Principles of Neuroscience

2008 COURSE SCHEDULE

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DATE
TOPIC
SPEAKER
September 3 Intro/ Philosophy of Mind and Reductionism Marina & Mark/ Sloan Warren
September 5 &10 Neurogenetics John Carlson
September 12, 17 Psychophysics - somatosensory Barry Green
September 19, 24 Systems physiology Mark Laubach
September 26, Oct 1 Neurodegeneration Sreeganga Chandra

October 3, 8

Neuronal signaling

Michael Koelle

October 10, 15

Genetic approaches to neurodevelopment Elke Stein
October 17, 22 Genetics of psychiatric disease Arthur Simen
October 24, 29 Channels and auditory systems physiology Joe Santos-Sacchi
October 31, Nov 5
Structure of the synapse
Thomas Biederer
November 7, 12 Synaptic plasticity Chris Pittenger
November 13* Biotechology and neuroscience Vincent Pieribone
November 19-28
NO MEETING
December 1**, 3
CNS control of metabolism
Rory McCrimmon
December 5, 10 Human imaging and ingestive behavior Dana Small
December 17
Hand in final papers
Marina & Mark

* Please note that this is a THURSDAY. ** This is a MONDAY.

Course Format: Each topic will be covered during two classes: the first will be a lecture from a Yale faculty member on the state of a field of neuroscience, and the second a student-led discussion of some pertinent literature. The first class will acquaint us with the fundamentals of a particular field and is an opportunity to ask questions about the research topic. The second class will consist of an in-depth discussion of at least two research papers of the lecturer's choice, and will be led by two students. Consideration will be paid to the following questions: What is the objective of this research? How was it—or has it been—accomplished? Is this good neuroscience, or are there weaknesses from which we can learn? Copies of these papers will be posted on the course website, and will also be available in Carol Russo's office (please thank Carol when you see her).

Participation is one of the requirements for the course. Active participation will enable us to learn from one another and to delve into the details of the two papers. In discussing and learning about the strengths and limitations of a particular approach to neuroscience, hopefully we can begin to understand the interesting questions that drive that particular field and how those questions relate to other fields.

 


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