain. The course covers how nuclei, ganglia, and layered structures such as cortex are arranged physically in the brain, the fiber pathways by which they connect to each other, and how this connectivity relates to their function. The material will encompass systems within the brain stem, sensory systems, motor systems, higher cognitive systems, and the interconnectivity and interaction of these systems.

An intensive introduction to fundamental topics in neuroscience, including neuronal excitability, synaptic physiology, neural networks, and circuits that mediate perception, action, emotion, and memory. We will examine neuroscience at scales ranging from single neurons, to the activity of small sets of neurons, to the organization of brain and behavior. The course will address broad questions including: How does information enter the brain? What neural pathways transmit these signals? How is information processed and used to construct an internal model of reality? How does the brain choose and execute the correct behavioral response?

This lecture course will introduce students to the mathematical and computational tools necessary to work with data sets in neuroscience. A primary goal of the course will be to introduce students to key concepts from linear algebra, probability and statistics, and machine learning, with an emphasis on practical implementations via programming. Lectures on each topic will develop relevant mathematical background, derivation of basic results, and examples of applications. The course will include problem sets requiring programming in Python. No prior programming experience is required, though it will certainly be helpful.

Much of what we know about the brain systems underlying perception, attention, memory, and language has been first derived from patients with brain lesions or other brain pathology. Despite our advances in functional brain imaging the study of clinical cases in neuropsychology is still important to determine the causal role of certain brain regions in contributing to a given cognitive process.

Innate behaviors, whether fleeing from predators, looking for mates, defending territory, or caring for young, are the foundation of life. How does the brain generate these complex behaviors across the lifespan of an individual? What are the links between hormone systems and the generation of survival behaviors? We will look at a range of social and nonsocial innate behaviors, and examine their relationship to neuroethology, endocrinology, and to an emerging understanding of mammalian subcortical circuits for survival. A combination of lecture and student-led deep paper reads and emphasis on modern methods for neural circuit analysis.

This class will explore the principles of brain function at the level of neural systems, a level intermediate between single neurons and voxels of millions of neurons. We will explore local circuits, where multiple cell types, organized into multiple layers, combine their processing to implement higher-level computations as well as explore how multiple brain areas are integrated together into global functions, including volition and consciousness. We will cover all of the major brain divisions ~ neocortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia, thalamus, and hippocampus ~ as well as simpler model systems whose function is better understood.

This course will provide an overview of the major epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation and the research tools that are used to study epigenetic modifications in different model systems, including humans. We will explore various topics in molecular and behavioral neuroscience including: developmental sensitive periods during for epigenome disruption by environmental factors, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the dynamic regulation of adult brain function, epigenetic dysregulation in psychiatric disorders, and the controversial hypothesis that environmentally-induced epigenetic modifications can be heritable.

This course examines behavior, learning, and cognitive capacities with a focus on the cerebellum, a brain structure that is universal to vertebrates. The cerebellum's microcircuit architecture is largely conserved, so that its local information processing can provide a rigorous starting point for analysis. Cerebellar function will be considered in terms of evolution, development, microcircuit physiology, connectomics, long-distance connectivity to the rest of the brain, animal behavior, and human function and dysfunction, including autism. Readings will draw on original literature, and weekly discussions will be led partly by students.

A survey of modern neuroscience in lecture format, focusing on brain function from cells and the molecules they express to the function of circuits. The course emphasizes theoretical and computational/quantitative approaches. Topics include cellular neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neural circuits and dynamics, cell fate decisions, neural development and plasticity, sensory systems, and molecular neuroscience. Students read and discuss primary literature throughout the course. This is one-half of a double-credit core course required of all Neuroscience Ph.D. students.

This laboratory course complements NEU 501A and introduces students to the variety of techniques and concepts used in modern neuroscience, from the point of view of experimental and computational/quantitative approaches. Topics include synaptic transmission and plasticity, two-photon imaging, central neuron activity patterns, optogenetic methods to control neural activity and student-designed special projects. In-lab lectures give students the background necessary to understand the scientific content of the labs but the emphasis is on the laboratory work. Second half of a double-credit core course required of all NEU Ph.D. students.

Advanced seminar that reflects current research on brain and behavior.

This discussion-based seminar course covers a variety of topics related to the ethical norms of performing research science. Topics include: integrity and misconduct; mentorship and relationships; authorship, collaboration, and conflicts of interest; treatment of human and animal subjects; data stewardship; and the societal impact of scientific research. We will also explore the field of neuroethics. The course is required for Neuroscience graduate students and fulfills the NIH requirement for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Full-time research internship at a host institution, to perform scholarly research relevant to student's dissertation work. Research objectives are determined by advisor in conjunction with outside host. A mid-semester progress review and a final paper are required. Enrollment limited to post-generals students for up to two semesters. Special rules apply to international students regarding CPT/OPT use.

Examination of issues in the responsible conduct of scientific research, including the definition of scientific misconduct, mentoring, authorship, peer review, grant practices, use of humans and of animals as subjects, ownership of data, and conflict of interest.