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

Students leading BIOL 358 journal club designed an activity in which the audience developed an answer to report out on the chalkboard.

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

Serotonergic neurons in larval insect ganglion immunostained with anti-5HT, from BIOL 359 students Rachel Arens and David Perez

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

Students in BIOL 359 had a "project design party" to discuss potential project ideas and form small groups to carry out their experiments.

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