Neurobiology

Objectives will be for students to obtain a basic understanding of the components of the nervous system in humans and other vertebrates; to learn about development of the nervous system, and compare vertebrate vs. simpler nervous systems in model organisms. They will learn basic mechanisms of neuronal transmission and electrophysiology, neurochemistry, perception, and learning. What is the basic anatomy of the nervous system? What are the individual parts (neurons, glia, sensory receptors)? What molecules and physical processes are involved in nerve cell communication? What patterning mechanisms guide nervous system development? What is the cell biology of neuronal outgrowth, and how do billions of neurons find their targets? What are the molecules and chemistry behind emotions & behavior? How do our senses interpret the complex world? What are the mechanisms responsible for learning and memory?