Developmental Neurobiology

Catalog description

This course will provide a general overview of developmental processes as they apply to the central nervous systems. From initial differentiation of neuronal tissue to the aging of human brain, this course will expose students to many hot topics in the current neuroscience research field, including synaptogenesis, axon guidance, neural stem cells, apoptosis, learning and memory, and Alzheimer's disease. Although one textbook will be assigned as the major reference book, many current research results will be integrated into the lectures so that students can grasp the most recent advancement related to each topic.The course will be divided into four parts. Part I introduces the induction of neural tissue, the polarity and regionalization of the neural tissue, and the generation and function of neural stem cells. Cutting-edge research on neural stem cells will be discussed. Part II deals with various interactions within neuronal system, including neuron-glial interaction, cell adhesion and migration, axon growth and guidance, and target selection. Part III teaches synapse formation and maturation, neurotrophic factors and their distinct functions, and neuronal cell death. Part IV talks about learning and memory from a developmental view, and also neurodegenerative diseases. Current disease research will be discussed. The lectures will be given in PowerPoint presentations. Classical models and front line research will be integrated to stimulate students' imaginative thinking. Students will be encouraged to read some current research paper and offer their own view on some particular subject, such as neural stem cells and learning and memory.