Neuroscience
Neuroscience represents the broad study of the brain and behavior. The areas of particular emphasis in the research laboratories of faculty mentors in this program are degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease; neuronal plasticity, such as occurs in learning and memory as well as in disease, including addictions; and fundamental mechanisms controlling brain signaling, such as neurotransmitter transporters that regulate transmitter availability and neurotransmitter receptors that initiate chemical and electrical signaling mechanisms. Studies range from quantitative observations on the electrical activity of single molecules to the in vivo behavior in animal model systems and in human beings.
Contact Neuroscience
Sukhbir S. Mokha, Ph.D.
Vice Chairman and Professor
Neuroscience and Pharmacology
School: Medicine
Phone: 615.327.6933
Email: smokha@mmc.edu
Office Location: Biomedical Sciences Building, Room B
Course Descriptions
Elective Courses Taught at Meharry
- NSC1 70001 Neurobiology of Disease (1-5 credits)
- PHAR 723 Toxicology (3 credits)
- PHY720 Readings in Physiology (3 credits)
Elective Courses taught at Vanderbilt
- NURO 325 Neuroscience Discussions (2 credits)
- NURO 345 (PHAR 345) Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (4 credits)
- NURO 340 Systems Neuroscience (4 credits)
NSC1 700. NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE (FALL & SPRING)
The course has five modules (1 credit hour each). The modules are: Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias, Chronic Pain, Addictions, and Depression and Mood Disorders. The importance of this course, and the rationale for its development, is to foster preparedness for interdependent collaborative research that spans from bench to bedside and also allows laboratory investigators to exploit clinical insights to inform basic science inquiries. The goal is to train scholars for participation in interdependent research across the molecular and cellular to integrative and clinical continuum. The course fosters this interdependence by both the content of the courses and the participation of graduate and medical students as well as postgraduate (M.D. and Ph.D.) fellows. The selection of the disease themes of this course reflects areas of research interest and strength at both Meharry and Vanderbilt and also—in their didactic content—allows students to become familiar with the breadth of experimental strategies and areas of scholarship (including genetics and imaging, for example) that converge to facilitate discovery to translation to clinical diagnosis and intervention. Prerequisite: Graduate Neuroscience. 1-5 credit hours. Fall & Spring.
NSCI 709. ADVANCED NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
A functional approach to nervous system mechanisms. Topics include sensory and motor mechanisms, sensory motor integration, and higher functions. The format includes lectures, selected literature discussions, and essay examinations. 3 credit hours. Prerequisite: Human Physiology. (Substitute for Systems Neuroscience)
NSCI 712. SEMINAR IN NEUROSCIENCE
Weekly discussion of current topics in neuroscience research and of research within the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology. 1 credit hour.
NSCI 714. RESEARCH IN NEUROSCIENCE
Participation and credit in this course are arranged by the COI of students working on their Ph.D. thesis research. Required of all students who are candidates for the doctoral degree. 1-12 credit hours.
NSCI720. READINGS IN NEUROSCIENCE
Student completes a comprehensive reading list of topics specifically associated with his/her area of research. There are no formal meetings or exam. This course may be taken only once for credit. 3 credit hours.
NSCI 721. DISSERTATION RESEARCH
This is a practical course in assembling, analyzing, and presenting large quantities of experimental data. Students are required to register for this course in the last semester of residence. Course is completed with the approval of the written dissertation by the COI. Ph.D. thesis research. Required of all students who are candidates for the doctoral degree. 1-3 credit hours.
NSCI 724. NEURONAL PHYSIOLOGY
Advanced study of cellular processes related to nervous system functions; includes aspects of neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy. Format is primarily lectures and selected literature readings. Prerequisite: core curriculum. 3 credit hours (Substitute for NURO 325. Neuroscience Foundations–2 credit hours)
NSCI 735. GRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE
The goal of this course is to help students achieve an integrated and correlated understanding of nervous system structure, function, dysfunction, and therapeutics. The course covers the following major topics: 1) excitable cells and synapses; 2) anatomy of the nervous system, meninges, and neuron-vasculature; 3) sensory systems; 4) motor system; and 5) higher functions. Graduate student exams in this course are essay type, and test critical thinking skills. 5 credit hours.
PHARM 722. NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
This course presents an overview of neuropharmacology, including fundamentals of receptor theory, neurotoxicology, neurophysiology, and drug abuse. Mechanisms and problems concerned with neurotransmission are discussed. Emphasis is given to the neurochemical basis of CNS disorders and drug intervention. Lecturers, current literature, discussions are included. 3 credit hours.
PHARM 723. TOXICOLOGY
Principles involved in toxicity of drug and chemical agents are presented. Topics include xenobiotic biotransformation, toxicokinetics, chemical carcinogenesis, neurotoxicology, metal toxicity, toxic response of skin and respiratory system, and occupational toxicology. Toxicological mechanisms of action, rationale for therapeutic measures against effects of toxic chemical agents, and the basis for toxicological pathology. Current issues in toxicology (toxicogenomics) are also covered. Course format includes lectures and student involvement in critical review of current literature. 3 credit hours.
NURO 325. NEUROSCIENCE DISCUSSIONS (FALL & SPRING)
This two-semester course provides discussions on a broad range of neuroscience topics, ranging from reviews of historical concepts and individuals in neuroscience to science journalism. Other topics include scientific ethics, science policy, good grantsmanship, and communication skills. FALL, SPRING. 1 credit hour each semester.
NURO 340. SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE (FALL)
Required for Neuroscience majors in the Cognitive & Systems track. Allows students to develop a working knowledge of neural networks and brain systems and the techniques used to study these functions. Includes an introductory overview of neuroanatomy, physiology, and behavior and then moves on to the sensory and motor systems, motivation, and learning and memory. FALL 4 credit hours.
