Responsible Conduct in Research
The overall goal of this course is to review and discuss what research or scientific misconduct is and the impact unethical conduct can cause within and outside of the research community. Topics to be covered include: Animal research; Human subject research; Proper representation of data; Original presentation of data/ plagiarism; Authorship; Mentorship; Conflict of interest; Confidentiality; ‘Whistle-blowing’; Copyright; Intellectual Property; Data Management and Sharing Plan; Individual Development Plan; Rigor & Reproducibility; Collaborative Science between Academia and Outside Researchers. Taken in Fall of the 1st year, and again every 4 years (as a refresher course in either the Fall or the Spring).
Neuroanatomy
Combined lecture and laboratory course on the anatomy of the central nervous system. Lectures survey the circuitry of the major neural systems for sensation, movement, cognition, and emotion. Laboratory exercises include brain dissections, microscopy of neural tissue, and discussion of clinical cases. This class is usually concurrent and integrated with Advanced Systems Neuroscience in the Fall of 1st year.
Neuropracticum
Every winter, the entire first year cohort heads to the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts for a week-long, intensive course in lab techniques. Students rotate through different modules to learn essential techniques for electrophysiology, molecular biology, imaging, and behavioral analysis, taught by postdocs and faculty who are experts in the field. Each module combines a brief theoretical introduction and significant hands-on-experience with a given technique. A subset of third and fourth year students will return to Neuropracticum as teaching assistants for modules closely associated with their research. Other advanced students run independent experiments at MBL during Neuropracticum, further refining their skills in experimental design. This outing also serves as a remarkable bonding and community building opportunity between the students and faculty.