The structure and function of sensory, motor, integrative and cognitive systems of the peripheral and central systems are analyzed using electrophysiological, behavioral, genetic, morphological, molecular, and computational techniques. Emphasis is placed on integration of cellular and molecular neurobiological properties of individual neurons with network and computational organization of the major systems of the brain. Subjects covered include information processing and coding mechanisms used by vision, hearing, touch, proprioceptive and chemical senses, neural control of movement by cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem and spinal circuits, molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the development, maturation and aging of individual neurons and neuron systems, and the neurobiology of cognitive function in higher brain centers. This course provides a broad overview of the variety, the mechanisms of pathogenesis, and the health impact of parasites that cause disease in humans. Parasites covered in different years may vary, but will include those causing malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, amebiasis, and examples of opportunistic or emerging parasites.
Students then meet with the speaker for further informal discussion.
An intensive overview of topics in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology. Topics include basic protein structure and enzyme kinetics, the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, cholesterol and prostaglandins, basic mechanisms of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription, and protein translation. The lectures also discuss inherited defects in major metabolic pathways that reveal critical interplay between various pathways. Classes include lectures as well as small group discussions on the cellular and molecular basis of a variety of genetic diseases and readings from the primary literature. The course consists of approximately 20 lectures and 5 sessions of student presentations.