Neuroscience
- NEU 200/PSY 200: Functional NeuroanatomyA 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.
- NEU 201/PSY 258: Fundamentals of NeuroscienceAn 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?
- NEU 301/MOL 310: Cellular NeurobiologyThis course focuses on understanding how neurons and the molecules they express contribute to brain function. Topics covered include the structure and electrical properties of neurons, cell fate decisions, synapse formation and plasticity, neuromodulation, and the function of simple neural circuits. We will also discuss molecular and genetic tools for interrogating the nervous system. Examples are typically drawn from studies of sensory and motor system development and function in animals amenable to molecular and cellular level investigation. Students will have ample opportunity to read and discuss primary literature throughout the course.
- NEU 314: Mathematical Tools for NeuroscienceThis 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 dynamical systems, 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.
- NEU 402/PSY 453: Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology: Case Studies in Cognitive NeuroscienceMuch 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.
- NEU 427: Systems NeuroscienceThe brain is more than a mere collection of its constituent parts. In this class we aim to understand how neurons interact together in local circuits and distributed brain dynamics to perform behaviorally relevant functions. The class will be organized into modules, which are selected to cover most of the major divisions of the brain. For most modules, we will first discuss a simpler circuit/system for which detailed mechanistic models and concrete ideas about function are known. Then, we will go on to discuss more complex systems, which are related to the simpler system.
- NEU 430: Epigenetics in Neuroscience and BehaviorThis 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.
- NEU 443/PSY 443: Computational PsychiatryComputational psychiatry is an emerging field of research that strives to leverage recent discoveries in the computational basis of high-level cognitive functions in order to understand, diagnose, and treat mental illness. Psychiatry is the only field of medicine where there are currently no laboratory tests, due in part to a lack of understanding what is the biological basis of symptoms. Computational theories of the brain's mechanisms for evaluation and decision may provide a foundation for such an understanding, and tasks measuring their function can offer objective measures. This seminar will discuss recent findings in this field.
- NEU 460: The Cerebellum in Action and CognitionThis 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.
- NEU 501A/MOL 501A: Cellular and Circuits NeuroscienceA 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.
- NEU 501B/MOL 501B: Neuroscience: From Molecules to Systems to BehaviorThis 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.
- NEU 511/PSY 511: Current Issues in Neuroscience and BehaviorAdvanced seminar that reflects current research on brain and behavior.
- NEU 543: Computational PsychiatryComputational psychiatry is an emerging field of research that strives to leverage recent discoveries in the computational basis of high-level cognitive functions in order to understand, diagnose, and treat mental illness. Psychiatry is the only field of medicine where there are currently no laboratory tests, due in part to a lack of understanding what is the biological basis of symptoms. Computational theories of the brains mechanisms for evaluation and decision may provide a foundation for such an understanding and tasks measuring their function can offer objective measures. This seminar discusses recent findings in the field.
- NEU 592: Ethics in the Practice of Neuroscience (Half-Term)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.