Introduction to Neural Circuits

Catalog description

The nervous system exhibits an extraordinary capability for controlling complex behavior through processing of sensory input and storage of information. This capability primarily arises from interactions of specific groups of neurons which form circuits. This course will explore the structure and function of a diverse set of neural circuits in order to understand how the nervous system controls complex behavior. Mechanisms that govern the development and maturation of neural circuits will be defined. Neural circuits for sensory, motor, and emotional behaviors will be described in 3 ways: 1) Which brain regions/nuclei are connected in each circuit. 2) How these regions of the nervous system communicate with one another through identification and classification of individual neurons in the circuit. 3) How the input/output of each circuit relates to behavior and function. Throughout the course, students will learn how disease, trauma, or dysfunction specifically affects each circuit to result in impairment/loss of normal function. Offered as NEUR 316 and NEUR 416 . Prereq: NEUR 201 .