Introduction to Neural Science

V80.0100  Identical to V23.0100. Prerequisites: V23.0011, V23.0012. Recommended: V23.0021. Movshon. Given in the fall. 4 points.

Introductory lecture course covering the fundamental principles of neuroscience. Topics include principles of brain organization, structure and ultrastructure of neurons, neurophysiology and biophysics of excitable cells, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter systems and neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, neuroendocrine relations, molecular biology of neurons, development and plasticity of the brain, aging and diseases of the nervous system, organization of sensory and motor systems, structure and function of cerebral cortex, and modeling of neural systems.

Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

V80.0201  Identical to V23.0201. Prerequisites: V23.0021, V80.0205 or V85.0012 and V80.0100. Lab required for neural science majors in the Honors Track. Aoki, Reyes. Given in the fall. 4 or 6 points.

Lecture and laboratory course that provides students with broad exposure to current questions and experimental approaches in cellular neuroscience. Lectures and laboratories are organized into three areas: cell structure and organization of the vertebrate central nervous system, mechanisms underlying neural signaling and plasticity, and control of cell form and its developmental determinants. Laboratory instruction in anatomical, physiological, and biochemical methods for investigating the biology of nerve cells.

Note: To be in the Honors track, neural science majors must register for both the lecture and the laboratory (6 points), but these need not be taken synchronously; nonmajors and non-Honors Track may register for the lab section, with permission of the instructor (2 points). A grade of B or better in V80.0100 is required for entrance to the laboratory section.

Behavioral and Integrative Neuroscience

V80.0202  Identical to V23.0202. Prerequisites: V23.0011, V23.0012, and V80.0100 (non-neural science majors may substitute V55.0306 as a prerequisite for this course). Lab required for neural science majors in the Honors track. Semple, Rubin. Given in the spring. 4 or 6 points.

Lecture and laboratory course that focuses on how the brain uses both sensory and stored information to generate behavior. Lectures and laboratories cover four main areas: sensory process, learning and memory, motivational and attentional mechanisms, and the motor system. Laboratories employ a range of electrophysiological techniques, lesions and pharmacological manipulations, and various behavioral techniques to examine the integrative processes by which the brain governs behavior.

Note: Neural science majors on the Honors track must register for both the lecture and the laboratory (6 points), but the two need not be taken synchronously; nonmajors and non-Honors track NS majors may register for the lab, but a grade of B or better in V80.0100 and permission of the instructor are required for entrance.

Developmental Neurobiology

V80.0303  Identical to V23.0303. Prerequisites: V80.0100, V23.0021. Sanes. Given in the fall. 4 points.

Advanced course addressing the major mechanisms and principles that govern neural development. Topics include neural induction, birth and migration of neurons and glia, patterns of gene expression and their control, the growth cone and axonal pathfinding, normal cell death and survival factors, differentiation of neuron form and molecular phenotype, initiation of synaptic function, formation of sensory and motor maps, regeneration and plasticity in the adult nervous system, and developmental disorders of the nervous system in humans.

Honors Seminar

V80.0301  Formerly Tutorial Research. Prerequisites: V80.0201, V80.0202, or permission of the director of undergraduate studies. Kiorpes. Given in the fall and spring. 4 points.

Provides supervised research activities in laboratories connected with the Center for Neural Science. Undergraduates are matched with a graduate student or faculty member working in an area of interest to the student. Students gain experience in many aspects of research and attend regular meetings to discuss recent advances in neuroscience and research-related issues.

Special Topics in Neural Science

V80.0302  Prerequisites: V80.0201, V80.0202, or permission of the instructor. Staff. Given in the fall and spring. 4 points.

Seminar providing in-depth treatment of an area of current interest in neuroscience. Lectures present background material and address current problems in the area related to the topic. Students read and discuss review articles and current literature on the topic. Course content determined on a semester-by-semester basis.

Independent Study

V80.0997, 0998  Core faculty. Offered in the fall and spring. 2-4 points per term.

Independent study with a Center for Neural Science faculty member. Open to advanced neural science majors with permission of the director of undergraduate studies.