2nd semester

Basic courses required in the 2nd semester:

111 Molecular and Cellular Biology (lecture and lab 5 credits)

This intensive course considers the molecular and cellular components that contribute to the structure and function of the nervous system and provides a comprehensive overview of molecular approaches to neuroscience. Topics include signalling pathways that control neural cell development and function, genetic programs in neural cells, myelin formation, neurotransmitter synthesis and degradation, molecular properties of channels and receptors, neurotrophin functions, as well as cellular processes of degeneration and regeneration. The lab introduces students to molecular cloning techniques, protein biochemistry, blotting techniques and polymerase chain reactions.

112 Development and Plasticity (lecture and lab 3 credits)

This course covers the development of the vertebrate brain from neural tube formation to adulthood. Particular topics include inductive signalling, control of neural identity and differentiation, cell proliferation and programmed cell death, cell migration, axonal pathfinding, synaptogenesis and the experience-dependent establishment and refinement of neuronal connections. The lab course introduces in vivo and in vitro techniques which are applied to study neural development.

113 Systems Neurophysiology (lecture and lab 5 credits)

This course examines general principles of the primate brain organization and also considers selected primate brain systems in some detail. Topics include canonical microcircuit of cortex, information processing hierarchies, cortical maps and their dependence on experience, as well as a detailed treatment of visual, auditory, somatosensory, and motor systems.

114 Learning and memory (lecture 3 credits)

Due to the concentration of faculty research in this area, a separate course covers mammalian brain systems underlying learning and memory. Course topics include amnesia, declarative memory in animals, brain systems for declarative, procedural, and emotional memory, memory consolidation, and others.

115 Theoretical neuroscience II (lecture 3 credits)

The second half of this course covers basic theoretical approaches to neural networks, their activity and dynamic states, and their capacity for learning through activity-dependent plasticity. In addition, the course introduces contemporary theories of behavioural conditioning and reinforcement learning as well as a number of abstract approaches to representational learning (expectation maximization, principal components analysis, etc).

116 Biological statistics (lecture 3 credits)

This course introduces the principles and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. Practical examples from biology, neuroscience and other areas are used to illustrate the various approaches.

190 Lab rotation (6 credits)

Supervised research in a laboratory chosen by the student.

Optional courses in the 2nd semester (at least one must be taken):

111 Molecular & cellular neurobiology (tutorial 2 credits)

112 Development & plasticity (tutorial 2 credits)

Tutorial for students who need additional assistance in mastering the material of the lecture.

115 Theoretical neuroscience II (tutorial 2 credits)

Tutorial for students who need additional assistance in mastering the material of the lecture and in carrying out the computational assignments.

116 Biological statistics (tutorial 2 credits)

Tutorial for students who need additional assistance in mastering the material of the lecture and in carrying out the homework assignments.

180 Journal Club (student-led seminar 2 credits)

185 Neurocolloquium (student-led seminar 1 credit)

Students take turns in presenting and discussing recent publications in prominent journals.