MDE 8811: Integration of Brain Networks, Dimensions of Behavior 15-16

Owned by mcook
Feb 09, 2015
2 min read

The course will provide a conceptual framework to think about brain disease following the National Institutes of Mental Health Strategic Plan agenda seeking new ways of classifying psychopathology based on dimensions of observable behavior and neurobiological measures. Specifically, this interdisciplinary course is designed to provide students with basic science lectures integrating state of the art knowledge about how brain networks integrate into dimensions of behavior spanning the spectrum of health to disease, with the experimental and clinical application of therapeutic techniques (neurostimulation and optogenetics). Students will learn in depth about dynamic integration of networks and functional brain anatomy in week one, and about therapeutic and experimental applications in week two. Classroom lectures during the morning, will be integrated with laboratory and neurotherapies clinic attendance in the afternoon. At the end of the course, all students will be required to present a small conceptual paper on a topic of their choice related to course materials.

Goals and Objectives

At the end of the course students will:

  • Understand the concept of dimensions of behavior with different classes of variables (or units of analysis) including genes, molecules, cells, neural circuits, physiology, behaviors, and self-reports
  • Describe the circuits that represent the core aspect of these classes of variables – as central to the various biological and behavioral levels of analysis
  • Understand the selection, implementation and limitations of modern treatment modalities for brain disorders (neuromodulation and optogenetics)
  • Integrate the basic science knowledge described with clinical applications and laboratory research problems
  • Critically evaluate the pertinent literature to one topic of their choice and summarize it into a 20 minute conceptual presentation

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated based on faculty evaluation of interaction, participation, peer evaluation, and a final scholarly project.