BIOL 314 - Developmental Neurobiology

4 Credit(s)

The precise and reproducible connections between nerve cells allow animals to execute simple and complex behaviors. Research using model organisms has revealed a common set of molecular mechanisms underlying neural development. Uncovering processes through which undifferentiated cells adopt diverse neuronal identities is key to understanding nervous system development and function. A comparative approach to better understand nervous system development using model organisms like nematodes, fruit flies, and zebrafish enables students to explore evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways and molecular mechanisms in detail. Fulfills one cell and molecular biology elective.
3 hours laboratory. 3 hours lecture.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 262 and CHEM 255.