BIOL 358 + 359
BIOL 358, 359
Neurobiology (BIOL 358) and Experimental Neurobiology (BIOL 359) investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie nervous system function. They are upper-level courses for students in Neuroscience, Biology, and other fields. Projects in these courses include:
Independent grant proposals
Students in BIOL 358 write a research proposal similar in format to a National Institutes of Health F-series grant application. Over the course of the semester, students develop their specific aims, write a research strategy, and conduct peer review in double-blind grant panels. The final grant proposal is revised for resubmission.
Some recent grant proposals topics:
- Microbiome and microRNA regulation of myelination
- Mechanisms of glymphatic system clearance
- Amygdala and hippocampal cross-talk in stress
- Genetic regulation of circadian rhythms and appetite
Journal clubs and Skype conversations
At the end of the semester, students in BIOL 358 read a series of related paper from one group and present the papers in journal club format. When possible, we have a Skype conversation with one of the authors about the science, their career trajectory, and their personal experiences.
In Spring 2019, students went through three cycles of journal clubs and Skype conversations. We read the following papers and spoke with the author:
- Miller et al 2009, Shin et al 2012, Walker et al 2017, and conversation with Aaron DiAntonio
- Stevens et al 2007, Schafer et al 2012, and conversation with Dori Schafer
- Yoo et al 2009, Yoo et al 2011, Victor et al 2018, and conversation with Mat Victor
Neurobiology experiments across model organisms
In BIOL 359, students learn neurobiological techniques ranging from electrophysiology and pharmacology, to immunostaining and anatomy, to behavior. This course may be team-taught with Prof. Harry Itagaki.
Recent modules include:
- Inferential physiology with aldicarb and levamisole in C. elegans
- Immunostaining and fluorescent reporters to compare serotonergic architecture across invertebrates (insects) to vertebrates (zebrafish)
- Gustation preference and behavior in Drosophila
Independent neurobiology research projects
Students in BIOL 358 write a research proposal similar in format to a National Institutes of Health F-series grant application. Over the course of the semester, students develop their specific aims, write a research strategy, and conduct peer review in grant panels. The final grant proposal is revised for resubmission.
Recent student-designed projects include:
- Effect of diet on gut serotonergic architecture
- Genetic factors influencing aldicarb resistance in C. elegans
- Habituation to blue light in C. elegans
- Pharmacological elevation of cAMP to control imprinting behavior
