(NEUS 624, 4 credits, Fall)

This course presents the fundamental principles of how nerve cells work. Starting with ion channels themselves, it integrates them into the functioning of individual neurons. The way in which voltage-dependent ion channels act in concert to generate action potentials and synaptic potentials is discussed in the framework of basic physical laws. The mechanisms of transmitter release and the postsynaptic actions of transmitter are studied. The overall aim is to provide students with a quantitative understanding of how individual nerve cells communicate with each other. This course is the first in a sequence of three courses presented sequentially in the first term.

(NEUS 625, 4 credits, Fall)

This is a survey course designed to introduce the cell and molecular mechanisms underlying the development, structure and function of the nervous system. The course is divided into three general topic areas: Development, Cell Biology and Signaling in the Nervous System.

(NEUS 627, 4 credits, Fall)

This course is an introduction to the functional anatomy, electrophysiology, and pharmacology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Emphasis is placed on the functional organization and processing of information in the major input and output systems of the brain, including the somatosensory, motor, visual, auditory and autonomic and hormonal regulatory systems, and on the higher integrative functions of the nervous system, including learning, emotion, motor control, and sleep. The course will consist of lectures and readings in primary literature.

(NEUS 626, 3 credits, Spring every other year)

The course has the following general goals: 

• To provide a foundation in the underlying mechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disease. The course takes a theme-oriented approach to probe fundamental molecular, cellular and organismal mechanisms, rather than a disease-specific approach. The intent is to engage students who are interested in basic aspects of brain function.
• To provide a toolbox of topical methods and issues relevant to the neurobiology of disease.
• To provide a sampling of neurological and psychiatric disorders that serve as training examples for the themes addressed in goal one.
• To provide hands-on exposure to clinical situations through live patient presentations, multimedia presentations, andvisits to clinics, hospital wards, and other clinical settings. Clinical Demonstrations stress hands-on interactive experience so that graduate students experience first-hand the impact of neurological and psychiatric disease on brain function, and on the social fabric of the patient's life, their families and their community.

(CONJ 650, 1 credit, Fall )

This course is an OHSU and NIH requirement to provide an introduction to basic principles of scientific conduct and practice for graduate students pursuing careers in biomedical research. Specific topics include: laboratory safety, professional standards, use of laboratory animals and human subjects, research funding and career development. Course materials will be presented primarily in the form of lectures and panel discussions, with opportunities for student discussion.

(NEUS 607, 2 credits, Fall, Winter, and Spring)