MBG 626E - Neurobiology

Course Objectives

Neuronal cell biology has experienced immense advances in the recent years. Through cellular and molecular approaches aimed to understand the brain, Neuroscience develops as the most dynamic field in modern biology. The main goal of neurobiology is to understand how neurons create behavior. Such an understanding can only be achieved through understanding cellular and molecular characteristics of neurons.
This course will teach students neuronal structure and mechanisms of neuronal function and how these mechanisms translate into behavioral responses. Understanding neuronal structure and function will lead to understanding nervous system diseases at the cellular level and conceiving mechanisms for therapies.

Course Description

Specific functions of neurons, the interactions of neurons in development, how neurons communicate. Gap junctions and neurosecretion. Neurochemical transmission, synaptic release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Microtubules, microtubule associated proteins and microtubule dependent motor proteins in neurons, changes in neurons in neurodegenerative conditions, molecular foundations of neuropharmacology.