(NURO 345.) PHAR 345. CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE (SPRING)
An overview of major neural networks, including examples from motor and sensory systems, as well as higher cognitive and affective functions. Studies of neural development move from an examination of neurogenesis, cell fate, and phenotype development to an analysis of invertebrate models and how they have advanced our understanding of mechanisms involved in axonal guidance, synapse formation, and apoptosis. Additional lectures covering synaptic and systems plasticity and models of neural networks and learning and memory are provided. Emphasis is placed on the integration of anatomical, biochemical, and physiological information. SPRING 4 credit hours.
(NURO 346.) PHAR 346. MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (SPRING)
Molecular components and interactions that regulate neuronal development, signaling, and disease. Classic molecular analysis of neurobiological processes is coupled with detailed studies of contemporary literature to provide students a sound foundation for understanding the molecular bases underlying the development and function of the nervous system. Topics covered include: development of neuronal identity, axonal transport, growth factors and cell death, axon guidance and synapse formation, electrical and chemical neurotransmission, regulation of neuronal excitability, and genetic analysis of signaling and neural disorders. SPRING 3 credit hours.
Curriculum & Course Requirements
* DR: Departmental Required Course
* DE: Departmental Elective Course
First Year: Core Curriculum
Second Year: Fall Semester
Name of Course:
Graduate Neuroscience (DR)
Neuropharmacology (DR)
Research in Physiology (DR)
Seminar in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
5
3
1-12
1
Name of Course:
Graduate Neuroscience (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
5
Name of Course:
Neuropharmacology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
3
Name of Course:
Research in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
Name of Course:
Seminar in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1
Second Year: Spring Semester
Name of Course:
Toxicology (DE)
Neurobiology of Disease (DE)
Research in Physiology (DR)
Seminar in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
3
1-5
1-12
1
Name of Course:
Toxicology (DE)
# of Credit Hours:
3
Name of Course:
Neurobiology of Disease (DE)
# of Credit Hours:
1-5
Name of Course:
Research in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
Name of Course:
Seminar in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1
Second Year: Summer Semester
Name of Course:
Research in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
6
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
6
Third Year: Fall Semester
Name of Course:
Advanced Neurophysiology (DE)
Neurobiology of Disease (DE)
Research in Physiology (DR)
Seminar in Physiology (DR)
Preparation of Ph.D. Candidacy Proposal
# of Credit Hours:
3
1-5
1-12
1
0
Name of Course:
Advanced Neurophysiology (DE)
# of Credit Hours:
3
Name of Course:
Neurobiology of Disease (DE)
# of Credit Hours:
1-5
Name of Course:
Research in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
Name of Course:
Seminar in Physiology (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1
Name of Course:
Preparation of Ph.D. Candidacy Proposal
# of Credit Hours:
0
Third Year: Spring Semester
Name of Course:
General Electives
Research in Physiology (DR) Seminar
Ph.D. Candidacy Exam
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
1
0
Name of Course:
General Electives
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
Name of Course:
Research in Physiology (DR) Seminar
# of Credit Hours:
1
Name of Course:
Ph.D. Candidacy Exam
# of Credit Hours:
0
Third Year: Summer Semester
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
Ph.D. Candidacy Exam
# of Credit Hours:
6
0
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
6
Name of Course:
Ph.D. Candidacy Exam
# of Credit Hours:
0
Subsequent Years: Fall Semesters
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
Seminar
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
1
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
1-12
Name of Course:
Seminar
# of Credit Hours:
1
Subsequent Years: Spring Semesters
Name of Course:
Research (Dissertation Research)
Seminar
# of Credit Hours:
1-12 (1-3)
1
Name of Course:
Research (Dissertation Research)
# of Credit Hours:
1-12 (1-3)
Name of Course:
Seminar
# of Credit Hours:
1
Subsequent Years: Summer Semesters
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
6
Name of Course:
Research (DR)
# of Credit Hours:
6
Special Features
Neuroscience Retreat:
In order to enhance the cohesiveness and visibility of the neuroscience program, a one-day Meharry-Vanderbilt Neuroscience Retreat is organized to focus on an emerging area of neuroscience. The central theme is developed by three to four faculty research presentations that move from molecules to neural systems to behavior or disease. A nationally recognized neuroscientist is invited to present a plenary lecture that relates to the central theme. The one-day program includes poster presentations by graduate students (second year and beyond) in the program, thus giving students an opportunity to get constructive input about their ongoing projects from the visiting as well as local scientists outside the program. Thus the Spring Retreat serves as a venue for highlighting students in the program and providing valuable contacts for future career opportunities. In addition to the educational benefits, this experience serves as a confidence builder for the students and provides time for informal scientific and social interactions. An added benefit of the retreat is that advice is sought from the invited speaker on improvements in the training program.
The Neuroscience Student Organization (NSO):
The NSO was established by graduate students in 1998, and membership includes any interested graduate student doing neuroscience-related work in any department or program at Meharry or Vanderbilt. The NSO is run by students and has its own infrastructure, including a president and advisory council. The NSO organizes a biweekly Summer Seminar Series to which only students are invited. Individual students make research presentations, providing an opportunity for them to discuss their research in a relaxed environment and get input from students of diverse backgrounds and interests. The NSO also coordinates an annual Spring Neuroscience Seminar with students selecting the topic and speaker, making travel and itinerary arrangements, and setting up and advertising the seminar. One of the goals of the Spring Neuroscience Seminar is to allow trainees to develop a professional network in the at-large community that will serve as a foundation for future professional endeavors. Finally, the NSO is instrumental in helping coordinate aspects of the annual Neuroscience Retreat and Brainstorm Brain Awareness Program, making this organization a dynamic and enriching component of the Neuroscience Graduate Program.