Brain Mechanisms

In this course, students will examine the function of the nervous system with particular focus on mechanisms at work in the brain. This course ill link current advancements in cell, molecular and developmental physiology research in the context of neuronal function mechanisms. Topics to be selected will be based on student interest and may include; neurotropic cues for growth and development, neurotransmitter regulation, integrative intracellular signaling pathways, neuroendocrine control, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. Advanced topics may include the correlation of ion channel properties and synaptic transmission with physiological functions such as learning and memory and the organizational principles for the development of functional neural networks at synaptic and cellular levels. Along with regular discussion participation and problem solving, students will prepare papers and lead discussions on their own chosen topics. This course is appropriate for students interested in cellular molecular, developmental or neurophysiology. For the 300 level, prerequisite knowledge of cellular biology and/or neurobiology will be of benefit.