Course Identification

Neurons are uniquely large and polarized cells, with specialized functions in information transfer. These characteristics pose significant challenges for the basic mechanisms that sustain all cells, requiring sophisticated adaptation and specialization in neuronal cell biology. The course will explore these specializations and adaptations, with special focus on the following topics: 1) neuronal cytoskeleton and transport, 2) local protein synthesis, 3) compartmentalized proteolysis,4) RNA biology in neurons, 5) lipid and membrane dynamics, 6) energy and mitochondria, 7) calcium and ionic regulation, 8) and neuronal growth and maintenance. A number of guest lectures will highlight how failures in these mechanisms can lead to disease, covering examples from neurodevelopmental to neurodegenerative disorders. Finally a series of student seminars will address recent highlights from the literature, chosen in consultation with the course lecturers.

At the end of the course, students are expected to have a knowledge of neuronal cell biology at the molecular level based on fundamental and recent discoveries. During the course, the student will learn to read, evaluate and present scientific papers in the field of molecular neuroscience. Finally, students will learn how to write a short research proposal for a fellowship.

Each student will receive an article on the relevant topic for scientific reading, analysis and presentation.