Brain function embodies the very essence of the human experience, as well as that of our relatives in the animal kingdom, and its study represents one of the most exciting scientific endeavors. In recent years, neuroscience has become a well-established discipline, with new investigative tools making experimental studies possible that were virtually science fiction only a few years ago.
The Program in Neuroscience (NEU) has recently undergone an explosive level of growth, characterized by the recruitment of new faculty, as well as the formation within the last four years of the Department of Neurobiology, the opening of the Irving S. and Betty Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute and the addition of neuroscientists from the Shriver Center in Waltham, Massachusetts. Under the umbrella of Neurobiology, the program is comprised of both faculty from within the department, as well as those with primary appointments in other school departments.
NEU graduate students acquire a broad background in the concepts and techniques of neuroscience and a foundation in the development of the nervous system through an integrated program of advanced coursework, laboratory research, and seminar and journal club attendance. NEU students are equipped with a strong academic background, state-of-the-art experimental approaches and the analytical skills necessary to conduct independent research.
An introductory course covering topics ranging from molecular biophysics to cognition and behavior is followed by courses in a wide variety of advanced topics. Faculty interests span the basic and clinical spectrum, with a number of laboratories using state-of-the-art biophysical techniques to determine the ways in which membrane channels and receptors operate and the ways in which drugs act on these proteins to modify behavior.
Other laboratories apply molecular biology to the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie processes such as circadian rhythmicity, cognition, human behavior, and the genetic bases of nervous system development, function and mental illness. The Shriver Center also promotes understanding of neurological, cognitive and behavioral development, with special emphasis on mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
These research areas represent only a sampling of the exciting and varied approaches used to address critical questions in neuroscience at UMMS.
Requirements for Specialization
All graduate students must complete the following:
- Biomedical Sciences core course (MS 611-613)
- Ethics (MS801)
- At least three laboratory rotations.
- At least three advanced topics courses, of which one must be Introduction to Neuroscience (NE 700
- Participation in Journal Club in Neuroscience (NE 800).
Several advanced topics courses are offered by program faculty each semester. Courses offered by other programs can also be taken, depending in the program of study developed for each student.
Neuroscience Courses
- NE 700: Introduction to Neuroscience (IGP 700)
- NE 720: Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
- NE 720c: Stimulus-Secretion Coupling: An Exo(cyto)tic Point Of View
- NE 720d: Bases of Brain Disease (IGP 720d)
- NE 720e: Genetic Basis of Behavior (IGP 720e)
- NE 720i: Molecular and Cellular Basis of Neural Development (CB 720i)
- NE 721: Biophysics and Molecular Basis of Neuronal Conductance and Capacitance (PY 721)
- NE 740: Tutorial in Neuroscience
- NE 740c:Tutorial in Neuroscience - fMRI
- NE740d: Tutorial in Drug Addiction
- NE 800: Neuroscience Journal Club/Seminar
Courses Available in Other Programs
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression (BP/IGP/CB 722)
- Nuclear Structure and Function in Disease (CB 720e)
- DNA Repair and Genome Stability (IGP/MGM 715 )
- Chemical Biology (BP 715)
- Molecular Biophysics (BP 716)
- Protein Crystallography (BP 717)
- Cancer (CB 720b)
- Development (IGP/CB 723)
- Cytoskeleton and Disease (IGP/CB 720e)
- Tumor Biology (IGP/CB 720h)
- Molecular Biology of Cell Cycle (IGP 724)
- Genetic Systems (IGP 804)
- Bioinformatics (MS 610)
- The Cell Works: Principles of Cell Physiology (PY 710)
- The Body Works: Cellular and Organ Physiology (PY 750)
- The Image Works: Principles of Light and Electron Microscopy (PY/CB/IGP 720a)
- Introduction to Immunology (IM/MGM 700)
- Introduction to Animal Virology (IM/MGM 711)
- Introduction to Molecular & Cellular Immunology (IM/MGM 770a )
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