Biology 323 - Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology: Building a Brain

Topics course: The brain represents the next frontier for biological exploration. Studying how the brain is first built can reveal important insight into the brains structure-function principles. How is the central nervous system first formed? How was the diversity of cell types established? How did the human brain evolve? Many neurological disorders show remarkable similarity to the embryonic processes used to first build the brain. We will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic brain development from its inception to its first action potentials and even the changes that have occurred to influence brain evolution. We will rely heavily on primary literature and hold video conferences with the researchers behind the work. Students will create publicly accessible short videos focused on different aspects of brain development. Prerequisites: BIO 132 and at least one upper-level BIO course. BIO 200, 202, 230, 234, and/or 302 are suggested. May not be repeated for credit.

Not open to first-years, sophomores