Biology 360 - Neurobiol of Disease

How translational research applies neuroscience knowledge to seek to understand the pathophysiology, prevent, treat, and cure brain diseases.   After reviewing basic neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and neuronal cell biology, we will study Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's diseases, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neurologic complications of AIDS and cancer, cerebrovascular disease, trauma, alcoholism and other intoxications, motor neuron disease including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases.  Several Amherst alumni who are doing translational neuroscience research will serve as guest lecturers in the course.  How are animal models of these diseases developed?  What promises and problems arise in using animal models?   How are pharmacological and other therapeutic strategies derived?  How do we assess genetic influences on human nervous system diseases, and how should we use such knowledge?  Three classroom hours per week.   

Requisite: BIOL 191 and either NEUR 226 or BIOL 301 or BIOL351, or consent of the instructor.  Additional upper-level courses in biology recommended.  Fall semester. Limited to 20 students.  Croxton Lecturer Koo.